Regional Finance Manager

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere. 

We are a global team of nearly 800 changemakers, operating in more than 30 countries, across five continents. We are political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages. We are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference. 

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Role Summary

As TBI grows, we are evolving our global operating model to best support the delivery of our mission, establishing empowered regional hubs to run our operational functions across Legal, Finance, Security, IT and People.  These hubs are in Abu Dhabi (Middle East and Eastern Europe), Singapore (Asia), Nairobi (Africa), London (Western Europe), and Washington DC (Americas). 

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Head of Finance for Middle East and Eastern Europe (MEEE) will be based full-time either in the UAE and will develop and deliver our regional Finance operating model and ensure all finance systems and processes perform at the highest levels of professionalism and capability in accordance with global and, where relevant, local policies and standards.

Role Responsibilities

Functional Leadership

• Accountable for month-end process including accruals, prepayments, balance sheet and reviewing cash reconciliations
• Providing dedicated financial support to leadership and budget holders within the region, including cost modelling and forecasting, as well as variance and performance analysis
• Enhance cash flow reporting and improve the use of funds, maximising cash flow and liquidity
• Produce and enhance regional financial reporting to support decision-making, including month-end reports and management information packs
• Continue to develop and deliver our regional operating model for the Finance function, implementing the relevant systems, policies and processes, and aligning with other operational functions (Legal, Security, IT and People)
• Collaborating with our global Finance team in London, counterpart Finance Managers in other regions, and as part of the global community of operational roles
• Identify, assess, and inform regional leadership of any internal and external finance matters that may impact operations at an organizational level, recommending interim or permanent solutions wherever possible and applicable
• Lead or collaborate with others on special projects and other operational assignments as directed by regional leadership

Systems, Policies and Processes

• Ensure the implementation of global policies and standards for Finance across the region and any relevant local variations
• Continue to roll out the functionality of Workday and contribute to a five-working-day close
• Review and establish a reformed banking regime and signatories within region

Regional Growth

• Support leaders in the region and across the organization to establish TBI’s presence in new countries, including the financial aspects of end-to-end program activation (and, where relevant, closure) and support on regional procurement and negotiations by providing financial analysis and ensuring contracts are compliant with TBI and donor regulations
• Assist in the regionalisation process to ensure that we have the right systems, processes and capabilities within the region as we move to be regionally empowered

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may be expected within the scope of the post.

Person Specification

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change aims to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies in an interconnected world. We do this through developing policy and advising governments.

This is a role in a fast-paced team, working within complex divisions that are highly scrutinised. Therefore, the successful candidate for the role should be able to display the majority of the following:

• Qualified accountant
• Experience working within an NFP - preferable
• Knowledge of accounting for donor funds – preferable
• Skilled at working collaboratively with global colleagues across a range of duties as reasonably required to achieve the goals of your team and the Institute
• Dynamic, confident candidate who can articulate verbally and by written presentation; ability to express complex ideas in a clear and straightforward manner to a variety of stakeholders
• Must be able to take ownership and manage their own workflow with minimal input from management, set their own goals and plan how to achieve them – translate into actions and follow through to completion, prioritise against tight deadlines
• A motivational, collaborative and supportive manager and team-player, with demonstrable experience in working as part of a team
• Great interpersonal skills - able to establish good cross departmental working relationships
• Enthusiastic, self-driven, ambitious and always seeking continuous improvement

Closing Date: