Organisational context
The World Mosquito Program (WMP) is a not-for-profit group of companies owned by Monash University that works to protect the global community from mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya. The World Mosquito Program uses naturally occurring bacteria called Wolbachia to reduce the ability of mosquitoes to transmit viruses that cause life-threatening disease. A growing body of evidence to support the efficacy of the method includes a randomised trial in Indonesia which shows a 77% reduction in dengue incidence in areas treated with Wolbachia. In the decade since implementation began in north Queensland, dengue has effectively been eliminated as a public health concern in the region. Our self-sustaining, safe, non-GMO and cost-effective method has been deployed in 14 countries over the past decade, protecting 13.3 million people, and its effectiveness for dengue control has been demonstrated in multiple public health interventions. We are now undergoing rapid organisational growth. Scale-up plans for national deployments in existing countries are in preparation in addition to groundwork for potential expansion to new countries. Multiple risk analyses conducted on the Wolbachia method have concluded that it is safe for people, animals and the environment. We only release mosquitoes with community endorsement. WMP is funded through major grants, government departments and philanthropic supporters from all over the world. You can find out more by visiting www.worldmosquitoprogram.org.
Position purpose
The Financial Planning & Analysis Manager supports the World Mosquito Program’s financial sustainability and strategic growth by partnering across programs, partnerships, operations and finance leading the development of high-quality budgets and funding proposals.
The Financial Planning & Analysis Manager is responsible for translating programmatic, strategic and operational plans into robust, accurate budgets and forecasts. In addition, the role provides timely financial analysis, insights and guidance to support decision making, and leads reporting, modelling and project accounting activities across complex, funded environments.
Within the current business model, the role will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure financial requirements are met, risks are understood and funding opportunities are optimised.
The incumbent will also contribute to continuous improvement of financial systems, tools and processes, and support in the development and implementation of plans, policies and frameworks.
Reporting Line: Financial Controller
Supervisory Responsibilities: Nil
Financial delegation and/or budget responsibilities: Bank signatory.
Key responsibilities
Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead and coordinate budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and planning processes to support organisational and program objectives.
- Partner with finance team members and cost centre managers to develop and maintain budgets and forecasts for WMP and its subsidiaries.
- Support project managers in the preparation, monitoring and reporting of project and donor-funded budgets.
- Support fundraising teams in the preparation of budgets to inform funding proposals.
- Ensure financial plans are aligned with organisational priorities, funding requirements and operational needs.
Funding Proposals
- Support internal stakeholders to translate program design and implementation plans into detailed budgets.
- Prepare funding proposals aligned with funder requirements, cost eligibility rules and organisational policies
- Support handover from proposal to implementation, ensuring approved budgets are accurately reflected in financial systems and reporting frameworks
Reporting, Analysis & Decision Support
- Prepare consolidated Board financial reports and provide high-quality insights to support governance and decision-making.
- Deliver monthly financial reporting, including analysis of results and clear explanations of key variances against budget and forecast.
- Undertake complex financial analysis to support strategic decision-making, operational performance and growth opportunities.
- Provide advice on financial risks and implications associated with planning, performance and investment decisions.
Stakeholder Engagement & Business Partnering
- Contribute to organisational strategic planning by providing financial insight and developing solutions to address emerging issues, trends and opportunities.
- Build and maintain effective partnerships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including Monash University, to deliver expert financial advice and support.
- Act as a trusted advisor to program and operational leaders, strengthening financial capability across the organisation.
Systems, Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Drive continuous improvement in financial planning and analysis systems, processes and service delivery.
- Support month-end financial accounting activities and contribute to external audit processes.
- Lead project related audit processes.
- Provide subject matter expertise in digital transformation initiatives, particularly relating to forecasting and reporting systems.
- Support team effectiveness through collaboration, back-up support and undertaking additional duties as required by the CFO and Financial Controller.
Key selection criteria
Education/Qualifications
- Chartered Accountant or Certified Practising Accountant qualification or equivalent
- 12 years of experience in similar roles
Knowledge and Skills
- Demonstrated experience in strategic financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, financial systems, project costing, and the analysis and monitoring of financial and non-financial performance.
- Highly developed planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, manage multiple deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs in a dynamic environment.
- Proven experience as a trusted business partner, providing financial insight and decision support to enable strategic initiatives and improve organisational performance.
- Demonstrated experience in the implementation, enhancement and optimisation of financial systems, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, with the ability to drive process improvements and support organisational growth.
- Advanced capability in analysing and interpreting large and complex financial and non-financial datasets, using relevant data analysis tools to generate meaningful insights.
- Strong analytical, numeracy and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly understand new concepts and deliver practical, innovative solutions.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including those with varying levels of financial literacy.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgement and initiative within a complex, global operating environment.
- Adaptability and resilience, with the ability to respond effectively to changing organisational needs and priorities.
- Experience in developing and managing project budgets and reporting for international donors; experience with DFAT or similar funding agencies is desirable.
- Business proficiency in French, Spanish or Portuguese is desirable.
Other job-related information
- There will be a requirement to work outside standard working hours due to the global presence of the company and business travels.
- There may be peak periods of work during which taking leave can be restricted.