Oxfam America

Manager of Business Planning, Analysis, and Systems

Department: Operations

LOCATION:  

Boston

REPORTS TO: 

Director of Finance

SUPERVISION: 

Manages the Business/Financial Analyst

COORDINATES WITH: 

All managers in Oxfam America. Particular coordination with the Controller and Accounting Department, Resource Development Division, and Program Managers.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Manage and lead Oxfam America’s (OA) budgeting, business planning, financial analysis, and financial systems implementation and support functions: Develop and implement an effective business budgeting and planning process. Provide effective financial analysis, support, and accountability to/with managers at all levels of the organization. Identify and implement financial and business systems that meet the organization’s needs, with a particular focus on financial systems and integration.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise the Business Planning function and collaborate with all levels of the organization to accomplish the following:

Budgeting and Planning

  1. Lead the annual financial planning (budget) process and coordinate and integrate the process with agency business planning and the OASP.
  2. Coordinate and ensure accurate and timely updating of the budget as changes occur.

Coordinate with Resource Development Division and appropriate managers in the preparation of budgets for proposals to donors and potential donors. Ensure potential budget impacts are communicated effectively to all stakeholders.

Develop a budget process that facilitates donor-required budgeting and planning that is “off cycle” with the OA fiscal year.

Analysis

  1. Develop and deliver timely accountability reports and related analyses with respect to expense and revenue performance against budget.
  2. Meet with managers to review financial results and develop forecasts.
  3. Make specific recommendations for improvements in the allocation of agency resources and the management of expenses. (Supports all levels of management.)
  4. Particular focus areas of support include:
    • Program units and cross-program activities such as campaigns and humanitarian responses.
    • Reporting on donor-restricted funds (including performance against donor-approved budgets).

Systems

  1. Participate in and, where appropriate, lead the selection and/or implementation of key financial and related business systems. Coordinate financial systems integration with other agency business applications and ensure the integrity of systems integration. 
  2. Develop a system and process of application support and training for the agency with regard to financial systems.
  3. Ensure staff has adequate training and knowledge to maximize available functionality of systems. Keep systems and related training current.
  4. Be the primary interface with third-party software suppliers. Ensure that enhancements and upgrades are implemented as appropriate.
  5. Key systems focus will include:

• Budgeting and planning system(s).
• Accounting and reporting
• Expense management
• Grants management (in conjunction with related program staff)
• CRM/fundraising

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

  • All types of budgeting and financial planning will be coordinated with the agency’s annual business planning and five-year strategic plan. The budgeting and planning process will be transparent, accessible to all managers, and the basis of an effective and flexible accountability system. Changes in budgets will be made in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Financial reporting, analysis, and recommendations will be timely and effective for managers at all levels in meeting business requirements. Financial information will be readily accessible to managers.
  • Financial systems will be effectively implemented and supported. Staff will be kept current and trained on systems’ capabilities. Systems will be used effectively to meet business needs.
  • The incumbent will stay abreast of professional standards, trends, and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field.
  • The incumbent will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based culture of work, will perform all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect, and will be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America mission and goals.
  • Periodic travel to regional offices for training and system implementation will be required (less than 15%).

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: 

  •  Master of Business Administration(MBA) or Master of  Public Administration (MPA) from a university with a strong reputation
  • BS/BA in Finance, Accounting, Operations, or similar field

Experience and Core Competencies:

  1. 5-7 years of management experience at the enterprise (corporate/headquarters) level in Finance, Planning, and/or Financial Systems at an organization(s) with greater than $20 million in annual operating expenditures.
  2. Proven track record in systems selection, implementation, and/or support.
  3. Strong familiarity with financial systems including but not limited to:
    • Budgeting
    • Accounting
    • Microsoft Office
    • Management reporting
    • Expense recording and reporting
    • Project data bases

Preferred:

Prior experience with an international non-profit/NGO with greater than $20 million in operating expenditures is strongly preferred.


Please see our How to Apply page for application information. Oxfam America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.