Manager Finance

Starting Date: ASAP

Contract type: Full-time and open-ended

Salary: PKR 8,323,080 (per annum) commensurate with skills and experience

Location: Lahore

Application closing date:

About the Job

Finance and Operations Manager is responsible for all finance and operations requirements of the country office Pakistan & Central Asian (Tajikistan), developing and maintaining local accounting systems and ensuring legal financial compliance and financial reporting. The postholder reports directly to Senior Country Manager and technically to International Finance Manager and works closely with all country and global team members.

The Challenge

Looking ahead to 2030, we are targeting reducing GHG emissions from cotton production by half, big cuts in synthetic pesticide use, improve soil health across our network, improve farm income and support women's empowerment among farmers and farm workers.

As Manager Finance & Operations you will be responsible for ensuring our external and internal communications are impactful, connect with our audiences and reflect the strength of our value proposition.

Areas that play to your strengths

We are seeking a motivated Manager Finance & Operations to join our Finance and Operations Team. In this role, you will be responsible for:

Financial management

• Oversee and manage all financial transactions of Better Cotton Initiative independent entity.
• Review and align country office financial and accounting systems, processes, and practices in line with Better Cotton's global systems for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
• Acts as an Ambassador of Change towards CMT in the implementation of the ongoing global Finance and Operations projects and initiatives.
• Provide advice and recommendations on good accounting, reporting practices, tax, supporting the organisations growth and strategies.
• Support treasury management and investment strategy for local entity.
• Manage timely cash disbursement, including to field partners and other fund recipients.
• Build effective collaboration with government regulators, external auditors, banks and suppliers to access specialist knowledge and advice.

Accounting

• Oversee the local entity accounting function by verifying accuracy and completeness of records pertaining to routine accounting.
• Set up accounting systems and processes, manage the migration of ERP to Salesforce/FinancialForce for the local accounts.
• Validate payment requests and recommendations of procurement committees for correctness and submits to the country director for approval.
• Verify cash and bank reconciliations and submit to the country director for signature at the end of every month.
• Validate the country office payroll, and ensures tax calculations, social security and other statutory contributions are done in line with Better Cotton internal regulations and legal requirements in Pakistan.
• Prepare annual financial statements along with quarterly trial balances to inform management decision-making.

Budgeting and Financial Reporting

• Leads the budget development process in the country(ies) by supporting, coaching, training and communicating to all involved on the purpose, the process and timeline, as well as on roles and responsibilities in completing this yearly exercise.
• Implement and improve budgetary monitoring systems, reporting and other key financial processes as the organisation grows, including financial management software and systems implementation.
• Oversee preparation of forecasts and annual operating plans.
• Develop and oversee processes to approve reallocations of project budgets when necessary.
• Ensure timely reporting to submit for global consolidation deadline and support the global Finance team with financial and donor

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure proactive compliance with various in-country regulations for Pakistan & central Asia, (governance, tax (direct and indirect tax, staff tax, tax intercompany transfer pricing issues), and donor requirements.
• Manage local auditors and oversee the execution of annual statutory audits and liaise with global Finance team for the statutory audit requirements for the local authorities, Better Cotton and the GIF, including donor/projects audits.
• Oversee the preparation of management accounts and lead improvement of statutory financial reporting for compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

Team Supervision & Capacity Building

• Provide professional financial advice and assistance to local Pakistan entity & Central Asia office's non-finance personnel regarding standard financial procedures, financial requirements of each project and donor, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and similar obligations.

Procurement (Goods & Services)

• Supervise all local/International procurement of goods and services in accordance with Better Cotton rules & regulations and Local Laws. Where required using Better Cotton prescribed forms RFQs/GRFs and other related documents.
• Ensure procurement procedures are in place and followed (in accordance with Better Cotton rules & regulations).
• Monitor proper filing and maintains a data base of respective contract-related documents.

Administration, Asset Management & Logistics Arrangement

• Ensure documents (consultants, procurement, general administration of equipment, etc.) in reference files and assures that information is kept confidential.
• Review letters and forms accordance with specific instructions.
• Ensure a system of complete and correct stock recording of office equipment of high value assets using Onsite Asset management and tagging of inventoried assets and submit an updated report on a quarterly basis.
• Ensure the database of low value assets and related vouchers files.
• Quarterly physical verification of inventory items in each room/regions/office for consistency with the information in the inventory database.
• Annual disposal of obsolete or broken equipment as per BC guidelines.
• Assist in processing necessary permits required by government institutions for visits and delegations, such as NOC's (Non-Objections Certificates) for the respective regions and areas.
• Ensure a comprehensive database of vendors (hotels, transportation, supplies, consultants and travel agents etc) and ensure Key Supplier contracts.

Line Management Responsibilities

Better Cotton Line Management Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of finance, Ops and IT (at least three) to ensure high performance and engagement.
• Work collaboratively with staff to define and agree on objectives, ensuring they are meaningful, achievable, and aligned with Better Cotton's goals.
• Regularly review progress on objectives, providing feedback and ensuring adjustment as necessary.
• Support staff development, ensuring opportunities for growth and training.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback. Performance reviews should focus on achievements, challenges, and professional growth opportunities.

