Director: Finance and Administration - Oceana

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Oceana is expanding its global impact into Africa, with Ghana serving as the location of our first office on the continent. This marks an exciting new chapter in Oceana’s mission to protect and restore the world’s oceans through science-based advocacy and policy change. The Finance and HR Director (Office Administrator, OA) will play a pivotal role in launching and supporting the successful start-up of Oceana’s Ghana office—helping to establish the operational foundation for our work in the region

The Director of Finance and Administration (Office Administrator, OA) is responsible for all operations functions for Oceana’s presence in Ghana. This includes human resources, finance, accounting, IT, risk management, and administration. In collaboration with Oceana’s Vice President (VP) in Ghana, the Director of Finance and Administration(OA) shall foster a safe, supportive and inclusive work environment, ensuring alignment with Oceana’s mission and values, while empowering collaboration and open communication.

The Director of Finance and Administration reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with a dotted line to the Ghana Vice President. This key leadership position

This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Oceana policies, legal requirements, national regulations, and grant agreements. They will oversee the financial, accounting, human resources, office administration, IT, risk management, contracts and procurement functions in the Ghana office.

The Director will work with the Vice President and others to ensure the successful execution of the Ghana programmatic goals. They will ensure coordination within the Ghana team and with the entirety of Oceana with a focus on the operational areas outlined below.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resources

• Oversee and support all aspects of the HR function in Ghana (recruitment, hiring, onboarding, talent retention, and professional development).
• Manage compensation, payroll, and benefits programs for staff in the Ghana.
• Maintain accurate personnel data and files in accordance with Ghana’s labor law and related regulations.
• Coordinate with the Global HR team to advise staff and leadership on best practices.
• Oversee goal setting and performance management processes including exploring pathways for career growth in collaboration with line managers and in conjunction with global HR.
• Support and advise the VP on personnel matters and conflict management including employee relation issues and grievances.
• Lead on terminations and performance issues in conjunction with local labor lawyers as necessary.
• Maintain systems that support training and professional development initiatives for staff, encouraging continuous learning and growth within the team.
• In collaboration with the VP, develop initiatives that foster staff well-being, satisfaction and engagement across teams.

Finance And Accounting

• Lead Oceana Ghana’s budget development and planning in coordination with the VP, campaign directors, senior finance manager, and Headquarters. Ensure budget guidelines and thresholds are followed throughout the year.
• Monitor and report on budget against actual. Work closely with the country VP and the Ghana team to propose corrective action when needed.
• Responsible for the effective performance of various accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, bank reconciliations, audit, insurance and tax reports, and fixed assets.
• Supervise the finance team and any additional hires as necessary.
• Manage contracts and procurement of third-party products or services to ensure adequate protections for Oceana and compliance with internal and external policies and regulations.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of internal financial reports, timesheets, expense reports, timely reconciliation of cash advances, submission of external reporting, and the external audit.
• Ensure that required statutory reporting obligations are met.

Information Technology

• Assist the global IT department

Risk Management

• Help secure office space for Oceana in Accra, aligned with Oceana’s Office Safety Minimum Standards.
• Facilitate communication between departments to identify and resolve risk-related issues.
• Monitor and report on operational risks, including safety, financial, and reputational risks.
• Oversee emergency response procedures and the upkeep of emergency equipment to ensure a safe and secure environment for both office and field operations.
• Organize training sessions for staff on risk awareness, compliance, and safety protocols.
• Support emergency preparedness planning and coordinate drills or response activities.
• Ensure proper documentation and filing of risk-related reports.

General Management And Compliance

• Communicate with staff and ensure compliance with Oceana’s Global Code of Ethics, the Oceana Ghana employee manual, and other Oceana policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, including labor laws, health and safety regulations, and other relevant guidelines and standards.
• Manage contracts and procurement of third-party products to ensure adequate protections for Oceana and compliance with internal and external policies and regulations.
• Assist in preparing documents and financials for Oceana’s board meetings.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Accounting, or a related field, with at least 5 years of experience in people and business management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing accounting and finance functions, including multi-currency budgeting and banking relationships.
• Experience in payroll preparation or oversight, with knowledge of tax, social security, and employment legislation.
• Skilled in preparing and monitoring budgets, analyzing financial results, and recommending corrective actions.
• Strong familiarity with Ghana Labor Law strongly preferred.
• Experience with HR management systems (preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel required with proficiency with NetSuite and Salesforce preferred.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines with speed and accuracy.
• Self-motivated team player with strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Effective team collaborator with the ability to build bridges between headquarters and country offices.
• Skilled in handling sensitive issues with discretion and maintaining confidentiality.
• Willingness to work across time zones, travel, and collaborate with multicultural teams.
• Commitment to Oceana’s mission, goals, and values.

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