SAVE THE CHILDREN
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
ROLE PROFILE
TITLE: Head of Financial Planning & Reporting, Asia
TEAM/PROGRAMME: Regional Finance Team
LOCATION: Singapore
GRADE: 2
CONTRACT LENGTH:
TBD
CHILD SAFEGUARDING:
(Select just one level and delete the others)
Level 2: either the role holder will have access to personal data about children and/or young people as part
of their work; or they will be working in a ‘regulated’ position (accountant, barrister, solicitor, legal
executive); therefore a police check will be required (at ‘standard’ level in the UK or equivalent in other
countries).
ROLE PURPOSE:
In this role you will support the capacity building efforts of country office finance teams, provide oversight
of country offices ensuring compliance with SCI/donor policies and procedures including quality and timely
reporting, consolidate and monitor regional actions around improvements, perform quality financial
analysis for decision support and provide gap filling for key finance positions in country offices. You will
proactively work with the regional finance director on key issues and opportunities (to improve), find and
implement solutions at the country office level.
SCOPE OF ROLE:
Reports to: Regional Finance Director, Asia
Dimensions: You must be articulate and comfortable with a diverse role covering a variety of country
offices, whilst working closely with high-intellect stakeholders. To thrive in this role, you must be highly
driven and a self-starter to achieve excellence. You will be spear-heading the financial periodic forecast,
annual budgeting process, variance analysis and assigned special projects. S/he will provide support to
senior management including preparing financial presentations, industry/peer group comparisons, new
proposal opportunities, and other projects requested by senior management. This function acts as the
analytical engine of the company to provide insights and support ‘optimal’ business decision making. You
must be comfortable business partnering with diverse stakeholders to influence and bring positive changes
in reporting and financial analysis capability of the country offices.
Problem Solving- There are three levels of problem-solving: 1) What has to be done and how to do it are
clearly defined, and the incumbent will face identical or similar problems on a regular basis; 2) What has to be
done is known, but how to do it is not defined. The incumbent must use interpolative skills to pick and choose the
right strategy to address a given problem; and 3) Why things are done is known, but what has to be done and how
to do it are not defined. Situations are variable and the incumbent’s response will involve analysis, problem
definition, development of alternatives, and making recommendations. He or she will face and address problems
that are typically non-recurring.
About 50% of the responsibilities of this position would be level 1 because it relates to performing welldefined regular analysis of CO financial reports, budgeting & forecasting process. It is expected that about
30% of the efforts would be level 2 and 20% would be level 3.
Number of direct reports: TBD
DATE
SAVE THE CHILDREN
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
ROLE PROFILE
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
1. Conduct periodic CO Benchmark Performance Rating Assessments based on agreed KPIs.
Monitor KPIs highlighting trends and analysing causes of unexpected variance. Produce Regional
specific Dashboard based on comprehensive analysis and knowledge of countries. Contribute in
prioritising and flagging high & medium risks backed by financial and narrative commentaries.
Continuously seek to improve the quality and impact of management financial information for
decision support. 10%
2. Support CO in budgeting and forecasting exercise: Oversee and manage the continued
development of Budgeting, Financial Forecasting and Modelling tools. Represent Asia CO
perspective on related global working groups. Provide assistance to COs in preparation of their
operational and donor budget and forecasting. Provide policy clarifications and assistance in
understanding and complying with donor policy. 20%
3. Conduct comprehensive reviews of CO financial reports to include: non-award funded
contributions, actual expenses vs. budget, etc. Identify (help CO identify) and implement preventive
and corrective actions to address issues found during the reviews. Ensure COs address the issues
in a timely manner. Provide relevant and timely information to management in COs, Regional office
and the centre. Compile regional periodic financial reports and provide ad-Hoc reporting/analysis
as and when needed. Prepare presentations to Senior Management Team. 20%
4. Collaborate with other stakeholders to review and recommend ways/tools/processes to improve
performance of country offices and help management understand ROI on new projects. Work with
countries to prepare responses to audit queries and to frame management responses. 10%
5. Support the Regional Finance Director in talent mapping, contribute in identifying, developing and
retaining skilled country office finance staff. Assist Cos in capacity building in financial planning,
analysis and reporting. Develop training materials and quick reference guides where necessary and
conduct tailored training programs for CO finance staff in coordination with management in HQ
and the regional unit. 10%
6. Carry out regular support visits to countries. Conduct portfolio reviews, provide technical
support, conduct refresher trainings, review capacity of finance and award teams and ensure
standard tools are used. Provide detailed feedback to the country finance director and SMT. 10%
7. Networking: promote and coordinate mechanisms for active collaboration amongst staff in Cos,
Region, Centre, Members, partners and individuals whose work impacts SCI’s risk. 5%
8. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. 15%
BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)
Accountability:
 holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role
modelling Save the Children values
 holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the
freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve
performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.
Ambition:
 sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their
own personal development and encourages their team to do the same
 widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
 future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.
Collaboration:
 builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external
partners and supporters
 values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
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SAVE THE CHILDREN
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
ROLE PROFILE
 approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.
Creativity:
 develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
 willing to take disciplined risks.
Integrity:
 honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
 Accounting, business admin degree from a leading University, or/and relevant professional
qualifications (CPA/CA/ACCA) is preferred
 Computer fluency; highly competent using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and experience working
in complex financial systems like Sun systems, Agresso, PeopleSoft etc.
 Experienced in preparing both Financial & Management Accounts, including overseas offices
(knowledge of working of charitable organisations is preferred, with IFRS knowledge important)
 At least 5 years of country office financial management experience in complex organizations with 2
years of relevant experience at regional level in similar capacity.
 The ability to speak and write in English
 Strategic finance business partner with strong influencing skills, sharp business acumen and sound
judgment
Desirable
 Strong relationship builder with a proven track record in forming good business partnerships
 Excellent communication skills, initiative, the ability to meet tight deadlines and work
independently is essential
 Strong analytical, problem solving and financial modelling skills.
Date of issue: 8/01/2015
DATE
Author: Pooja Gupta