Country Finance Director

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US-based nonprofit organization established in 1895, dedicated to conserving wildlife and wild habitats through science-driven solutions that benefit both nature and human communities. With over 100 years of expertise and operations across more than 60 countries, WCS has helped establish over 150 protected areas globally. Their efforts focus on collaboration with local groups to address species and ecosystem challenges that improve livelihoods dependent on natural resources.

Role Overview

As Country Finance Director, you will provide strategic leadership for the financial management of WCS Uganda’s Country Program, ensuring alignment with global, regional, and donor requirements. You will lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, risk control, and compliance while supervising finance teams at multiple sites. This role demands stewardship of resources, safeguarding of assets, and delivering accurate financial data to support decision-making and accountability.

Main Responsibilities

• Direct financial strategy and align it with WCS global priorities and donor commitments.
• Lead the development and monitoring of institutional and project budgets ensuring realism in forecasting and full cost recovery.
• Advise senior management through financial analysis and provide decision-support for program and operational planning.
• Ensure diligent financial management, monitoring, and reporting across WCS programs, partners, subgrantees, and contractors to minimize financial risks and losses.
• Assist in fundraising efforts including grant proposal development and donor engagement.
• Participate in regional finance planning, training sessions, and audits.
• Maintain accurate, compliant accounting and financial systems, including SAP, adhering to WCS policies, GAAP, donor rules, and national laws.
• Uphold strong internal controls, segregation of duties, and ensure compliance with tax, labor, and customs regulations.
• Manage treasury functions, cash flow forecasting, and ensure timely funds requests to headquarters.
• Establish financial management systems and procedures for proper resource allocation and reporting.
• Monitor finances regularly to detect fraud or misuse and recommend timely corrective actions and training.
• Serve as liaison with government financial bodies to ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate documentation for government reporting, permits renewal, and audits with relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee donor grant compliance, cost recovery policy application, financial reporting and liaise on financial terms negotiations.
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of accounting records and lead audit coordination.
• Drive improvements in financial systems use, reporting, and data integrity.
• Mentor and develop finance and grants team members, fostering collaboration across departments.
• Represent WCS finance in external engagements including with donors, auditors, and government agencies.
• Conduct finance training sessions for staff and partners.

Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced degree in Finance, Business Administration or related field; professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, or CIMA is mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience, including at least 5 years in senior finance management roles.
• Proven experience managing large budgets, cash flow, and financial systems in a nonprofit context.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing onsite and remote finance teams.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience working within international organizations with decentralized branch offices.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical abilities, and communication skills.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of French and/or local languages is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and navigate complex environments.
• Experience with African nonprofit operations and governmental institutions is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (30–40%) to field locations.
• Alignment with WCS mission and values.

Additional Information

The role requires approximately 30–40% travel to WCS field offices. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience. WCS is committed to equal opportunity employment and fostering an inclusive workplace.