Relationships (Internal & External Collaboration)

Internal

• Collaborates with all teams / functions within BCI-PK to ensure smooth execution of tasks.
• Liaises with banks, auditors, tax department, Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to ensure timely financial transactions, facilitate audits, maintain regulatory compliance, and manage statutory filings and reporting obligations in accordance with legal and organizational requirements.

External

• Liaises with banks, auditors, tax department, Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to ensure timely financial transactions, facilitate audits, maintain regulatory compliance, and manage statutory filings and reporting obligations in accordance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Interact with local administrative authorities, the legal advisor and financial focal points of other development or non-governmental organisations in the country as per advice/instruction from the management

We are looking for someone who has

Education & Experience:

• Interact with local administrative authorities, the legal advisor and financial focal points of other development or non-governmental organisations in the country as per advice/instruction from the management
• Confirmed experience of 10 years of supporting senior-level management in an operational capacity, ideally in a Finance Operations Manager or Financial Manager role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing finance and operations including responsibility for financial reporting, payments review, procurement, and compliance, with a track record of improving accuracy, streamlining procurement processes, and ensuring 100% compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
• Extensive experience in overseeing the finance and operations function in an international setting, ideally, in a not-for-profit or professional organization.
• Excellent command of Urdu and English is mandatory.
• Professional certifications in accounting, finance are highly desirable but not required.

Skills & Competencies (Outcome-Driven)

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Uses analytics to optimise workflows and improve efficiency.
• Process Improvement: Identifies gaps and implements solutions that enhance performance
• Leadership & Coaching: Develops talent and builds high-performing teams.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligns activities and resources with organisational priorities.
• Effective Communication: Tailors messages to engage, inform, and influence varied audiences.
• Change Agility: Responds proactively to shifting needs and organisational change.

Technical Skills

• Financial Reporting & Compliance
• Internal Controls & Risk Management
• Grants & Donor Financial Management
• Audit Coordination & Regulatory Liaison
• Procurement & Vendor Management
• Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working – Two to three days/week in the offices central London, Delhi or Lahore
• The opportunity to work from anywhere in the world for up to one month per year
• Flexible working, with core hours from 10 am to 4 pm local time
• Continuous learning and development
• Pension scheme
• 25 days paid annual leave, plus 8-9 Bank Holidays and a further 3 days off over Christmas
• Enhanced parental benefits
• A warm, positive working environment where everyone is valued
• The opportunity to make your mark and make a difference.

Working arrangements

The position is full-time (40 hours per week) and will be based either in Lahore. Better Cotton offers flexible working, with core hours being 10 am – 4 pm.

Apply now

Send us your CV (2 pages maximum) and a brief cover letter (1-page maximum) by or before via this link.

In your cover letter, please include an explanation of why your experience is specifically relevant to this role at Better Cotton. We want to see your personal style – what makes you tick and why you think your next opportunity is here with us.

Our hiring process

Initial Screening:

Applicant screening is a crucial step in our recruitment process. This stage may involve a brief phone interview or video call to evaluate your suitability for the position. During this screening, we review resumes and cover letters, and may conduct initial background checks to narrow down the pool of applicant. Internal candidates are encouraged to inform their line manager about their application to promote transparency and help facilitate a smooth transition if selected.

Interviews:

If you successfully pass the initial screening, you will be invited for interviews. The interview process at Better Cotton may include one or more rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, such as the hiring manager, team members, and potentially senior management. As an internal candidate, you may have discussions regarding your current responsibilities and how they will transition to the new position.

Assessment and Testing:

Depending on the role, you might be required to complete assessments, technical tests, or skills evaluations to gauge your competency and suitability for the position. Internal candidates may have the option to demonstrate their existing skills through current job performance or past project outcomes.

Reference Checks:

Once you progress further in the process, reference checks are conducted to validate your work history, skills, and qualifications, and for some roles, your education and criminal history. Internal candidates may be asked for references from current or previous supervisors within Better Cotton to provide insights into their performance and capabilities.

Offer stage:

After completing interviews, assessments, and reference checks, the hiring team evaluates your performance and fit for the role. If you are selected and your references are relevant and satisfactory, you will receive a formal job offer letter outlining the terms of employment, compensation, benefits, and any other relevant details. For internal candidates, the offer process may include a discussion about how your transition to the new role will be managed and any support needed for a smooth handover.

About Better Cotton

Better Cotton is a global not-for-profit organisation supporting the production of more equitable and sustainable cotton at farm level. We exist to catalyse the cotton farming community with partners, governments and others to continuously drive positive impact by setting standards and facilitating the supply and demand of more sustainable cotton from farm to brand. In just 15 years we have aligned more than a fifth of the world's cotton with our standard and helped farmers and farming communities thrive. Join us in building a better, more sustainable future for cotton worldwide.

About our Values

The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our workplace values which are:

• Trustworthy (including honest, transparent, credible)
• As having Integrity (including responsible, authentic)
• Positive (including problem-solving, pragmatic)
• Engaging (including adaptable, inclusive, holistic)
• Daring (including courageous, innovative, game-changing)

Being you @ Better Cotton

Better Cotton is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human, and financial resources.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to any attitudes or behaviours that put children or adults at risk of harm. Safeguarding incidents are acts of serious misconduct and are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal and referral to relevant authorities for criminal prosecution. Therefore, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.