Manager, Finance and Payroll (Malawi)

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalizes leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we’re making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 9 countries, our team of 800+ has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

• Our Deworm the World program has delivered over 2 billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains. 
• Through Safe Water Now, we’ve saved the lives of over 15,000 children. 
• Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives. 

At Evidence Action, your colleagues are your greatest asset. You'll partner with high-caliber colleagues in an environment blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If you're looking to work flexibly and with purpose, join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.

The Role

The Manager, Finance leads all financial management and accounting operations for Evidence Action's Malawi country office, ensuring robust financial controls, regulatory compliance, and accurate reporting. This role provides strategic financial leadership to program teams while maintaining the integrity of financial systems, managing statutory obligations, and building finance capacity across the organization.

The Manager serves as the primary financial steward for the country office, partnering closely with the Country Director and program leadership to enable effective financial decision-making and operational excellence.

This role Reports to the Country Director, Malawi.

Direct Report: Associate, Accountant

Responsibilities

Team Management & Leadership - 20% of role

• Provide strategic leadership, management, and guidance for Malawi's Finance function, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Serve as Finance team representative in program meetings, providing financial insights and strategic guidance on implementation decisions.
• Communicate regularly with program, country, and regional leads to identify capacity needs and optimize Finance function effectiveness.
• Develop, refine, and report Key Performance Indicators and Metrics to management regarding team operations, capacity, and performance gaps.
• Build capacity of Finance and non-Finance staff through targeted training on accounting principles, organizational financial policies, and compliance requirements.
• Supervise and mentor the Associate Accountant, ensuring professional development and high-quality deliverables
• Deputize for Senior Manager, Finance & Accounts, ESA when required

Accounting & Financial Management - 60% of role

Financial Systems & Reporting.

• Oversee all Finance activities in Malawi, ensuring accurate and timely financial operations.
• Maintain accounting system integrity by ensuring accurate entries are recorded and charged to the correct donors.
• Review monthly schedules and general ledger reconciliations to ensure timely monthly close with zero material errors.
• Conduct auditing activities including cash reconciliations, invoice verification, and bank statement reviews.
• Support Senior Manager, Finance & Accounts, ESA on regional accounting responsibilities when required.

Payroll & Staff Cost Management

• Prepare accurate and timely payroll for approval within the set timelines in the organization’s policy.
• Generate and review Timesheet Allocation reports to ensure staff costs are accurately billed to appropriate cost centers and donors.

Compliance & Statutory Management

• Ensure all taxes and statutory obligations are accurately calculated, timely remitted, and tracked monthly for full compliance.
• Monitor and track all tax-related payments and submissions to legal authorities, meeting deadlines without exception.
• Review procurement processes and documentation to ensure compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements.
• Review all payments for compliance with donor and organizational policies and guidelines before processing.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Timely presentation of approved cash forecast/projection for each month, ensuring adequate liquidity for operations
• Monitor cash flow trends and proactively identify potential shortfalls or optimization opportunities

Asset Management

• Oversee asset and inventory management, ensuring periodic audits and constant system updates for accurate records

Audit Management

• Lead and coordinate country statutory and program audit exercises, ensuring smooth execution and timely resolution of findings
• Proactively prepare audit documentation and address potential findings before formal audit commencement

Budgeting, Disbursements & Accountability - 20% of role

Budget Management & Strategic Planning

• Participate actively in program meetings, providing financial analysis and communicating budget implications of proposed implementation decisions
• Conduct continuous and effective budget tracking, ensuring proper utilization, accurate cost allocations, and full accountability of funds
• Collaborate with program teams to optimize budget performance and address variances proactively

Financial Accountability & Training

• Develop comprehensive financial accountability documents for all budgeted program activities.
• Provide financial guideline training and compliance refreshers to program staff, enhancing organizational financial literacy.
• Ensure transparent communication with program teams on budget status, variances, and corrective actions.
• Additional Responsibilities: Any other duties as assigned by management to support organizational objectives.

• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of relevant finance/accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
• Professional Certification: CPA or ACCA qualification (required)
• Professional Membership: Active membership in ICAM (Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi) or ACCA in good standing
• Experience leading finance teams in international development or non-profit organizations
• Knowledge of multiple donor compliance frameworks (USAID, FCDO, Gates Foundation, etc.)
• Experience with Intacct or similar cloud-based accounting systems
• Track record of process improvement and system optimization initiatives
• Audit Experience: Demonstrated experience managing audits in donor-funded programs
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in accounting software systems, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting tools
• Compliance Knowledge: Strong understanding of donor compliance requirements, statutory regulations, and financial controls

Position Location

This role will be based in Lilongwe, Malawi

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a Malawi employment visa at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the Malawi for roles based in Malawi.

Evidence Action provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees worldwide*. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Retirement savings options
• Generous leave
• Avenues for engagement and recognition.

*Benefits may differ based on country-specific regulations

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.