Finance & Operations Manager job at Mbuya Graduate Transition Centre

1. Organizational Context

Mbuya Graduate Transition Centre (MGTC) is a specialized Business Development Services (BDS) institution based in Mbuya, Kampala. MGTC provides competency-based transition support that enables graduates from secondary, TVET, tertiary and university pathways to move into employment, entrepreneurship or enterprise growth.

The Centre’s programme combines an intensive 8-week full-time immersive track and a 20–24 week hybrid track, supported by a common learning architecture, Peer Accountability Groups, career pathways and sector-based Innovation Labs. The programme is built around a common learning architecture, Peer Accountability Groups, and five sector-based Innovation Labs, and is designed to align with Uganda’s National BDS Standards.

MGTC operates a physical campus with a training facility, co-working space and revenue-generating services, alongside grant- and donor-funded programme activity, all of which require disciplined financial management and reliable operations. This role exists to sustain the Centre’s mission with sound financial stewardship, statutory compliance and a functioning facility, with functions that are distinct enough from programme delivery to require dedicated ownership.

MGTC is being established as a quality-assured and sustainable institution, requiring strong financial management, operational systems, human resource administration and organisational controls to support effective programme delivery and institutional growth.

2. Job Purpose 

The Finance and Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the sound financial management and effective day-to-day operations of MGTC.

The role oversees budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, procurement, administration, human resources and operational systems, ensuring that MGTC has the financial discipline, controls, resources and operational infrastructure required to deliver its programmes efficiently and sustainably.

The Manager provides timely financial and operational information to support management decision-making, ensures compliance with applicable requirements and works closely with the Centre Director and other managers to strengthen MGTC’s institutional sustainability and operational effectiveness.

3. Key Duties and Responsibilities

3.1 Financial Management

• Lead GTC’s budgeting, accounting, financial reporting and cash-flow management.
• Prepare and monitor annual budgets and periodic financial forecasts.
• Ensure accurate, timely and transparent financial records and reports.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and advise management on significant variances.
• Ensure proper stewardship of organisational financial resources, operating within the internal-controls framework.

3.2 Operations and Administration  

• Oversee the day-to-day administrative and operational functioning of the Centre.
• Ensure the Centre has appropriate facilities, equipment, systems and services to support programme delivery.
• Develop and maintain operational policies, procedures and systems.
• Coordinate logistics and operational support for cohorts, events and other Centre activities.

3.3 Procurement and Asset Management  

• Oversee procurement processes in accordance with approved policies and delegated authorities.
• Ensure value for money, transparency and appropriate documentation in procurement.
• Maintain effective assets, inventory and record management systems.
• Monitor service providers and operational contracts.

3.4 Human Resource and Staff Administration

• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, contracts, personnel records and staff administration.
• Support implementation of MGTC’s performance management and staff development processes.
• Ensure compliance with employment policies and applicable labour requirements.
• Promote a professional, safe and supportive working environment.

3.5 Risk, Compliance and Internal Controls

• Own and maintain effective internal controls across financial and operational functions, including procurement, assets and cash management.
• Identify and manage financial, operational and administrative risks, feeding significant risks into the Centre Director’s institutional risk register.
• Support statutory, audit and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and follow up agreed recommendations.

3.6 Management Support and Reporting

• Provide regular financial and operational reports to the Centre Director and management team.
• Provide financial information to support programme planning, pricing, resource allocation and institutional decision-making.
• Work closely with the Programmes Manager and Partnerships & Communications Manager to ensure operational and financial requirements are adequately planned and resourced.
• Contribute to institutional planning and initiatives aimed at improving MGTC’s financial sustainability and efficiency.

4. Required Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce, Management or a related field.
• Professional accounting qualifications such as ACCA, CPA or equivalent.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Management or a related field.

5. Experience

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, including significant responsibility for financial and operational management, of which at least 3 years at senior/managerial level. 
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, financial reporting, accounting and internal controls.
• Experience overseeing procurement, administration, human resources and organisational operations.
• Experience managing financial and operational systems within an organisation, programme, enterprise or institution.
• Experience supporting audits, compliance and risk management.
• Experience in a start-up, education, BDS, social enterprise, NGO or development-sector environment is desirable.

6. Core Competencies

• Financial management and reporting
• Budgeting and financial planning
• Internal controls and risk management
• Operations and administration
• Procurement and contract management
• Human-resource administration
• Compliance and audit management
• Resource planning and cost management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Strong organisational and analytical skills

7. Working Conditions

• Full-time position based at the MGTC Mbuya campus, with occasional travel for banking, regulatory and vendor engagements. 
• Occasional evening and weekend work around audits, year-end close and major institutional events.
• The appointment is subject to a six (6)-month probationary period, with confirmation contingent on a satisfactory performance review, followed by a notice period as specified in the employment contract and MGTC HR Policy.

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