Finance Manager, Ukraine

Finance Manager, Ukraine

Position type and closing date

Status: Single Posting

Location: Kyiv with frequent travel to Kharkiv and possibly other locations

Duration of contract: 2 years’ contract (with possible extension)

Start date: as soon as possible

Deadline for application: 5 February 2025

Lutheran World Federation (LWF) World Service (WS)

LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over twenty countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world.

A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and for our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centred and community- based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and in order to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures.

The LWF Ukraine Program was established in 2022 with projects implemented in Chernihiv Oblast. Since 2023, the focus shifted to Kharkiv Oblast with engagements in shelter rehabilitation, winterization, education/school rehabilitation, various elements of protection, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and livelihoods. The work is coordinated from the office in Kyiv, with a field office in Kharkiv and another office to be opened in Romny (Sumy Oblast).

LWF Ukraine coordinates and works closely with the Government of Ukraine, local authorities, the LWF member church (GELCU), ACT Alliance members, civil society organizations, UN agencies, local NGOs and other relevant actors.

For additional information, please see www.lutheranworld.org/WorldService.

Purpose

Assume overall responsibility for managing all aspects of the financial and accounting activities of the LWF World Service Ukraine Country program.

Ensure that accounting systems are maintained to provide the information required for financial planning, monitoring and reporting for project budgets, ensuring strong internal controls, safeguarding assets, discharging liabilities and legal responsibilities. Assume responsibility for the overall supervision, implementation and administration of the program’s financial and administrative functions as outlined in the main duties.

Within a matrix management, the FM position reports directly to the LWF Ukraine Country Representative with a dotted line to the World Service Finance Controller based in Geneva who is providing technical support, guidance and advice.

Required qualifications

Holder of a recognised certification on Accountancy or a degree in Finance and/or Accountancy.

Experience in internal controls and Projects Accounting & Reporting.

Experience in complex budget management cycle.

Proficient user of an Accounting software, knowledge of SAGE Accounting is preferred.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Working experience at a finance management level in humanitarian assistance preferably with church-related, non-governmental organizations or not-profit sector.

Strong leadership, conceptual and analytical skills and demonstrated organizational management.

Team-oriented, flexible, and excellent communication skills.

Language Skills

English: advanced oral and written skills.

Ukrainian and/or Russian: desirable.

LWF Core Skills

Analytical thinking – Level resource*

Achieving results – Level resource

Accountability – Level resource

Initiative – Level advanced

Leadership – Level advanced

LWF Functional Skills

Financial/Administration – Level resource

Facilitation / Negotiation – Level resource

Resource Management – Level advanced

People Management – Level advanced

Capacity building/ Training – level advanced

LWF 3 skills levels are: basis – advanced – resource.

Main duties

Management of the finance team

Participate actively as a member of the Core Management Team.

Support the Core Management Team in the development and elaboration of budget proposals for donors and institutional fundraising.

Ensure the timely submission of high-quality financial reports to Senior Management Team, to LWF Global Coordination Office in Geneva and to the donors.

Under the direction of the LWF Ukraine Representative and in coordination with Country Management Team, provides leadership and coordination in the accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting processes of LWF Ukraine to implement, maintain and improve financial management systems, policies, and LWF WS procedures.

Ensure compliance of the local partners with LWF global manuals (finance and procurement manuals) and ensure timely submission of quality reporting.

Financial management

Oversees the preparation and monitoring of budgets to donors and financial reporting on the approved budgets.

Ensures that key accounting and financial risks are mitigated through monitoring of appropriate internal control systems.

Ensures robustness of the financial systems and tools through collaboration with IT and other teams in order to enhance financial processes

Prepares all mandatory monthly and monthly core cost allocations and yearly accounts as well as the monthly finance and management reports for the Country Representative and the head office Global Coordination office in Geneva. Ensure that accounting policies are in place and that they are consistently applied in accordance with LWF World Service Finance Manual.

Prepares separate financial reports for funding agencies in accordance with the terms of the contracts.

Establishes cash flow projections in accordance with procedures, and manage the cash flow of the country program to ensure that sufficient funds are always available.

Ensures compliance with the LWF World Service Operations Manual, including procedures for electronic data storage, backups, and security.

Provides feedback to LWF World Service Global Coordination Office in Geneva on practical problems in ensuring compliance with LWF Finance, Procurement, and Operations Manuals and provide suggestions for improvements/revisions.

Liaises with banks, tax authorities, and other financial institutions at the appropriate level.

Take the lead on projects audits, annual statutory audits and annual global audits.

Acts as the key contact for the auditors, banks and donors on financial matters and, in consultation with the Representative, makes available to them all financial records required. Responds to internal audit demands as they arise.

Works with the program, administrative staff, and the Representative to ensure smooth office operations and cost savings where possible.

Ensures that procurement of goods is carried out in accordance with the LWF World Service Procurement manual, including reviewing and improving systems as needed.

Assumes responsibility for up-to-date and accurate inventories of all project equipment, including the Asset Register.

Provides guidance, support and training on accounting, financial reporting, budgeting as well as compliance.

Other duties

As may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Major challenges

To assure the LWF Ukraine Country Program reflects the highest standards of financial management and accountability of LWF World Service and donor policies and international standards.