VACANCY FOR THE POST OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

The Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and Pacific, which has its headquarters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is an inter-governmental organization with a membership of 28 countries in the Asia-Pacific and South America regions. CP is based on the partnership concept for self-help and mutual help in the development process with the focal areas being, human resource development and south-south cooperation. The Colombo Plan works through a network of national focal points in member countries for effective coordination of its programming. The Colombo Plan is headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with various field offices around the world**.**

Applications are invited from qualified and experienced International and local personnel for the above post based in Colombo, which meets the required criteria: This is an International hire position contingent upon donor funding.

Purpose: The CFO is responsible for formulating financial policies, reviewing budgetary and financial accounting operations of the Colombo Plan, ensuring that an adequate financial control environment is in place to protect the CP funds, guaranteeing the quality and reliability of financial reporting, and provide timely feedback on the achievement of operational and strategic goals of CP as per the rules and regulations applicable to the operations of CP. The CFO is also responsible for setting up the policies and procedures for the collection of data from the different information systems, the timely delivery of financial statements, and for the preparation of the budgets and corresponding performance reports. Also, the CFO ensures that the financial statements are in compliance with the CP and Industry Regulations and Rules. The Position is based in Colombo and will directly reports to the Secretary-General.

Job Duties/Main Responsibilities

• The CFO will play a leadership role in the continued growth of the organization by designing and implementing financial policy for sustainability.
• The CFO will deliver the highest efficiency in financial management, maintaining transparent utilization of financial resources.
• S/he will work closely with the Senior Management Team in the Colombo Plan and actively fosters collaboration between the various Colombo Plan units and the project teams, The Secretariat staff and Government officials ensuring a successful financial performance of the Colombo Plan.
• S/he will be responsible for the development of financial and organizational strategies by ensuring the provision of timely, accurate, consistent and integrated financial data and analysis and recommendations to strategic thinking and direction
• Oversee the consistent analysis, forecasting and planning of all Colombo Plan financial resources, oversees budget preparation and budget implementation processes.
• Ensure accurate tracking and recording of expenditures as well as accurate documentation of financial information. Carry out expenditure analysis targeted at reaping cost savings and oversees implementation of cost-saving and cost-recovery strategies.
• Oversees timely reporting on all funds ensuring that correct procedures and formats are adhered to as required by the donors.
• Oversees recording and reconciliation processes ensuring that appropriate actions and tools are applied.
• Develop and monitor operational policies and procedures for financial management and provide oversight for enhancing financial controls and reducing opportunities for discretion in the use of donor funds and participate in training of staff in their application throughout the organization.
• Advise on financial aspects of MOUs, contract agreements and negotiations between programs and member governments
• Prepare and communicate annual and monthly financial statements for the Secretary General and Counsel members; present reports at Board meetings and as requested by the Secretary General
• Collaborate on operational and strategic issues as they arise; provide strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections;
• Oversee long-term budgetary planning in alignment with CP’s expansion strategy
• Ensures compliance of financial management is in line with the financial rules and regulations, policies of the Colombo Plan
• Designs and establishes systems, tools and mechanisms to improve financial management and oversight
• The CFO will lead and supervise the Financial Team consisting of international and local professional and support staff.
• S/he will train, coach, counsel, monitor, discipline, appraise performance and review job description of the finance staff under his purview as necessary
• S/he will be entrusted with/advise the Secretary General, on the planning and reviewing compensation strategies, recruiting, selecting, monitoring, appraising staff for the Secretariat.
• Actively seek and promote innovative methodologies and lead the development of supporting policies/tools to encourage learning and knowledge sharing;
• The CFO will directly report to the Secretary General and will direct all finances and administration.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant progressively advancing professional experience in all aspects of financial management (financial planning, budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, reporting, internal control) in international organizations or in the private sector in positions at the corporate level (project level experience is not applicable for this position);
• Experience in management of large financial resources
• Experience in funds management;
• Demonstrated ability to analyses and solve complex financial problems, formulate policies and implement change;
• Demonstrated resourcefulness, initiative and judgment;
• Solid technical knowledge and practical experience of application of financial management techniques and methods;
• Extensive management experience, experience in management of multi-cultural teams in Finance is a requirement;
• Computer literacy – MS office applications and accounting packages

Education:

• Advanced (Masters or equivalent) university degree in Finance or Development Finance Management
• CPA or CA equivalent Professional Qualification

Language Requirements:

• Fluent spoken and written English.

This appointment will be for a fixed term of One (01) year and dependent on the funding of donor agencies.