Job Openings: Associate Finance Director for ADRA

ADRA Canada has an opening for an Associate Finance Director. As a member of the Senior Finance Team, the post holder will assist the Chief Financial Officer on financial reporting, project finance monitoring, management, and growth issues as required. Applications from qualified candidates should be sent to [email protected] by August 9, 2020.

Full Job Description

• Position: Associate Finance Director
• Department: Finance & Shared Services
• Location: The ADRA Canada Office at 20 Robert St. W, Newcastle, L1B 1C6
• Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer
• Travel: National/International required on a frequent basis. Up to approximately 60 days/year.
• Appointed by: Executive Director/ADCOM
• Supervises: Finance & Shared Services Department/Staff
• Engagement: Full-time
• Remuneration: Commensurate with experience
• Disclosure: The nature of ongoing employment within ADRA Canada is dependent on financial contributions from its support base. It is to be recognized that the level of financial support is of a fluctuating nature.
• Revision Date: July 2, 2020
• Applications Close: Submit an application to [email protected]

Position Purpose

The Associate Finance Director will contribute to the overall success of the organization by effectively supporting the implementation of all financial policies and activities for the Association. As a member of the Senior Finance Team, the post holder will assist the Chief Financial Officer on financial reporting, project finance monitoring, management, and growth issues as required. The individual in this position must be able to adapt to a continually evolving environment; demonstrating both the autonomy and collaboration skills needed to advance the organization’s purpose and the leadership to inspire confidence to all internal and external stakeholders.

ADRA Canada Description & Mission Statement

ADRA Canada (the Adventist Development and Relief Agency Canada) is the Canadian relief and development agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ADRA Canada’s mission is to work with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action.

ADRA Canada and all of its employees are engaged in supporting the Vision of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada(SDACC) which is Proclaiming Christ, Nurturing Believers, and Serving Humanity. The ministry of ADRA Canada is an important part of the Christian mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is done in harmony with its religious beliefs and practices.

Key Responsibilities

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Director of Finance performs a wide range of duties including all of the following:

• Assist the CFO in the review of departmental performance against the annual budget.
• Advise the CFO on issues, trends, and changes in the financial operating performance and operational delivery.
• Assist in implementing yearly objectives and measurable metrics.
• Support the long-term budgetary planning and costs management in alignment with ADRA’s strategic plan, especially to improve the organizational development of the Agency and to increase its effectiveness and efficiency.
• Assist the CFO to develop and implement an internal audit program and advisory services for ADRA’s projects with implementing partners.
• Assist the CFO to ensure the Agency’s departments and partners are working to the approved budgets for services, project development, and delivery through collaborative working practices.
• Work collaboratively across the Agency and ADRA network in ensuring a collaborative approach to financial services.

A. Church Relations/Ministry (10% of each workweek, but permeated throughout role)

• Participate in daily worship and prayers. All employees take turns in leading worship for all employees.
• Be prepared to counsel callers (including church members and others) on the role of the Seventh-day Adventist mission and pray with them.
• Encourage partners (including Seventh-day Adventist Conferences and congregations in Canada, other Canadian and foreign Seventh-day Adventist entities, and the worldwide ADRA network) in the mission of ADRA and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Educate them, as necessary, about the ministry role of ADRA Canada as part of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church movement, consistent with the religious teachings of the Church.
• As requested, contribute to corporate publications and represent ADRA Canada and its mission at presentations/speaker appointment requests, particularly with ADRA Canada’s partners.
• Ensure that all ADRA Canada activities are carried out in accordance with the values and religious beliefs of the ADRA network and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
• As part of the ADRA Canada ministry, act in a way that reflects the religious beliefs and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, both on and off duty.

B. Managerial (40% of each workweek)

• Assist with the review of guidelines and collation of information for budget and forecast preparation.
• Oversee and produce timely and accurate monthly period-end journals (PEJs) and schedules as required.
• Maintain financial records for each project or service in a manner that facilitates management reports.
• Support the need for maintaining compliance with internal financial and accounting policies and procedures.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on the financial activity of individual projects or services.
• Represent ADRA Canada in financial communication with Senior Management, donors, and constituents.
• Be participative and active in a mentoring role to enhance the financial management potential of all senior management and building financial capacity with the team and ADRA network.
• Be honest in all undertakings and comply and respect Seventh-day Adventist principles and moral standards.

