Country Finance Director

Job Summary

WCS is hiring a full-time Country Finance Director in Kampala, Uganda. Reporting to the Country Director and Global CFO, the position leads country-wide financial strategy, SAP accounting, liquidity and treasury control, donor compliance, grant proposal budgeting, and field office oversight across QEPA and MFPA sites. Applicants require an Advanced Degree, CPA/ACCA/CIMA certification, and 10+ years of financial experience. Applications close August 5, 2025.

Key Roles & Operational Responsibilities

1. Financial Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Institutional Budgeting: Lead annual country and project budget formulation, ensuring accurate forecasting, full cost recovery, and routine budget-versus-actual (BvA) monitoring.
• Executive Decision Support: Deliver financial analyses to the Country Director and Senior Management Team to guide strategic, operational, and conservation investment planning.
• Fundraising & Proposal Development: Partner with business development teams in grant proposal writing, developing budget narratives, and pitching value propositions to institutional, government, and private donors.

2. Financial Management, Internal Controls & Statutory Liaison

• System Compliance: Safeguard accounting operations within SAP, enforcing adherence to WCS global standards, GAAP, donor rules, and Ugandan national legislation.
• Treasury & Cash Flow: Direct cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and secure funds transfers between HQ and field offices.
• Government & Legal Engagement: Serve as primary liaison to government bodies including the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA); coordinate with Legal Counsel (OGC) and local firms for annual permits, tax filings, and statutory audits.

3. Grants, Donor Oversight & Audit Management

• Grant Financial Control: Oversee multi-donor grant lifecycles, ensuring correct cost allocation, risk mitigation, and timely, high-quality financial reporting.
• Audit Leadership: Direct all internal, external, donor, and statutory country audits, ensuring prompt resolution of audit recommendations.

4. Leadership, Systems & Capacity Building

• Team Supervision: Supervise and mentor the Finance Manager/Chief Accountant, Grants Manager, and field finance staff at QEPA and MFPA sites.
• Capacity Enhancement: Deliver financial management training for internal teams, partner organizations, subgrantees, and local contractors.

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Academic & Professional Credentials:
  • Advanced degree (MBA, MSc in Finance, or equivalent).
  • Mandatory active professional certification (CPA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Work Experience: Minimum of 10 years of post-qualification financial management experience, with at least 5 years at a senior management/executive level.
• Technical Skills:
  • Hands-on experience managing complex non-profit budgets, cash flows, and multi-office financial controls.
  • Proficiency in SAP or equivalent enterprise ERP accounting software and advanced Excel analytics.
  • Track record of working in international organizations with remote branch/field site supervision.
• Key Attributes:
  • Fluency in English (French or local Ugandan languages advantageous).
  • Ability and willingness to travel 30%–40% to remote field conservation areas (QEPA and MFPA).

Why Join Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Uganda?

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Direct financial strategy that directly enables biodiversity protection and species conservation across Uganda's iconic protected areas.
• Global Executive Reach: Work collaboratively with regional leaders and the WCS Global CFO within a global organization operating across 60+ countries.
• Inclusive Environment: Benefit from a diverse, equal-opportunity workspace committed to career development and community impact.

Skills Required:

• Accounting / Finance