Head of Finance and Accounting (HFA)

Position title:  Head of Finance and Accounting (HFA), WWF-Laos

Location:         Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

Head of Finance and Accounting is directly accountable and responsible for the accurate accounting & budgeting and reporting of WWF-Laos’s financial transactions, and ensures the implementation of finance, the accounting systems, tax,  policies, and procedures for WWF-Laos which are aligned to WWF Financial Manual and compliance with all local laws and other statutory requirements related to finance matter in Laos. As a member of the Country Management Team, HFA shares responsibility for the overall performance of the Country Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership and Collaboration: Collaborate with Operation Director, Country Director and CMT in setting and driving organizational vision and Operations strategy. Promote cross-functional collaboration and effective communication between the finance team and other departments. Build and maintain trusting relationships with key financial partners, and stakeholders.
• Staff Management: Direct and supervise day-to-day activities of the Finance Unit, manage performance, training, coaching, mentoring and development for the staff in Finance Unit in line with Performance & Development Journey and organization goals.
• Policy Implementation: Ensures country operation acts in accordance to WWF Financial Manual, Compliance policies, Fraud and Corruption policies and full implementation of Swiss GAAP; Formulate update/revise WWF’s Financial and Accounting policies and procedures, as necessary; Provide training/orientation on internal control systems and financial management guidelines and procedures to WWF-Laos employees.
• Financial Plan: Lead the development, implementation, review and update the finance action plan for the country program in coordination with the Operation Director and key staff to ensure the alignment to the Country Strategy and attainment and delivery of plans and objectives. Lead and complete quarterly and fiscal year forecast in coordination with relevance units.
• Core and Programme Budget: Responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and review of annual core budget, and project budgets to ensure donor requirements are
• Financial Analysis: Strictly monitor core operating expenditure to ensure financial sustainability for WWF-Laos. Ensure that cost recovery is sufficiently budgeted and guarantee a strong financial position for the country. Identify and highlight changes to secured funding scenario.
• Internal Controls: Set up financial internal controls including field offices and conduct periodical system review to ensure sound financial operation and management; Sign and Approve of MoU, Contracts and all expenses based on Scheme of Delegated Authority (SODA).
• Audits: Direct the preparation for all audit schedules including WWF’s year end external audit, individual project and provide support during the audits. Leading on finance team to ensure that following pending audit comments are completed with given timeframe; Conduct financial monitoring visits to Field Offices, as the need arises.
• Financial Reports: Produce accurate and timely financial information about the organization’s financial status and performance to enable decisions to be taken relating to the organization’s financial strength and security. Ensure monthly reports are submitted to WWF-I and quarterly reports are provided to donors and project managers are submitted in a timely manner.
• Financial Risk Management: HFA ensures an effective and efficient finance system, based on clear standards and procedures, strong compliance towards effective support to the conservation strategy. Capacity building of staff under supervision, project managers and budget holders on financial management.
• Tax: Supervise finance team on tax calculation and reporting to comply with all regulation requirements.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Finance and Accounting, Business Management, Business Administration, or in relevant fields.
• 10 years’ of practical experience in finance and accounting management, preferably in NGO sector and in a senior managerial level. Accounting for NGOs is an advantage.
• Certified Public Accountant license is required.
• Accounting and financial reporting experience is required.
• In-depth technical knowledge and experience of accounting principles, taxation protocols, and the accounting cycle, with extensive experience in audits and creating financial statements/reports to donors.
• Proficiency in accounting software (Oracle is preferred).
• Advance or excellent proficiency in excel functions.
• Proficient in the English language both reading, listening and oral and written communication; proficiency in Lao language is an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills and can work independently while managing multiple project accounts.
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in people management, managing staff and team as well as working in multi-cultural environment.
• Working relationships both internal and external – Interact with donors, Government agencies at the central, provincial, district, and commune levels, as well as NGO partners, communities, and other stakeholders.