KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Finance Manager
Sector: Public Financial Management and Accountability
Position Type: Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort: Long-term 
Position Location: Manila, Philippines
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender equality (SPRING) program is Australia’s flagship investment of support to the Government of Philippines (GPH) on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD 34 million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 2024-2029) between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Philippines (GPH). The investment will be the DFAT’s primary avenue in the Philippines for supporting poverty reduction and bilateral funding on gender equality and social inclusion at the national level and with some select Local Government Units (LGUs). SPRING will support efforts under Australia’s new International Development Policy and its forthcoming new strategies on gender equality, disability equity and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines.  
 
The intended goal of SPRING is to contribute to the goal that the social and economic transformation in the Philippines reduces poverty and provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos in line with the Philippines Development Plan.
 
The objective of SPRING is that Australia works in partnership with the GPH to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.
 
SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):
 

1. Philippine Government social protection plans, policies and programs increasingly close gaps in the social protection floor.
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and select LGU systems increasingly deliver quality social protection that is inclusive, gender and shock responsive, and climate sensitive.
3. The Philippine Government increasingly invests in gender responsive policies, plans, programs and systems.
4. The Philippine Government improves data, systems and targeting to enable people with disability and Indigenous Peoples improved access to targeted services.

 
SUMMARY OF POSITION
 
Reporting to the Operations Lead, the Finance Manager (FM) will support the set up and maintenance of SPRING program finance, accounting and procurement procedures and systems during the program inception phase in line with DFAT Australia guidelines and in compliance with Philippine government accounting procedures. The FM will support high quality planning and implementation of the SPRING program by managing the budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and all other program finance management requirements. With the Operations Lead, the FM will also be responsible for coordinating and responding to all internal and external program audits, and donor finance spot checks.
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Financial Management
 

• Support the Operations Lead and Deputy Team leader in establishing requirements for setting up the program, particularly finance and accounting processes, controls and templates, including the development of the Program Operations Manual.
• Support the implementation of an effective financial management and accounting system, including fraud control and audit procedures, in line with DFAT Australia guidelines and Philippine government requirements and Cowater International financial policies. 
• Prepare monthly fund requests and manage cashflow according to monthly budgets.
• Process payments and disbursements, ensuring accurate recording and acquittal of all expenditures in the financial information system
• Prepare and process payroll for all national Short-Term Advisors and locally engaged personnel with payslips, ensuring all taxes, contributions and deductions are correctly calculated.
• Oversee compliance to Philippine government reportorial requirements and remittance of contributions.
• Conduct financial management and fraud control training for program staff and partners. 
• Liaise with auditors to ensure annual monitoring is carried out.
• Keep abreast of changes in Philippine government financial regulations and legislations

Planning and Reporting
 

• Support the development of the annual budget and contribute to the development of the Project annual work plans, as necessary.
• Support the preparation of accurate budget forecasts to ensure adequate resources are available to implement the program.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports and budget status implementation in coordination with the Operations Lead.
• Update all financial records to reflect exchange rate variations
• Other tasks as assigned by supervisors

 
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:  
 

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or other relevant field. Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is required.

Minimum Experience:  
 

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in finance management of donor-funded programs. Experience with DFAT Australia programs an advantage.
• Strong experience in designing and maintaining financial management systems and administrative procedures for donor-funded programs.
• Proven procurement experience including tendering, supplier selection, and contracting.

Key Abilities:  
 

• Proficient in financial analysis and reporting, budget development, and management.
• Excellent understanding of international development funding requirements, related procurement and program management procedures, and associated grant making procedures.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, SharePoint) and standard accounting software (i.e. Quickbooks). 
• Ability to analyze, plan and develop appropriate responses to complex situations and highly developed problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of public sector accounting and financial reporting processes an asset.
• Proficiency in English and Filipino.
• Promoting Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is a key focus of SPRING. Applicants with knowledge or experience in GEDSI issues will be highly regarded by the selection panel.

 
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by November 12, 2024. This is an ongoing recruitment, and candidates will be reviewed before and leading up to the deadline.
 
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
 
Please send your cover letter addressing the position selection criteria and CV with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees to <marissa.castillo@cowater.com>, mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line “SPRING Finance Manager."
 
Women, persons with a disability and Indigenous Peoples are highly encouraged to apply.
 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
 
ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017. 
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.