Consultancy period:  Ideally Sept-Dec 2024 

Type of Contract: Consultancy (or fixed term Swiss employment contract) 

Languages Required: English  

Consultancy start target date: ASAP: Sept / October 2024 

Duration of Contract: 50-60 days / 80 – 100% over a 3–4-month period  

Application deadline: 12/09/2024 

 

About ACT Alliance  

ACT Alliance is one of the world’s largest coalition of churches and church-related organisations engaged in humanitarian, development and advocacy work. It consists of 150 members working together in over 120 countries, with headquarters in 73 countries, whose aim is to create a positive and sustainable change in the lives of poor and marginalised people regardless of their religion, politics, gender, sexual orientation, race or nationality in keeping with the highest international codes and standards. 64% of our members are headquartered in the Global South, 30% in the Global North, and 6% are Global members. For more details about the general work of ACT, please refer to http://www.actalliance.org/. 

 

 

Terms of Reference  

 

1.  Background 

 

ACT Alliance Secretariat is undertaking a revision and development of its finance structures and processes to enhance its financial management, transparency, and accountability. A finance consultant with knowledge in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is required to lead this initiative over a three-to-four-month period starting in September 2024. As the majority of the finance team is based in Bangkok, Thailand, availability for travel to Bangkok to meet and discuss with the team in person would be expected in the start-up phase of the consultancy.  

 

1.  Objectives 

 

The main objectives of the consultancy are to: 

 

• Advise on a fit-for-purpose financial structure and processes.  

• Review financial controls and develop a comprehensive control matrix. 

• Revise and further develop the Finance Manual and related policies. 

• Ensure integration and optimization within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. 

 

1. Scope of Work 

 

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 

 

1. Advise on a fit-for-purpose financial structure and processes: 

• Review team roles and responsibilities, advising on optimised structure. 

• Review and assess the current financial processes, policies and chart of accounts, advising on recommended changes. 

 

1. b) Review of financial controls and develop a comprehensive control matrix:

 

• Develop control systems, including approval processes, ensuring segregation of duties. 

• Document revised processes in a control matrix. 

 

1. c) Revise finance processes and document in the Finance Manual and policies:

• Identify gaps and areas for improvement in accounting and financial reporting. 

• Map finance processes, advising on optimised ways of working. 

• Develop updated financial management procedures (standards and guidelines). 

• Draft necessary finance policies including, but not limited to, travel expense and exchange rate policies.  

 

1. d) Implementation and Integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central:

• Design work segregation and finance staff workflow within the BC system. 

• Recommend revised processes within the BC system. 

 

1. e) Miscellaneous

• Advise on Swiss GAAP and other relevant issues. 

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and best practices. 

• Provide training and support to finance staff on the new processes and policies. 

 

1. Deliverables 

 

The consultant is expected to deliver the following: 

• Assessment report of the current financial structure and processes. 

• Financial control matrix. 

• Revised Finance Manual and related finance policies, ensuring full integration within MS Dynamics Business Central. 

• Training materials and sessions for finance staff. 

• Final report summarizing the consultancy work, outcomes, and recommendations. 

 

1. Duration and Timeline 

 

The consultancy will be for a period of three to four months, ideally 80% or full time and commencing in September/October and concluding in December 2024. 

 

1. Required Qualifications 

 

The consultant should have: 

• Extensive experience in financial management and consultancy. 

• Proven experience in designing financial structures and processes. 

• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central finance system. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Excellent communication skills within a multi-national and multi-cultural environment, 

• Experience working with non-profit organizations is preferred. 

• Knowledge and experience of Swiss accounting norms. 

 

1. Reporting and Management 

 

The consultant will report to the Director of Operations of ACT Alliance and will work closely with the finance team throughout the consultancy period. 

 

1. Payment Terms 

 

Payment will be made in instalments based on the completion of agreed milestones or monthly for work completed. Expenses for any agreed travel will be paid by ACT. Detailed payment terms will be discussed and agreed upon during the contract negotiation. 

 

1.  Application Process 

 

Qualified candidates are invited to send their documents to Recruitment@actalliance.org  indicating “Finance consultant 2024” in the subject of the email  

by 12th of September 2024, 23h59 CET in PDF format.   

 

Only registered consultants or companies shall be considered for a consultancy. (Alternatively, Swiss nationals or EU/EEA nationals with the right to work in Switzerland can be considered for a short-term employment contract.)  

 

Interested candidates should submit the following: 

• Expression of interest outlining the approach to the consultancy, including a work plan with timeline and your availability. 

• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience. 

• References from previous similar consultancy engagements. 

• Consultancy registration (or nationality/work permit details if not consultant). 

• Financial offer: gross daily rate for the consultancy in CHF – including administrative overheads, taxes, and any charges.  

 

Please note that ACT adheres to the SCHR misconduct scheme https://www.schr.info/the-misconduct-disclosure-scheme as part of reference checking, ACT will contact the current and former employer(s) of the preferred candidate, asking them to complete a Statement of Conduct form.  

We ask for understanding that we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates.