Finance and Operations Manager-Kilifi, Kenya

POSITION: Finance and Operations Manager

Full time contracted position – Start date: August 2024 (or as soon as possible)

Responsibleto: School Director andBoard of Management

Salary Grade Level 4b (ops) with range of 140,000-160,000 kes,depending on experience.

This opportunity sees the candidate being the key player of the senior (non-academic) management team in a dynamic, popular and progressive school.

Kivukoni has grown organically every year since its inception in 2011, now with 280 pupils from ages 2-16. With recent growth and busy management team, a financial operations manager is needed to help develop and manage all non-academic aspects of school operations. They will optimize efficiency, effectivity and transparency in financial, fund-raising and procurement departments, working in line with the clear vision and mission, to create an inspiring education to a diverse range of students.

The Finance and Operations manager will serve as the eyes and ears of the school at an operational level to enable school activities to run smoothly each and every day, problem solving and developing systems where needed.

Additionally, the right candidate may work alongside the director and school board to develop the strategic plans for growth and development of the evolving Kivukoni Secondary school, increasing the impact of the school as a uniquely stimulating and inclusive learning centre in the coast region, with a long term sustainable future.

The Finance and Operations manager will be an individual who embraces innovation and continuous improvement, is willing to get involved at various levels of school life and relishes the challenge of finding ways to work smarter and more efficiently, all in support of ensuring that staff and leaders can stay focused on teaching, learning and the holistic development of students, in line with the spirit of the school – ‘where children love to learn’ and ‘where students thrive’.

The role of the Finance and Operations manager will include the following:

School Operations Team Management

• In partnership with the school director, develop the school-wide operations structures that support and operationalise the vision and culture of the school.
• Plays a leading role in the school’s strategic and annual planning and budgeting processes.
• Hires, manages and develops school operations team members when necessary and holds them accountable to goals and outcomes.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for the operations teams and collaborates with teammates to build sustainable systems, policies, and procedures for the growing institution.

Finance & Purchasing

• Works closely with the director and finance team to develop the school’s annual budget.
• Develops fund-raising plans and explores and manages other relevant funding opportunities in keeping with the schools’ strong ethos of environmental sustainability and accessibility.
• Introduces and manages ICT to improve financial efficiency and transparency.
• Manages the school budget by participating in monthly budget meetings to review budget variances and proactively seeking opportunities to ensure spending is aligned to the school’s ethos and priorities.
• Manages the school purchasing and procurement process by establishing clear systems for staff.
• Develops and manages asset management system.
• Manages the Kivukoni Educational Trust applications and reports, for financially supported students.
• Enhances and oversees the school payment process and fee collection.
• Serves as the main point of contact regarding finance to ensure financial compliance and reporting, and to deliver projections and data for development purposes.

Facilities & Maintenance

• Plans ahead of time to avoid procurement challenges that may be obstacles to teaching and learning due to infrastructural, ICT or maintenance issues.
• Manages the school’s supply and asset inventory.
• Thinks creatively to solve problems with limited resources.

Team Leadership

• To provide leadership, support and motivation to create an inspired and effective senior management and staff team.
• To work with HR, Accounts and SLT to ensure that all staff are growing professionally and have access to internal and external professional development as necessary/possible.
• To ensure the principles and practices of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice are applied.

Strategic Growth and Development

• Review, support and develop finance, procurement and fund-raising policies and procedures along with SLT.
• Develop programs that will capitalise on extensive use of the facilities. This will include weekend and holiday programs, community workshops and trainings, amongst others.
• To look at long term fund raising opportunities to enable sustainable and long term educational provision.
• To contribute to the School Improvement Plan for discussion with SLT and BOM for medium and long term visions.
• Ensure the school is current with financial projections and reports as necessary.
• Work with directors and partners to project and plan for school growth into a potential new secondary and boarding facility.
• Contribute to the raising awareness of Kivukoni School as a centre of excellence for teaching and learning, physical and environmental education, holistic growth of children and environmental science.

Qualifications and Qualities

• Bachelor’s degree
• Relevant Professional Qualifications (CPA, ACCA, etc)

Other skills

• Leadership and financial management experience in International schools in Kenya
• Successful team leadership and strong track record of results
• Experience with fund raising and CSR related projects
• Experience working with disadvantaged communities, families and/or students
• Excellent organizational, financial and communication skills
• Ability to work with a diverse team in an evolving environment, while driving toward long term solutions
• Ability to balance professionalism, empathy and good humour in a busy environment
• Excellent computer and financial literacy, including adept and efficient use of Quick Books Online
• Commitment to the belief that creative and supported school leaders, staff, and teachers can achieve the best possible outcomes for all students
• Demonstrable commitment to the school ethos of promoting and celebrating inclusivity, cultural and socio- economic diversity and environmental sustainability and well-being

Applicants interested in this position should also include in their application the following:

• Cover letter detailing why you feel this post will suit you, and why you will suit this post
• Curriculum Vitae