Selection process developed by matteria Location and Work Mode Latin America - Remote Who we are MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) we are an international non-profit organization dedicated to creating business solutions to poverty. Our mission is to help economically disadvantaged individuals by strengthening sustainable enterprises and inclusive value chains. In MEDA, we integrate private sector tools, international development approaches, and financial innovation to generate lasting economic impact, especially in the Global South MEDA works to transform the agri-food sector in emerging markets by working alongside agribusinesses as they commercialize, scale, and become the engines of growth for economies. Our impact - In MEDA, we have worked in over 70 countries since our founding. - Over the last five years, we have created/sustained 231,319 decent work opportunities. - At the end of 2024, we have created/ sustained 34,033 decent job opportunities by supporting 68,749 clients, including individual entrepreneurs and their businesses, particularly women and youth. - Our approach includes the adoption of a regional model to improve operational efficiency and financial sustainability by working closely with local partners. - In the LACAP Region, we have supported 28,710 direct clients. Purpose of the Position The Regional Finance Lead provides oversight and financial management for field operations. The role requires timely and accurate financial reporting to a variety of internal and external stakeholders. The position helps to ensure the overall success of MEDA’s finance, accounting, and compliance functions. Key Responsibilities Financial reporting and forecasting for projects within a region - 30% - Provide oversight to projects through the following activities: budget management, reporting, and variance analysis, working with Country Project Managers/Project Leads to strategize execution. - Assist the Regional Director in all matters concerning regional budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to achieve regional and in-country objectives. - Prepare the Regional budget and forecast in coordination with the Regional Director and Country Project Managers/Project Leads and supervise financial execution on a monthly and quarterly basis. - Oversee and support teams in effectively utilizing NetSuite for financial operations, ensuring accurate monitoring, reporting, and optimization of financial processes. - Ensure budget alignment with programmatic priorities and funding sources. - Facilitate monthly and quarterly variance analysis between budgeted costs and actual costs, and work with teams to address discrepancies - Ensure the budget versus actual expenses analysis for projects is completed under the regional portfolio. - Provide budgeting assistance to Country Project Managers/Project Leads to inform financial decision-making. - Lead the preparation of financial reports for donors (based on contract terms). - Ensure the preparation of consolidated financial reports and analysis for informed decision making. - Review annual and quarterly financial reports of projects and provide feedback to project teams. - Review financial reports and claims from partner agencies for compliance and provide feedback. - Liaise regularly with corporate staff on financial policies, processes, and approaches. Financial management responsibilities for field programs - 40% - Oversee the procurement process, ensuring authorizations & reporting requirements. - Review and ensure the accuracy of monthly financial statement packages and supporting schedules from field offices. - Monitor cash disbursements, fund transfers, and reserves. - Provide guidance and support to program finance staff, including the partner’s finance staff as applicable. - Ensure field finance policies and procedures are followed and report non-compliance and weak internal controls to the Director, Finance – Global Programs. - Coordinate the implementation of lean and efficient overall financial procedures in line with the operations manual, including cash handling, recording, and reporting. - Effectively and timely communicate and present critical financial and administrative matters and related risks to the Regional Director and the regional team. - Review the procurement plan and no objection requests before sending to the donor, in alignment with the project’s Annual Work Plans and Annual Forecast. Provide support for year-end, donor, and internal audits - 10% - Ensure that timelines are met for all year-end, donor, and internal audit processes. - Ensure internal control weaknesses are rectified and implemented in a timely fashion. - Follow-up on financial (and administrative) management letters from internal and external auditors with the Country Project Managers/Project Leads. - Support to the Regional Director, Country Project Managers/Project Leads in the preparation of budgets for new proposals. Provide legal and compliance oversight - 10%. - Oversee legal entity compliance requirements, ensuring all filings and timelines are met. - Oversee the financial controls (sign-off Journal Entries’, acct reconciliations, etc. of program transactions. - Review and sign off on country bank reconciliations. - Ensure internal control weaknesses are rectified and implemented in a timely fashion. Key contacts and relationships - 10% - Work directly with regional and country staff to support project and program operations and compliance from a financial perspective. - Direct and collaborative working relationship with the Director, Finance, Global Programs. - Strong working relationship and liaison with other corporate departments (Finance, Legal, P&C;, Security, IT. Teams, IKM, Internal Audit, PBA) as required. - Strong working relationship and liaison with Country Directors/Country Project Managers, and with co-implementing partners as applicable. - Strong working relationship with donor representatives. Requirements and competences to work with us Education - Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or related careers. - Full Certifications such as an MBA, CPA, CFA, or similar are desirable. Experience - +7 Years of experience with Finance. - At least 5 years of experience in financial and operational management positions in international non-profit organizations is required, as well as experience in for-profit organizations, such as international NGOs - Experience in operations management of international cooperation projects. Knowledge and Skills - Solid knowledge of administrative and procurement procedures of multilateral entities such as GAC, USAID, IDB,/or Corporate Funding is a must. - Financial and accounting knowledge: budget control, financial planning, internal controls, foreign. - Fluency in both Spanish and English. - Previous responsibility with financial planning, forecasting, and closing. - Previous experience with NetSuite is an asset. Competencies - Cross-cultural collaboration and team coordination without direct authority. - Clear financial communication to non-financial stakeholders (e.g., Country Managers). - High levels of autonomy, responsibility, and ethical judgment. - Leadership through influence and mentoring/support of the decentralized finance team. - Decision-Making with Accountability. - Resilience & Adaptability. - Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen. Our team profile Values/Organizational DNA: Collaboration Respect Entrepreneurship Accountability Appreciation of MEDA´s mission and values Key interests for working with us - Poverty alleviation - Financial inclusion - Fair trade and ethical value chains - Strengthening local economies - Sustainable economic development - Good governance and financial accountability Reasons to join our team - Mission-Driven Work with Global Impact - Join an organization whose core purpose is to create business solutions to poverty — enabling economic empowerment for underserved communities around the world through innovative and sustainable programme approaches. - Work at the Intersection of Finance and Social Change - MEDA offers a unique opportunity to apply advanced financial leadership in service of inclusive development — where financial systems, donor compliance, and strategic decision-making directly contribute to social and economic impact. - Collaborative and Values-Based Culture - MEDA is guided by strong values — Collaboration, Respect, Entrepreneurship, and Accountability — and fosters a culture of shared leadership, learning, and integrity. - Regional Influence with a Global Network - As Regional Finance Lead, you will operate at a strategic regional level while contributing to global systems and working alongside multicultural teams across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and beyond. - Commitment to Professional Growth and Innovation - MEDA invests in continuous improvement, encourages innovation in its systems and operations, and supports professional development within a dynamic and supportive work environment. - Contribute to Ethical and Inclusive Economic Systems - Be part of an organization that promotes sustainable agribusiness e, financial inclusion, and inclusive value chains—where transparency, justice, and dignity are part of the operational DNA. Relevant details before applying for this vacancy - This is a regional position covering countries such as Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and the Philippines. - The Regional Finance Lead will provide technical support and coordination to local finance and administrative teams. - This position involves regular travel to project countries, with frequency depending on operational needs and audit calendars. - This position involves a high level of coordination and collaboration to work closely with global finance departments, Project Directors, and Project Partners. - This position is expected to start by September 2025.