C. Management accounting and reporting (50% of each workweek)

• Regularly review and examine financial statements, bank, and journal vouchers.
  Oversee the preparation of and occasionally prepare timely monthly reconciliations.
  Assist with the review and maintenance of the integrity of the computerized accounting system.
• Assist with the maintenance of accurate financial records that are appropriate for the users.
• Support the CFO in ensuring all statutory requirements of the organization are met.
• Assist the CFO in the preparation of information for the annual audit.
• Assist with the documentation and maintenance of complete and accurate supporting information for all financial transactions.
• Maintain financial accounting systems and policies.
• Ensure that employees’ payroll and financial information is secure and stored in compliance with current legislation.
• Support the CFO with making contacts with the Union & Conference Treasurers, Finance & Investments Committee, and other Subcommittees as appropriate.
• Assist with supervising the accounting and tracking of all agency resources in accordance with ADRA Canada and donor regulations.
• Assist with managing all ADRA Canada banking transactions including movement of funds, fund requests to donors, exchange of currency, separation of accounts, opening and closing of accounts, regular reconciliation of accounts, and maintenance of banking records.
• Ensure completion of financial reports as required for operations, ADRA agencies, donors, and the government.
• Ensure all agency expenditures conform to donor regulations, budget limits, use or purpose originally intended.
• Work closely with internal Auditors to ensure a high standard of compliance with all policies.
• Review or propose revisions to project budgets as required.
  Assist in the oversight of the payroll system and payment of employee withholding taxes.
• Assist with the preparation of the annual operating budget and financial statements.
  Assist with the oversight of the accounts payable system to ensure that bills are processed accurately and timely.
• Manage corporate cash flows including banking and investments.
• Manage all corporate reporting to various government agencies.
• The appointee will also be expected to assist with and complete ad hoc tasks, commensurate with the position, as advised by the Executive Director and/or CFO.

Committee Standing

Member, Finance & Investment Committee
Invitee, Audit Review Committee, Compensation Review Committee

Education, Experience, and Competency

Essential

1. Undergraduate degree in accounting/economics/finance.
2. Chartered Profession Accountant or equivalent.
3. A personal commitment to ADRA’s mission, values and beliefs.
4. A personal commitment to the religious beliefs, practices, structure, standards and programs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada.
5. Ability to engage ADRA Canada’s constituency and partners, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (including Conferences and congregations throughout Canada), and the international ADRA network.
6. A passion for social justice and international development to assist people in poverty, consistent with the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy.
7. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
8. Strong written and oral communications skills in English.
9. Leadership skills for team members.
10. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain professionalism in sensitive and challenging situations.
11. Strong initiative. Able to anticipate needs and be proactive. Self-disciplined to meet deadlines and a strong work ethic. Self-directed to take action and resolve issues. Strong sense of responsibility and ability to perform while delivering superior supporter service.
12. Ability and willingness for local and international travel to remote destinations.
13. A citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the ability to legally work in Canada, by virtue of holding a current ability to obtain a valid work permit.
14. Driver’s license.
15. Ten years’ experience in the field, five years’ experience with NGOs.
16. Basic understanding of cross-cultural issues and programming.
17. Finance skills/NFP accounting
18. Basic Project management skills.
19. Understanding of donor compliance and CRA issues.
20. Computer/accounting/data management skills.

Preferred

1. Written and oral communication skills in French.
2. Humanitarian and Development experience.

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions shall be read in conjunction with the ADRA Canada Human Resources Manual (as amended from time to time), the contents of which form part of the employee’s obligations to ADRA Canada. The obligations of ADRA Canada are as set out in the ADRA Canada Human Resources Manual and the applicable employment standards legislation and regulations, whichever obligations are greater. The employer will have no other obligations except as expressly set out in a written employment contract.

Performance Review: A Performance Review will typically be conducted after the first three months in the position. All employees will be required to participate in annual Performance Reviews.

Job Description Continuous Review: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and can be modified at any time to meet the needs of ADRA Canada.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to read, speak, and hear. Must be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Some standing, walking, bending, kneeling, carrying of light items, etc. required. Standard work hours, as defined by the ADRA Canada Human Resources Manual, are required.

Working Conditions: Essential responsibilities are performed either in the office or in travelling conditions.

• Within the office, the work is primarily in a sedentary and comfortable environment, with tasks usually performed under normal office conditions with little or no noticeable discomfort. The work area is well lit and ventilated.
• If traveling (international and/or domestic) there will be difficult conditions and challenging environments, particularly to destinations in the developing world.

Personal Commitment

Being employed by ADRA Canada requires a personal commitment to its mission and lifestyle. The holder of this position will reflect in their personal and professional life the Christian values as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as referenced in the employment contract. The employee acknowledges and agrees that this position is one of ministry within the Seventh-day Adventist Church and that membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and adherence to the fundamental faith and religious beliefs and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is essential to the proper performance of the duties of the position. The employee must conduct him/herself, both on and off duty, in accordance with the religious beliefs and teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in all respects so as not to damage ADRA Canada’s reputation or harm the employee’s ability to fulfill all of the position’s obligations. The employee must inform the Executive Director if he/she no longer adheres to, or maintains a belief in, the fundamental faith and religious beliefs and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

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