Finance Manager

Job Summary

The Finance Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all financial functions of AFV, including budgeting, financial planning, accounting, donor compliance, internal controls, cash management, and reporting. The incumbent leads, manages, and completes various audits process and ensures the integrity, transparency, and accuracy of financial operations in line with AFV’s internal policies, donor requirements, full compliance with local applicable financial laws and policies, and international accounting standards such as IFRS.

This role leads the end-to-end financial cycle—from transaction processing and bank operations to financial forecasting, financial decision making, and strategic analysis. It includes oversight of QuickBooks and online banking systems, cash flow forecasting, and financial coordination with AFV’s HQ team. The finance manager plays a central role in supporting program implementation through robust budget management, risk mitigation, and financial reporting.

As a key member of the senior management team, the Finance Manager also contributes to organizational development by strengthening internal controls, building the capacity of finance staff, and ensuring cross-functional collaboration with HR, operations, and program teams. This position is critical in aligning financial systems with AFV’s long-term goals, sustainability, and donor accountability. Specifically, the Finance Manager will be responsible for the following key duties and responsibilities, but not limited to:

Key Duties and Responsibilities

a.       Financial Oversight and Compliance

·       Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant recording of financial transactions in accordance with AFV policies and donor regulations.

·       Supervise the full accounting cycle including payables, receivables, reconciliations, payroll, and month-end closures of accounts.

·       Maintain robust internal controls, monitor financial risks, and ensure segregation of duties across finance functions.

·       Ensure compliance with Afghanistan tax laws and MTO/MOF and Ministry of Economy reporting, including submissions of reports within set timeframe.

·       Lead the maintenance and security of financial records, including proper documentation and audit-ready filing systems.

·       Ensure proper use and oversight of AFV’s online banking platforms for payment processing, bank transfers, and financial reporting needs.

b.      Budgeting and Financial Planning

·       Prepare annual organizational budget and project-specific budgets in coordination with relevant departments.

·       Monitor budget execution, track expenditures, perform variance analysis, and provision of Budget vs Actual report to AFV management on a monthly basis.

·       Support the development of budget revisions, donor proposals, and financial forecasts.

·       Ensure expenditures are aligned with approved budgets and funding agreements.

·       Prepare short-term and long-term cash forecasts to ensure sufficient liquidity for operational needs

c.       Treasury and Cash Management

·       Manage bank and cash accounts, cash flows, advances, and fund transfers to ensure sufficient liquidity for operations.

·       Oversee payment processes for staff, vendors, and suppliers while ensuring documentation and approvals are in place.

·       Authorize PRs and vouchers and verify compliance with financial and procurement procedures.

·       Ensure accurate, timely bank and cash reconciliations, manage currency exchange and calculation of exchange rate gain for loss.

·       Coordinate fund transfers and financial approvals with AFV HQ and ensure timely communication for financial needs and reporting

·       Ensure secure cash physical transfer from the bank and cash storage e.g. locked safes and defined limited access.

d.      Reporting & Compliance

·       Prepare monthly financial reports and complete the monthly financial closing process accurately and on time

·       Lead the preparation and submission of donor financial reports in line with contractual timelines and cost eligibility requirements.

·       Ensure compliance with donor requirements on documentation, timelines, and cost eligibility.

·       Support program teams in understanding and meeting donor financial standards.

 

e.       Internal Controls, Taxation, and Government Compliance

·       Implement and strengthen internal control systems and ensure financial risk mitigation.

·       Ensure timely and accurate submission of reports to the Ministry of Economy (e.g., semi-annual report).

·       Ensure tax compliance, including withholding taxes, tax filings, and annual tax clearance with MTO/Ministry of Finance.

·       Oversee the process of obtaining tax exemption letters from ARD/Ministry of Finance.

f.        Audit and Risk Management

·       Coordinate internal and external audits (both project and annual audits), ensure audit preparedness, and respond to audit recommendations.

·       Monitor financial systems to prevent fraud, detect anomalies, and ensure adherence to financial controls.

g.       Financial Systems and Tools

·       Manage the implementation, maintenance, and regular backup of accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks).

·       Regularly review and enhance financial systems, tools, and processes for effectiveness and alignment with best practices

·       Ensure all digital financial tools, including e-banking and online reporting platforms, are properly utilized and secured

·       Ensure strict data protection protocols (e.g., safeguarding sensitive financial data against unauthorized individuals, third party, or physical theft).

h.      Team Leadership & Capacity Building

·   Lead and manage the finance team, setting clear goals, provide performance feedback, and supporting professional development.

·       Design and deliver financial training for finance and field teams.

·       Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within the finance department.

·       Support cross-departmental coordination with HR, operations, and program teams on finance-related matters

Maintain regular coordination with AFV HQ finance team on budgets, forecasts, donor reports, and organizational compliance

Job Requirements

Education:

• A master’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required; ACCA or CPA certification is considered an asset (education document/s with proper attestation is required).
• Proficient in standard computerized accounting applications and various accounting and financial management software.
• Good knowledge and solid experience of using QuickBooks

Work Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in a position with similar responsibilities, preferably with an INGO, with at least 3 years in a leadership position in an NGO.
• Proven experience in budgeting, financial reporting, donor compliance, and managing audits.
• Strong knowledge of Afghan taxation laws, MoF/MTO regulations, and Ministry of Economy reporting.
• Experience working with an international NGO is an advantage
• Experience working in a humanitarian context is a plus

Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong leadership with proven ability to manage finance teams, build capacity, and foster a culture of accountability and performance.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment in complex financial and compliance-related decisions.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct aligned with organizational and donor standards.
• Advanced organizational and time management skills; able to prioritize effectively under pressure and meet short deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to identifying financial risks, implementing solutions, and improving systems.
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills, able to work cross-functionally and in multicultural environments.
• Demonstrated adaptability and resilience, including willingness to work extended hours and adjust to shifting priorities in crisis-affected contexts.
• Fluency in English and local languages (Pashto and Dari), with clear written and verbal communication skills 

Core Values in Practice:

AFV prioritizes values and principles, ensuring protection for employees, program participants, and stakeholders. Employees must read, understand, and sign AFV's Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy and Child Protection Policy. AFV prohibits child abuse, fraud, corruption, abuse of power, discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Implementing partners must uphold these principles.