Regional Business Manager, Africa

Organization Profile
In grateful response to God’s grace empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world.

The Office of International Mission, which relates to the Board for International Mission and implements its policies, is responsible to the President of the Synod through the Chief Mission Officer for the work of the Synod in foreign countries as stated in the Bylaws.

Reporting Relationships

• This position is accountable to the Regional Director.
• Works closely with the Director of Business Operations, IC accounting staff and OIM leadership team to ensure consistency and compliance with LCMS budgeting and financial reporting.
• Works closely with the LCMS Communication staff to inform and involve LCMS constituents in a meaningful way in the work of the OIM on the field through support-building, newsletter-writing and home-service presentation reporting.

Essential Job Functions

• Complete missionary training and language acquisition plan under the direction of the Regional Director and the Director of Missionary Services.
• Assists the Regional Director to work effectively with our international partners, provide project and people management support, and ensure alignment between area tactical plans and global strategic initiatives.
• Assist the RD to create, implement and manage world class programs, projects and systems that profoundly improve organizational capability and efficiency.
• Lead the preparation, monitoring, analysis, and ongoing revision of the multi-year regional budget which includes alliance missionaries.
• Develops and implements reporting tools and methodologies, primarily in the area of finance and regional operations, to support decision making and documentation of initiatives within the region.
• Provides financial leadership, process and training support for personnel engaging in strategic and tactical planning.
• Serves as local steward and manager for LCMS properties and holdings within the region.
• Works with regional leadership to orchestrate the effective implementation of program facets; assists in identifying resources to meet regional and global objectives.
• Manages the regional accounting system and assists with the set-up and oversight of subsidiary systems in countries as needed.
• Serves as the custodian of all monies, bank accounts, stocks, and other financial papers in the region
• Facilitates all approved regional disbursements.
• Collaborates with the US-based staff on processes and best practices.
• Network with the business managers in other Regions of work and/or with other international staff to consider practical improvements.
• This position may travel up to 20% of the time.
• Other duties as assigned by the Regional Director.

Education and Experience

• Experience and proven knowledge of fund accounting, internal control, international finance and treasury functions.
• Experience working in an international or cross-cultural context.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, operations or a related field.
• 3-5 years of accounting, finance or operations experience required.
• Managerial/supervisory experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Active member of an LCMS congregation or of a congregation of any of its partner churches and personal faithfulness to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
• Demonstrated communication skills include verbal and written, attentive and active listening, critical thinking, advising and counseling.
• Able to balance empathy with data-orientation; inclined to protect process and personal integrity.
• Able to maintain performance expectations in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically stressful environments and physical hardship conditions with limited resources.
• Skilled in managing and measuring work.
• Evidenced maturity of skills and proclivity for discretion.
• Strength in qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Expert understanding of accounting principles and procedures, capable of effectively and efficiently managing multiple priorities, quickly evaluating complex issues and identifying resolution.
• Agile, resourceful learner with the capacity to transfer knowledge and skills to colleagues.
• Ability to understand global conditions and differences; able to relate and work effectively within varied, distinct cultures. Demonstrated cultural resilience and adaptability.
• Oriented toward big-picture goal attainment with an understanding of tactical requirements.
• Proven ability to work independently, as well as, collaboratively.
• Ability to clearly articulate the Lutheran faith according to LCMS standards.
• Experience in Accounting information systems or non-profit funding, preferred.
• Demonstrated ILR 2 or higher in local Language preferred.  If not proficient, a willingness to participate in a language learning program to achieve such proficiency.
• Ability to utilize standard technology on the field – laptop, smartphone, and basic connectivity troubleshooting.
• Ability to use the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the email functions and calendar functions of Microsoft Outlook.
• Ability to qualify for permanent residence overseas and to enter the US on business.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None