Assistant Manager – Business Controls & Reporting

You will be part of the largest skills development fund in Pakistan. PSDF’s purpose is to shape the future and well-being of our poor and vulnerable youth by giving them access to skills training of the highest standard so they can find sustainable employment and income-generating opportunities in Pakistan and beyond.

The impact we have created

PSDF started its operations in the 4 poorest districts of Punjab. Since 2016, the geographical remit has expanded to the entire 36 districts of Punjab and other districts of Sindh, Balochistan & KPK. PSDF has trained almost 600,000 underprivileged youth across Punjab. These graduates have been trained in approximately 250+ demand-driven and market-relevant trades across 8 sectors.

Diversified and challenging team

At PSDF, our team constantly works in a fast-paced and challenging environment and needs someone who can match and deliver at our pace. We are looking for a passionate and talented individual who can actively pursue and drive the agenda of PSDF and is always ready to take up new challenges.

The Assistant Manager – Business Financial Controls & Reporting will serve as a strategic finance business partner to program and business teams by providing financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial advisory support for development projects, donor-funded initiatives, digital programs, and other business interventions. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring financial viability, budgetary control, donor compliance, variance analysis, management reporting, and data-driven decision support to facilitate effective project implementation and organizational growth.

The primary job responsibilities for this role will be to:

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the development of detailed project budgets, financial models, and cost estimates for PC-1s, donor-funded projects, development programs, and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare financial proposals, costing structures, and budget estimates for Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Expressions of Interest (EOIs), donor submissions, and funding bids.
• Support business units in the preparation of project financial plans and resource allocation strategies.
• Develop annual, quarterly, monthly, and project-wise financial forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Review project assumptions and conduct financial feasibility analyses to support decision-making by senior management.

Business Financial Controls

• Establish and monitor project-level financial controls to ensure optimal utilization of funds and compliance with approved budgets.
• Monitor project expenditures against approved budgets and funding allocations.
• Ensure adherence to donor requirements, funding agreements, organizational policies, and applicable financial regulations.
• Identify financial risks and recommend mitigation measures to business and program management.
• Advise project teams on budgetary implications of operational decisions and proposed program modifications.

Financial Reporting & Management Information

• Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual financial reports for projects, programs, and business units.
• Develop and maintain management dashboards, KPIs, and performance monitoring reports for senior management and business heads.
• Produce project-wise and organizational financial performance reports highlighting key trends and financial indicators.
• Prepare comprehensive variance analyses comparing actual expenditures against approved budgets and forecasts, including detailed explanations and recommendations for corrective actions.
• Present financial performance reports and budget utilization updates to senior management and relevant stakeholders.

Business Partnering & Financial Advisory

• Act as a finance focal person for assigned business units and projects.
• Provide financial guidance and decision-support to Program Design, Digital Programs, and other business teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support business heads in evaluating financial implications of strategic initiatives and operational decisions.
• Participate in project planning discussions and provide recommendations to enhance financial sustainability and efficiency.

Donor & Project Financial Management

• Ensure compliance with donor-specific financial requirements, reporting obligations, and budgetary restrictions.
• Support preparation of financial reports required by donors, development partners, government stakeholders, and funding agencies.
• Coordinate with project teams to ensure timely availability of financial information and supporting documentation.
• Monitor project budgets and funding utilization to ensure compliance with approved funding arrangements.

Data Analysis & Performance Monitoring

• Conduct financial trend analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and scenario modeling for existing and proposed projects.
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify efficiency improvement opportunities.
• Develop financial performance metrics and monitoring tools to strengthen business decision-making.
• Support target setting and performance measurement processes through financial analysis and reporting.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate with Program Development, Digital Programs, Procurement, Monitoring & Evaluation, Finance Operations, and other departments for collection and validation of financial information.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders regarding project financial matters and reporting requirements.
• Support audits, reviews, and financial assessments related to assigned projects and programs.

Other Responsibilities

• Ensure proper maintenance of project financial records and documentation.
• Contribute towards continuous improvement of financial planning, reporting, and control frameworks.
• Undertake any other assignments, duties, and responsibilities as assigned by the Manager Finance, Chief Financial Officer, or Business Heads from time to time.

• Accuracy and timeliness of project budgets and forecasts.
• Quality and timeliness of management reports and dashboards.
• Effectiveness of budget monitoring and variance analysis.
• Compliance with donor and organizational financial requirements.
• Financial support provided for successful acquisition of grants, donor funding, and development projects.
• Quality of financial advisory services provided to business units.
• Timely submission of periodic financial reports and management information.

Qualification & Experience

• CA (Inter), ACCA, ACMA, MBA Finance, M.Com, BBA (Hons) Finance, or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in financial planning, budgeting, project finance, management reporting, donor-funded projects, or business finance.
• Experience in development sector, public sector projects, donor-funded programs, or corporate financial planning will be preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred), MS Excel, financial modeling, and business intelligence/reporting tools.

Required Skills

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Project Financial Management
• Business Partnering
• Financial Modeling
• Variance Analysis
• Dashboard & Management Reporting
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• Stakeholder Management
• Communication & Presentation Skills
• Donor Compliance & Reporting
• ERP/SAP Proficiency

PSDF has a lot more to offer than a market competitive salary and perks. As a PSDF employee you will get:

• Professional development and career growth opportunities with the largest skills development fund in Pakistan.
• Experience a dynamic innovation-driven environment committed to empowering youth through employment and entrepreneurship.
• Opportunity to lead and execute groundbreaking approaches to skills development for Pakistan’s youth.