Finance Consultant (or Fixed-term Swiss employment contract) At ACT Alliance

Consultancy period: Ideally Sept-Dec 2024

Type of Contract: Consultancy (or fixed term Swiss employment contract)

Languages Required: English

Consultancy start target date: ASAP: Sept / October 2024

Duration of Contract: 50-60 days / 80 – 100% over a 3–4-month period

Application deadline: 12/09/2024

About ACT Alliance

ACT Alliance is one of the world’s largest coalition of churches and church-related organisations engaged in humanitarian, development and advocacy work. It consists of 150 members working together in over 120 countries, with headquarters in 73 countries, whose aim is to create a positive and sustainable change in the lives of poor and marginalised people regardless of their religion, politics, gender, sexual orientation, race or nationality in keeping with the highest international codes and standards. 64% of our members are headquartered in the Global South, 30% in the Global North, and 6% are Global members. For more details about the general work of ACT, please refer to http://www.actalliance.org/.

Terms of Reference

1. Background

ACT Alliance Secretariat is undertaking a revision and development of its finance structures and processes to enhance its financial management, transparency, and accountability. A finance consultant with knowledge in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is required to lead this initiative over a three-to-four-month period starting in September 2024. As the majority of the finance team is based in Bangkok, Thailand, availability for travel to Bangkok to meet and discuss with the team in person would be expected in the start-up phase of the consultancy.

1. Objectives

The main objectives of the consultancy are to:

• Advise on a fit-for-purpose financial structure and processes.
• Review financial controls and develop a comprehensive control matrix.
• Revise and further develop the Finance Manual and related policies.
• Ensure integration and optimization within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

1. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Advise on a fit-for-purpose financial structure and processes:

• Review team roles and responsibilities, advising on optimised structure.
• Review and assess the current financial processes, policies and chart of accounts, advising on recommended changes.

b) Review of financial controls and develop a comprehensive control matrix:

• Develop control systems, including approval processes, ensuring segregation of duties.
• Document revised processes in a control matrix.

c) Revise finance processes and document in the Finance Manual and policies:

• Identify gaps and areas for improvement in accounting and financial reporting.
• Map finance processes, advising on optimised ways of working.
• Develop updated financial management procedures (standards and guidelines).
• Draft necessary finance policies including, but not limited to, travel expense and exchange rate policies.

d) Implementation and Integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central:

• Design work segregation and finance staff workflow within the BC system.
• Recommend revised processes within the BC system.

e) Miscellaneous

• Advise on Swiss GAAP and other relevant issues.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and best practices.
• Provide training and support to finance staff on the new processes and policies.

1. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• Assessment report of the current financial structure and processes.
• Financial control matrix.
• Revised Finance Manual and related finance policies, ensuring full integration within MS Dynamics Business Central.
• Training materials and sessions for finance staff.
• Final report summarizing the consultancy work, outcomes, and recommendations.

1. Duration and Timeline

The consultancy will be for a period of three to four months, ideally 80% or full time and commencing in September/October and concluding in December 2024.

1. Required Qualifications

The consultant should have:

• Extensive experience in financial management and consultancy.
• Proven experience in designing financial structures and processes.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central finance system.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills within a multi-national and multi-cultural environment,
• Experience working with non-profit organizations is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience of Swiss accounting norms.

1. Reporting and Management

The consultant will report to the Director of Operations of ACT Alliance and will work closely with the finance team throughout the consultancy period.

1. Payment Terms

Payment will be made in instalments based on the completion of agreed milestones or monthly for work completed. Expenses for any agreed travel will be paid by ACT. Detailed payment terms will be discussed and agreed upon during the contract negotiation.