Call for applications

Finance Manager/Financial Reporting Accountant

Type of assignment: permanent employment
Location: Geneva, Switzerland

The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation whose mission is to increase equitable access to innovative medicines and other health technologies in low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders, to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to ensure better access to products and technologies and people in LMICs need. Since its creation by Unitaid in 2010, MPP has signed over 30 licences for different health products, facilitated access to 30 billion doses of treatment, established partnerships with 58 pharmaceutical manufacturers across 16 countries. MPP operates with the budget funded by institutional donors including Unitaid, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, GIZ, the Government of Canada, among others. We adhere to stringent financial controls and reporting standards, such as Swiss GAAP FER, to maintain transparency and accountability. This financial rigour is crucial given the complex nature of our work, which involves managing multiple foreign currencies, and disbursement of grants and donation to partner organisations.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Financial reporting and budgeting are key aspects of MPP financial management. The Finance Manager will integrate a small, dynamic team of finance professionals and will take responsibility for general accounting and financial reporting with particular focus on financial statements and reconciliations. S/he will report to the Senior Finance Manager and have direct relationships with MPP senior management, grants and operation team, donors, auditors, project partners and service providers. To be successful in this role, s/he must have entrepreneurial mindset, a proven ability to work collaboratively and be solution- focused.

MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting

• Prepare financial statements in accordance with Swiss GAAP-FER, including balance sheet, statement of operations, cash flow, changes in capital and all accompanying notes.
• Manage complex accounting entries, including income recognition and foreign currency revaluation in accordance with applicable accounting principles and organisational policies.
• Lead statutory and donors’ audits preparations; including collaboration with external auditors and liaising with various department to gather necessary information for accruals, support documentation and other information requested by the auditors.
• Monitor and analyse financial performance against budgets and forecasts, provide timely and accurate financial reports to senior management and the Governance Board.
• Review financial strategies, policies, and procedures to support the organisation’s mission and long-term financial sustainability as it evolves and grows.
• Oversee internal controls systems and risk management processes to ensure compliance with legal and accounting standards requirements.

Donors reporting

• Assist the grants and operations team in creating financial proposals for funding beads.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to the grants and operations team for risks management and effective compliance with donors’ requirement.
• Work closely with the grants and operations team to ensure accurate funds allocations, compliance with donors’ regulations and timely and accurate reporting.
• Monitor grant spending and ensure compliance with donor regulations including donor audits where necessary.
• Prepare financial reports for donors, providing detailed analysis of funds utilisation and impact and work with grants managers to resolve any highlighted issues.

Operational Management

• Provide day to day support, guidance and training to the MPP relevant staff (e.g. senior finance officer, budget holders, grants and operations team)
• identify opportunities to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting processes and make recommendations for improvements.
• Contribute to systems upgrades initiatives and transition into digital processes,
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment consistent with the Foundation’s culture and values.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Higher education in financial management, business administration or relevant field, completed with professional certification in accounting (chartered accountant qualifications, federal diploma in finance and accounting etc.)
• Minimum 8 years of hands-on experience in accounting functions (Treasury, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable) or in external audit.
• Strong understanding of compliance, risk management, and financial controls, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and best practices.
• Solid track record of managing audit and preparing financial statements in accordance with IFRS or Swiss GAAP FER)
• Experience in nonprofit sector (managing funding arrangements, grants, and donor reporting)
• Knowledge of ERP system (e.g. SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Navision/ Business Central)
• Very good knowledge of MS Office, particularly Excel and Power Point
• Native level of English

Desirable:

• Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining effective internal control systems
• experience with payroll systems, and ability to ensure compliance with payroll regulations and policies.
• Experience with finance process digitalisation and change management
• Fluent French

PERSONAL QUALITIES

MPP’s richness lies in its staff: a small dynamic and multicultural team.
To flourish in our team, you must recognise yourself in our values: Respect, Courage, Generosity and Commitment, and you shall demonstrate interest and commitment to the public health goals of MPP.

HOW TO APPLY

MPP respects all individuals regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, HIV status or disability. All qualified applications are welcome.
If you recognise yourself in this description and are passionate about making a difference through non-profit work, please send your CV, cover letter and diplomas to arnaud.schmitt@chabertonprofessionals.com including “MPP-Finance Manager” as reference in the subject line by 15 September 2024.