Finance Manager

The Finance Manager will lead the financial management of the GPE-STG-FLIP portfolio, ensuring efficient and compliant use of funds, supporting budget planning, financial reporting, and capacity building for MoES finance teams. The role involves oversight of financial systems, compliance, cash flow management, and coordination with government and partners to support the Foundational Learning Improvement Project in Lao PDR.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial management of the GPE-STG-FLIP portfolio, ensuring all funds are used efficiently, accurately and in compliance with SCI, GPE and Government of Lao PDR financial regulations.
• Lead the preparation of annual and quarterly financial plans and budgets in coordination with program and operations teams.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and provide variance analysis with explanations and recommendations.
• Support program managers and MoES counterparts in budget forecasting, revisions, and alignment with implementation plans.
• Ensure that expenditures are in line with approved budgets and donor requirements.
• Play a key role in budget planning, financial monitoring, capacity building for MoES finance teams and ensuring internal controls.
• Provide strategic and operational financial guidance to support effective grant delivery.
• Ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with SCI policies and GPE donor regulations.
• Maintain robust internal controls and financial risk management mechanisms for the STG.
• Review and approve financial documents, journals, and payment vouchers prior to processing.
• Ensure adherence to SCI’s procurement and financial authorization limits and donor audit requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors to facilitate timely audits and address recommendations.
• Prepare high-quality, timely, and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for internal management and donor submission.
• Consolidate financial data from SCI, MoES, and subnational implementing partners.
• Prepare financial statements and donor-specific expenditure reports as per GPE and SCI formats.
• Support management in presenting financial performance during joint review meetings with MoES and partners.
• Oversee cash flow management for the STG project to ensure adequate liquidity for program activities.
• Prepare fund requests, disbursement schedules, and cash forecasts based on implementation needs.
• Ensure timely fund transfers to partners and districts, following SCI’s partner financial management procedures.
• Monitor bank reconciliations and cash balances to prevent overdraws or idle fund.
• Provide financial training, mentoring, and coaching to MoES finance and accounting staff to improve financial management capacities.
• Support MoES in strengthening systems for budget tracking, expenditure monitoring, and reporting.
• Contribute to the development of simplified tools, templates, and SOPs for financial management under the STG.
• Work with MoES implementing units to ensure proper documentation, filing, and accountability for expenditures.
• Serve as the key financial focal point for the STG within SCI and for coordination with MoES, the Coordinating Agency (CA), and the Local Education Group (LEG).
• Participate in joint planning, implementation, and review meetings with government counterparts and partners.
• Provide technical inputs to ensure that financial considerations are integrated into project design and decision-making processes.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks across STG operations.
• Ensure compliance with SCI anti-fraud, anti-bribery, and safeguarding policies in all financial transactions.
• Maintain complete and organized financial documentation to ensure audit readiness at all times.
• Follow up on audit findings and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor or master’s degree in finance, accounting or any related field.
• This position is reserved for Lao nationality only.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in financial management for large-scale donor-funded programs.
• Proven experience managing grants from multilateral donors (e.g., GPE, UNICEF, EU, World Bank, USAID).
• Strong knowledge of financial control systems, compliance standards, and audit requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple budgets and complex financial reporting requirements.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Agresso, SAP, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills.
• Fluency in Lao and good command of English (spoken and written).

Skills

• Finance Management
• Grant Management
• Donor Compliance
• Financial Reporting
• Budget Management
• Financial Control Systems
• Audit Compliance
• Accounting Software
• Agresso
• SAP
• QuickBooks
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Cash Flow Management
• Capacity Building
• Government Coordination

Languages

Lao, English