ACE Investment and Impact Advisors is an independent advisory firm that brings a strategic cross-domain perspective, with deep expertise in public-sector support and private-sector development. To augment the public sector service delivery capabilities to meet the private sector demands, ACE Advisors provides various services aligned within the following three pillars:

• Investment facilitation.

• Implementation Acceleration; and

• Institutional Development.

Through these pillars ACE provides bespoke service across sectors and projects ranging from public policy analysis; result-based management and implementation support; research and analytics; strategy development; organizational assessment; and capacity enhancement, human capital development, and resource identification & mobilization.

As a woman-owned and led firm, ACE is committed to living its values focused on equity, professionalism, meticulousness, and empowerment of voices within and related to the partners it aims to serve.

ACE is seeking to recruit a Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) to support the organization and the Managing Partner in successfully implementing its vision.  The DFO will be responsible for providing robust administrative oversight and financial management and accounting services to the organization.

The DFO will be primarily responsible for leading the development and implementation of key guidelines, operating systems and internal controls/structures fulfilling all regulatory compliances as per the Ethiopian law and any other regulatory requirements from clients side for a sustainable and smooth operations with practices embedded in the organization culture.  

The role requires a commitment to organizational growth, flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond to support the firm’s growth and ensure sustainable, dynamic and progressive practices and cultures are embedded in the organizational day-to-day operations. 

Specific Responsibilities

Administrative/Operations Oversight

• Oversee the operations and administrative aspect of the organizations including office culture and ambiance, equipment availability, infrastructure efficiency, clerical and administrative undertaking to ensure smooth operations;   

• Engagement and liaison with key stakeholders in regards to ACE operations including Financial Institutions (Banks and Insurance), Government/Regulatory Bodies (Customs Authority, Pension Authority, Ministry of Trade, Telecom, etc), Services providers/vendors (Lease, Logistics, Hotels, etc); 

• Overseeing project operations coordination including human resources, logistics, procurement, sub-contracts, grants and accounting/finance as needed;  

Human Resource Management

• Lead the regular update and implementation  of the HR manual/guideline based on the organizations 5-year strategic plan and Human Resource Strategy

• Responsible for recruitment of staff the organizations with employees in line with the ACE organizational structure including JD design, advertisement/circulation, screening & selection, offering and onboarding, etc

• Advise and train all staff on ACE operations and finance systems and cultures including organizational culture, code of conduct, operational systems and policies, financial leadership and management, record keeping, etc, as needed. 

• Oversee development and implementation of learning and development needs and strategy for ACE staff with inputs from Senior Management;  

• Oversee and support development, execution and management of staff, sub-contractor and consultant agreements and ACE guidelines;

• Oversee recording, maintenance and update of staff records/documents, leave days, etc

Financial Management and Accounting

• Refine existing financial systems and policies/manual in collaboration with the Auditor and Financial Advisor of the firm

• Responsible for the timely reporting and processing of all relevant payments (salary, etc) and taxes etc to relevant parties and authorities;

• Oversee all projects budget design, contracting requirements and ensure compliance with ACE standard financial practices and local laws;  

• Overseeing preparation and submission of complete and accurate financial reports, invoicing/billing requests (monthly or deliverable based), etc to contracting entity;  

• Support/co-lead analysis of project expenses and monitoring to ensure project budgets are utilized accordingly to plan with Project Lead;  

• Maintain effective linkages between technical components, grants and finance and administrative functions within the project in collaboration with Project Lead;

• Coordinate inputs for annual budgeting forecast and processes with CEO and Senior Management;  

• Oversee the preparation of monthly invoices and quarterly financial reports, including projections and forecasting;  

• Ensure implementation of all computerized accounting systems, reconciliation, relevant fees & taxes recording, maintaining and payments, including preparation all required documentation for accounting and audits.

Career Level: Mid (7+ years’ experience)

Contract Type: Fixed term contract-Fulltime

Start date: January 1, 2023

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience

Educational qualifications

• Educational background in Management, Accounting & Finance, Business administration or other relevant field;   

• Master’s degree or higher; licensing as a certified chartered accountant preferred

Work Experience 

• Demonstrated experience of at least seven years in administrative (HR and operations) and financial management including development of systems, financial compliances, management of staff etc   

• At least four years of experience in operational and financial management of organizations (private sector, NGO) with large-scale donor-funded projects

• Demonstrated experience in working, developing and managing large-budgets and specifically donor-funded projects is absolutely required

• Demonstrated experience in engaging and navigating through the Ethiopian business ecosystem, including engagement with external partners such as financial institutions, government/regulatory body’s (Ministry of Revenue, Licensing Authority, Pension Agency, etc)

• Experience in managing team and providing guidance to staff (including Senior Management)

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Financial and administrative skills, including mastery of relevant software, such as Excel, Peachtree, Quickbooks, ERP, and other relevant accounting and contractual software;  

• Strong communication and inter-personnel skills demonstrated through engagement with internal staff, partners/clients, regulatory entities (government organizations), vendors and services providers;

• A strategic mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving (quantitative and qualitative), strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities; 

• Ability to perform under pressure and deliver results in complex and challenging environments with tight deadlines and can-do attitude;

• Fluency in English and Amharic (office language) required with excellent written and oral communication skills (Additional local languages are advantages);  

How to Apply

Submit (i) a cover letter (one page) and (ii) a CV (maximum 3 pages) to info@aceadvisors.org by mentioning the position title in the subject line.

Please DO NOT submit scans of certificates with your application.

WOMEN are highly encouraged to apply.

Only short-listed candidates fulfilling minimum set out requirements will be contacted

Application deadline: December 18th, 2022.