Financial and Systems Specialist – Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust

Job Description

Introduction

The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) (http://www.mlw.mw) is an internationally recognized centre for research and training, funded by the Wellcome Trust in collaboration with our key partners, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHes), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and University of Liverpool (UoL) among others. We are committed to promoting research and training led by Malawian & International scientists, with the aim of improving the health of people in Malawi and elsewhere in the Region. The programme manages more than 100 grants at any point in time and currently has over 800 staff in research and Operations services.

Job Summary 

The Financial and Systems Specialist is responsible for using their expertise in finance and IT systems to analyse, review, evaluate and design financial and operational systems to enhance internal efficiencies and ensure full integration across the organisation. The role requires in-depth technical software skills, financial knowledge and experience to review and improve current financial systems, practices, policies and procedures. In addition, the role requires broad knowledge and understanding of full cost recovery and management of recharges amongst grants in the programme. The ideal candidate will have a strong financial background and experience in the implementation and management of various accounting and operational systems.

Responsibilities#

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The major duties and tasks of this job.

The major duties and tasks of this job include:

Systems Review, Development and Implementation

1. Reviewing existing business practices, processes, and finance systems and controls to identify performance problems, gaps and issues.
2. Developing, maintaining and enhancing applications and reports to support financial reporting, budget planning and decision-making processes.
3. Improving financial systems by reviewing existing policies and procedures.

Coordination and Monitoring

1. Acting as a focal point to coordinate the development, maintenance, support, upgrade, enhancement, implementation, and roll-out of the planned new systems, including ERP system.
2. Focal person in the implementation of our full cost recovery model and management of recharges.
3. Tracking the performance of financial systems, troubleshooting, and fixing system-related issues.
4. Analysing the needs of the users and translating the user requirements into system workflow processes.
5. Assisting with analysing and preparation of MLW’s grants Intelligence report.

Other

1. Training and supporting Finance Team members and other MLW community members in the use of ERP systems and procedures.
2. Conducting research to identify key financial and operational trends, and best practices and investigate tools to enable technological advancement and continuous improvement.
3. Continuously identify opportunities to improve and streamline operational systems, formulating the suggested changes to business processes resulting in improved efficiencies.
4. Seeking out opportunities for automation through review and redesign of existing finance processes in collaboration with other departments and users.
5. Ensuring strategic and Programme objectives are met by validating that the finance and operational system requirements and solutions will deliver on the agreed objectives.
6. Creating a plan for routine finance system maintenance and documenting the list of proposed changes in liaison with IT department.
7. Any other reasonable duties as may be assigned from time to time. HEALTH AND SAFETY

Below are some proposed additions which can be tailored to suit various functions for your comment.

1. To ensure that all people (staff, students, and visitors) under their supervision always follow Health and Safety regulations.
2. To ensure that all staff in their department/project receive all mandatory health & safety inductions and training.
3. To conduct risk assessment and implement mitigation measures for all work under their management.
4. To ensure that PPE and all health and safety provisions related to their work are provided and maintained in good working order.
5. Timely reporting and investigation of incidents.
6. To ensure that MLW infrastructure meets standard health and safety requirements.

Requirements#

QUALIFICATIONS: (i.e., Education, Training and Experience Requirements).

(1)       Education: The minimum level of education required to perform all the duties of the job to standard.

• Accounting Degree (Essential).
• ACCA, CISA or CIMA or advanced Information Technology qualification will be an added advantage. (Desirable)

(2)       Experience:  The minimum number of years of experience required to perform all the duties of the job to standard.

• 5 years performing financial systems analysis (Essential).
• Experience of developing, enhancing or introducing new financial systems. (Essential)
• Use of integrated Management Information Systems/ERPs, databases, and accounting management software systems. (Essential)
• Advanced Excel Skills for analysis. (Essential)
• Working experience in medical research, industry, hospital management and International Non-Government Organizations. (Desirable)

F          KEY COMPENTENCIES/ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS (e.g., IT Skills, Personality, Communication, Teamwork etc.)

1. 1. Good communication and training skills capable of conveying complex information to non-technical users. (Essential).
   2. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and manage multiple stakeholders. (Desirable)
   3. Adaptability to changing financial regulations and operational needs. (Desirable)
   4. High integrity and ethical standards. (Essential)
   5. Creative and proactive problem solver. (Essential)
   6. Good planning and organizational skills to effectively meet deadlines. (Essential)

G         DECISION MAKING: 3-5 decisions required on the job with minimum input or checking by supervisors.

(a)        Manuals, policies, procedures, or guidelines that govern decision-making:

• Finance Manuals and SoPs
• Staff Handbook
• Regulatory (Taxation Act etc)
• Safeguarding
• Donor/Funder requirements

(b)       Financial decisions required in this job (e.g., budgets, expenditures, petty cash etc.)

F          RESPONSIBILITY: 

(a)        For people (supervisory):  describe the type of supervision exercised and the number of employees directly reporting and are accountable to this position.

• None

(b)       For resources: describe the type, volume, and value of resources/equipment, etc. for which you have direct responsibility.

• Project Funds
• Core Grant funds

G         WORK COMPLEXITY: The degree of complexity of the job i.e., how simple, standardized or complicated the work is:

• Complicated
• Multi-tasking
• Dealings with different stakeholders

H         ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ERRORS:  The impact of errors on organizational resources, customers, processes, equipment etc.

I           WORKING CONDITIONS:  Inconvenient or disagreeable aspects of the job e.g., exposure to heat, dirt, outside work, constant interruptions, hazards, uncomfortable situations etc.

(a)        Uncomfortable Conditions: 

(b)       Job Hazards:

J           ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS/CONTACTS: Local and international contacts, frequency, purpose, and method etc.

MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment

Interested applicants should apply by sending, a cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, detailed CV with 3 traceable referees (with at least 2 professional referees) to the address below or email to vacancies@mlw.mw. This should be in 1 pdf format.

ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.