Head of Accounting & External Financial Reporting

ABOUT MASTERCARD FOUNDATION 

Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. Through its Young Africa Works strategy and Canadian EleV program, the Foundation works with partners to ensure that millions of young people, especially young women, access quality education, financial services and dignified work. Mastercard Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is independent with its own Board of Directors and CEO.

UNDERSTANDING CANADA PROGRAMS AT THE FOUNDATION

The Foundation has begun working within Canada in partnership with Indigenous communities and post-secondary institutions to listen, learn, and best understand how we can act in meaningful ways. The EleV strategy was co-created with Indigenous communities, young people, and partners to enable 100,000 Indigenous youth to complete their education and transition to dignified work aligned with their values and aspirations.

As reflected in Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, education is a key driver of improved socio-economic well-being. Through building partnerships with Indigenous communities, we look to expand our initiative ultimately helping to support a generation of transformative Indigenous young leaders who will be change agents within their communities. We believe that by setting a bold target, we will encourage engagement across sectors and create momentum that will elevate the strengths and opportunities of Indigenous youth. In keeping with our approach, Indigenous communities and young people will be the drivers of this transformation. The program will promote innovations to address longer-term systemic change to achieve economic prosperity and social well-being within Indigenous communities.

The EleV team oversees current and emerging partnerships related to Indigenous education. Consistent with our overall vision and Youth Africa Works strategy, we will share learnings and opportunities to connect across the work of the Foundation. While operating in distinct contexts, the centrality of youth voice and vision, affirmation of culture and identity, and priority to enhance community capacity for self-determination are common threads upon which our work is strengthened and reinforced.

UNDERSTANDING AFRICA PROGRAMS AT THE FOUNDATION 

We are currently in an exciting period at the Mastercard Foundation as we intensify the implementation of the Young Africa Works strategy, aiming to empower 30 million young people throughout Africa to access dignified and fulfilling employment.

To ensure the Foundation's accessibility to our partners and program participants, we have established offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda. These offices provide strong in-country support for the implementation of Young Africa Works. We collaborate with governments, the private sector, educators, and other funders to enhance the quality of education and vocational training, equip young individuals with the necessary skills for the workforce, expand access to financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and facilitate connections between job seekers and meaningful employment opportunities.

Our values serve as our guiding principles, transcending and surpassing all other considerations. We wholeheartedly encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work.

If you're an experienced accounting professional in external financial reporting looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Director, Shared Services, the Head of Accounting & External Financial Reporting will lead a team of accounting professionals. This includes overseeing accounting operations, preparing external financial statements, ensuring compliance with reporting standards (ASNPO, GAAP, IFRS, IFRS for SMEs, and IPSAS), and supporting external audits at the enterprise level and for our African branches. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across Finance to ensure accurate financial disclosures and policy compliance and to drive modernization in process improvements and system efficiencies.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of accounting professionals, fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment aligned with the foundation’s values.
• Onboard, train, and engage team members and accounting professionals across the organization, promoting a culture of listening and co-creation.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing activities, including the review and completeness of journal entries, adjustments, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flows.
• Manage the preparation and approval of enterprise and branch-level financial statements, ensuring timely and accurate reporting for external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and financial reporting obligations, adhering to not-for-profit industry-specific standards in collaboration with legal and tax teams.
• Lead the annual external audit process, addressing findings and implementing best practices for financial governance.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on GAAP, IFRS, and other applicable accounting standards, providing guidance on technical accounting matters and preparing relevant documentation.
• Stay informed of changes in accounting standards, regulations, and financial reporting developments to ensure compliance and adaptability.
• Develop and enforce accounting policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with the foundation’s commitment to impact.
• Enhance financial reporting systems and automation tools to deliver analytics and insights.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable, Tax, Legal, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) teams, investment entities, and program teams to ensure accurate reporting and effective financial planning.
• Support FP&A with budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing significant changes in financial results to contribute to informed decision-making.
• Build strong partnerships with program finance and operating teams, providing guidance on accounting matters and promoting co-creation and listening.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline accounting and reporting, fostering innovation and efficiency.
• Contribute to Shared Services initiatives, lead special projects, and manage other regulatory audits as needed, demonstrating humility and a commitment to the foundation’s values.

WHO YOU ARE

• A designated CPA with 15+ years of financial reporting experience; a background in public accounting is highly valued.
• 10+ years of leadership experience with a proven ability to develop functional capabilities, lead teams with humility and respect, and foster an inclusive work environment.
• Deep knowledge of financial reporting standards, with expertise in not-for-profit organizations being a bonus.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (preferably Workday) and financial tools such as Power BI, Office Connect, Excel, and SharePoint.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business partnering skills, complemented by exceptional communication and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated collaborative leadership skills with an emphasis on listening, co-creation, and motivating teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage deadlines effectively and meticulous attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel to Africa occasionally.
• Flexible, adaptable, and capable of executing a range of job duties and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across a large, multi-cultural organization.
• Demonstrates professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and impeccable integrity that align with the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

 Deadline for Applications is February 7, 2025.

Mastercard Foundation (the “Foundation”) values and respects your privacy. By submitting an application for this opportunity, you hereby agree to the Foundation’s collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy (available at https://mastercardfdn.org/privacy/). Please note that the Foundation may share your personal information with third-party agencies that support the Foundation’s recruitment activities, and such third-party agencies may contact you directly regarding this opportunity. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Foundation’s Privacy Officer at the address indicated in its Privacy Policy.

The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

Completion of satisfactory business references and background checks are essential conditions of employment.

For more information and to sign up for the Foundation’s newsletter, please visit http://www.mastercardfdn.org/
Follow the Foundation on Twitter at @MastercardFdn

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