Senior Finance Manager – Live & Learn Environmental Education Samoa
Location: Apia, Samoa
Reports to: Country Manager (Samoa) and Finance Director (Melbourne)
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension based on funding and performance
Start date: As soon as practicable
About Live & Learn
Live & Learn Environmental Education is a small, effective network of community development offices across Asia and the Pacific. We implement community-based projects focused on climate resilience, nature-based solutions, inclusion, and well-being.
Live & Learn Samoa (LLEE-Samoa) is a newly established office, and this role offers a rare opportunity to help shape a new local organisation from the ground up.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Finance Manager to lead the finance and administration function for Live & Learn Samoa. This is a foundational role in a new country office, with the chance to:
- Help design and implement financial systems, policies, and processes tailored to Samoa’s context.
- Contribute to the development of governance structures, including supporting a strong and supportive local Board.
- Work closely with the Melbourne office and regional team to align with Live & Learn’s standards while building something uniquely Samoan.
- Grow your skills through mentorship from experienced regional finance leaders and targeted professional development opportunities.
If you are motivated by building systems, strengthening local capacity, and seeing your work directly enable community impact, this role is for you.
Key Responsibilities:
Finance and Reporting
- Manage all day-to-day finance operations for the Samoa office, including processing vouchers, payments, and payroll in line with donor and partner requirements.
- Maintain accurate and timely financial records in MYOB (or equivalent), ensuring compliance with Live & Learn policies and donor agreements.
- Prepare monthly bank reconciliations, general ledger reviews, and financial reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, fund acquittals) for submission to the Melbourne office.
- Develop, monitor, and update project budgets and costed work plans each quarter in collaboration with the Country Manager and program team.
- Oversee cash flow and bank balances to ensure sufficient funds for operations; coordinate timely invoicing for project funds.
- Manage project advances, ensuring timely release, monitoring, and settlement within required timeframes.
- Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register in line with donor requirements.
- Coordinate the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and the Melbourne office to ensure timely submission of audited financial statements.
- Identify and report financial and operational risks to the Melbourne office, partners, and donors.
HR, Administration, and Logistics
- Ensure all employment contracts and HR processes comply with the Live & Learn HR Manual and Samoan labour regulations.
- Oversee recruitment processes and maintain staff records, including leave registers (annual, sick, etc.).
- Process salary payments on time and reconcile payroll liability accounts monthly, ensuring timely payments to government agencies (e.g., NPF, ACC).
- Support compliance with Samoan tax and statutory requirements.
- Manage office logistics, including vehicles, drivers, maintenance schedules, and vehicle logbooks.
- Maintain relevant insurance policies (e.g., motor vehicle, travel).
- Coordinate with project teams to allocate office resources effectively to support program delivery.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Country Manager and Finance Director (Melbourne).
The Ideal Candidate
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A relevant tertiary qualification in finance, accounting, or business (degree or qualified accountant).
- At least minimum 3-5five years’ experience in a comparable senior finance and administration role, preferably within a not-for-profit or development context.
- Strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting procedures, and internal controls.
- Essential experience with MYOB and MS Excel (advanced Excel skills highly regarded).
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to meet deadlines.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team.
- Strong communication skills in English; fluency in Samoan is an advantage.
- Willingness to reside and work in Apia, Samoa, and engage regularly with the Melbourne office.
Experience in setting up or strengthening finance systems in a new or growing organisation will be highly valued.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Government-mandated leave and benefits (e.g., NPF, ACC).
- A supportive, values-driven work culture that encourages practical engagement, innovation, and local leadership.
- The opportunity to help build a new organisation—shaping its systems, processes, and governance alongside a strong and supportive Board.
- Mentorship and skills development through regular engagement with experienced regional finance staff and the Melbourne finance team.
- A meaningful role where your work directly contributes to climate resilience, community well-being, and environmental stewardship in Samoa
How to Apply
Please submit your:
- Cover letter outlining your interest in this role and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities above.
- Current CV with details of at least two professional referees.
Please note: We interview candidates as applications are received and there is no formal closing date. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible—do not wait, as the position may be filled before later applications are reviewed.
Live & Learn is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from qualified Samoan nationals and residents.
For Any question or clarifications please send your email to Ms. Julian ([email protected])
