Finance & Grants Manager at FHI360

Job Description

Job Summary

The Finance and Grants Manager oversees financial operations for the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) project in Malawi, providing strategic leadership in finance and subcontract management while ensuring alignment with organizational goals. This role is responsible for the full budgeting and forecasting cycle, financial reporting, and the accuracy and integrity of financial data. The Manager develops and reviews advanced financial models, leads variance analysis, and supports data-driven decision-making. They also oversee sub-recipient financial management, ensuring compliance with donor and organizational requirements and resolving any financial issues that arise.

The Finance and Grants Manager leads resource planning and allocation to support project priorities and ensures financial systems and tools are effective and fit for purpose. The role includes identifying and mitigating financial risks, strengthening internal controls, and supporting audit processes by developing reporting systems and communicating audit outcomes to management and regulatory bodies. Additionally, the Manager supervises and develops finance staff, reviews their work, and provides recommendations on financial planning, control, and risk management to senior leadership. The position ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and familiarity with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) is required.

The role requires strong experience in managing finance, subcontracts, business support, and compliance functions within organizations funded by government contracts and grants, foundations, and commercial sources, as well as demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead data collection processes, ensuring accuracy and translating complex analyses into actionable insights for decision-making.
• Review and approve monthly financial analyses (budget vs. actuals and forecasts) and present key findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Finalize and submit financial reports and supporting documentation in line with funder requirements.
• Oversee budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with organizational and project strategic objectives.
• Monitor and approve project expenditures in accordance with approved budgets, forecasts, and workplans, serving as the designated financial approver.
• Review and endorse financial models, providing strategic guidance and input.
• Ensure financial records are accurate, current, and complete; collaborate with project management to determine resource requirements.
• Partner with the Project Manager to monitor subcontractor financial performance in line with workplans and subaward monitoring plans.
• Collaborate on budget development and reforecasting to ensure alignment with evolving project activities.
• Provide financial insights, ensure compliance, and advise senior management and stakeholders on project financial performance.
• Contribute to annual work planning, budgeting, audit processes, and financial assessments.
• Identify potential operational and financial vulnerabilities and establish internal controls to protect organizational / project assets.
• Track, monitor, and audits of project assets and supplies to optimize stock levels, prevent waste, and ensure operational continuity.
• Lead, coach, and supervise finance and operations staff to ensure high performance, efficiency, and compliance.
• Oversee subcontract financial integrity, ensuring compliance with donor and organizational policies and addressing any identified issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Applied Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial controls, and financial systems.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated project and people management capabilities.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Solid understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and compliance frameworks.
• Familiarity with SOX, GAAP, CAS, FAR, and automated financial reporting systems.
• Strategic thinking ability with strong collaboration and communication skills across functions.
• Deep understanding of organizational structures, policies, and operational impact.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and multitasking abilities with the ability to meet deadlines.

Problem Solving & Impact

• Addresses moderately complex issues requiring in-depth analysis of data and multiple variables.
• Exercises sound judgment within established policies to determine appropriate solutions.
• Decisions have a significant impact on project outcomes and broader organizational performance.

Supervision Given/Received

• Mid-level management role with responsibility for supervising staff.
• Operates with broad autonomy under general direction.
• Reports to the Finance and Administration Director.

Educational Qualifications, Experience, & Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional accounting certification (CPA or ACCA) required.
• Additional relevant training is an advantage.
• 5–8 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years in a management role.
• Experience with complex awards/contracts and subaward management preferred.
• Prior experience with NGOs, international organizations, and USG-funded programs is an advantage.
• Fluency in English required; additional local language skills preferred.
• Standard office environment with extended periods of computer use.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift or move light items (up to 5 lbs).

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