Manager – Program Finance

Role Summary

Manager – Program Finance will play an operational role in strengthening financial management, grant governance, compliances across themes and partner organizations. The role requires a strong understanding of NGO finance, grant operations, compliance, budgeting and institutional processes, combined with the ability to work closely with program teams and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate Finance Due Diligence process
• Conduct financial due diligence of prospective and existing partner NGOs prior to grant onboarding and renewal process.
• Evaluate adequacy of accounting systems, internal controls, governance structures, and financial management practices of prospective partners.
• Assess compliance status related to Income Tax, FCRA and other applicable statutory registrations.
• Review organizational policies and processes to identify financial, operational, compliance, and governance risks, if any.
• Prepare and present structured due diligence reports for internal review committees and management decision-making.
• Grant Management & Financial Review
• Review annual financial reports, supporting documents and ensure timely fund disbursement to NGO partners as per the agreement timelines.
• Ensure optimal and compliant utilization of grant funds aligned with grant terms as well as organizational requirements.
• Periodically update status and workflow at the grant management portal to reflect accurate information related to active grants.
• Ensure lifecycle management with respect to the financial aspects of assigned grants till closure.
• Capacity Building & Collaboration
• Support partner organizations in strengthening accounting systems and financial processes by providing ongoing financial handholding and advisory support.
• Work closely with grant leads, core accounts, legal and other relevant internal stakeholders for effective grant operations.
• Facilitate timely responses to finance and compliance-related queries from internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• MBA (Finance) / M.Com / ICWA or equivalent qualification.
• 7–15 years of relevant experience in NGO finance, grant management, or program finance.
• Strong understanding of:
• NGO accounting and bookkeeping
• Grant budgeting and financial analysis
• Statutory compliances (FCRA, Income Tax, CSR-related compliance, etc.)
• Audit coordination and donor reporting
• Experience working with non-profit organizations, foundations, or development sector institutions.
• Experience engaging with program teams, auditors, finance committees, and partner organizations preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and financial review capabilities.
• Excellent understanding of budgeting, compliance, and grant operations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to simplify financial concepts for non-finance stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and process orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple grants and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Willingness to extensive travel to field locations and partner organizations as required.

Key Attributes

• Collaborative and solution-oriented approach
• Strong integrity and accountability
• Ability to work independently in dynamic environments
• Commitment to strengthening institutional systems and governance in the social sector

Location: Patna, Varanasi, Kolkata & Guwahati