Reporting to the Executive Director, Program Finance, the Lead, Finance Operations will play a key role in driving financial planning, operational excellence, and performance management across the Program Finance team. You will lead key finance transformation initiatives, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and support strategic execution to ensure effective program delivery and strong financial stewardship in support of the Foundation’s mission across Africa.

Responsibilities
Partnering with the Executive Director, Program Finance
• Prioritize and coordinate high-impact initiatives and projects.
• Manage internal/external requests and ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
• Support cross-functional communication, meeting agendas, and team convenings.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable workplans, identifying resourcing needs.
• Lead governance, planning, and coordination of Program Finance activities.
• Provide analytical support and administrative oversight for key transformation efforts.

Finance Operations
• Collaborate with Program Operations & Planning on transformation initiatives.
• Lead the development and implementation of finance systems and processes.
• Ensure strong risk management, compliance, and internal controls.
• Partner on business cases and strategic financial analyses to support initiatives.
• Drive operational alignment across Finance and other operational teams.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and team capability-building.

Performance Management and Reporting
• Lead the planning and performance monitoring process across Program Finance.
• Integrate historical and forward-looking data to support decision-making.
• Drive strategic KPI tracking, financial performance reviews, and Board reporting.
• Support financial forecasting and variance analysis with a strategic lens.
• Provide insights and recommendations to optimize resource allocation.

Job requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Professional accounting designation (CPA, ACCA, etc.) and membership in a relevant professional body
• Minimum 15 years of experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Proven experience in financial leadership within large or global organizations.
• Expertise in managing transformation initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Strong project management capabilities (e.g., Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is an asset).
• Knowledge of financial planning, reporting, and risk management frameworks.
• Experience in leading diverse, multi-disciplinary teams across geographies and sectors.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High degree of professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and integrity.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Foundation’s vision, values, and purpose.


The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
Completion of satisfactory business references and background checks are essential conditions of employment.