Head, Finance Operations & Data Analytics
Mastercard Foundation
Job Overview
Location
Africa
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Arrangement
On-site
Sector
Finance & Banking
Experience Level
Executive (12+ years)
About the Company
The Mastercard Foundation is a leading global charity dedicated to advancing education and financial inclusion. With a mission to empower young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada, the Foundation collaborates with visionary organizations to create pathways to dignified and fulfilling work.
Established in 2006, the Foundation operates independently with offices across Africa and in Toronto. Its strategic focus includes enabling 100,000 Indigenous youth in Canada through its EleV strategy and empowering 30 million young people in Africa, particularly young women, through the Young Africa Works strategy by 2030.
The Foundation fosters a culture of ambition, curiosity, and collaboration, guided by strong values. They seek to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper, encouraging bold ideas and a team-oriented approach to achieve meaningful impact.
Job Description
We are seeking a visionary leader to head our Finance Operations and Data Analytics division. This critical role is responsible for driving financial planning, enhancing performance management, and achieving operational excellence across our programs.
You will establish and lead a high-performing data analytics function, embedding a data-driven culture throughout the organization. Your expertise will be crucial in developing and implementing a comprehensive analytics strategy, designing insightful dashboards, and leveraging advanced techniques to inform strategic decisions and anticipate future trends.
This position also involves optimizing finance operations, championing process improvements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful transformation programs. You will serve as a trusted advisor, shaping strategic priorities and ensuring effective execution of key initiatives through data-informed insights.
To apply for this role, click the Apply button on this page and follow the instructions.
Required Skills
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and lead a high-performing data analytics function within Program Finance.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive data analytics strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
- Design and oversee the creation of dashboards, predictive models, and performance metrics.
- Partner with leaders to translate data insights into strategic actions for planning, budgeting, and investment.
- Establish data governance and quality assurance processes for financial and operational data.
- Leverage advanced analytics techniques for risk anticipation, opportunity identification, and financial agility.
- Develop a performance measurement framework linking financial results with program outcomes.
- Collaborate with Technology and Operations teams to define data architecture and optimize reporting systems.
- Build analytical capability within the Finance team through training and coaching.
- Communicate complex analytical findings clearly to senior stakeholders.
- Continuously evaluate and evolve analytics tools and practices.
- Promote ethical and responsible use of data and analytics.
- Collaborate with enterprise data governance bodies.
- Explore and adopt emerging technologies such as AI and advanced predictive analytics.
- Establish partnerships with external experts to accelerate analytics innovation.
- Lead the optimization and transformation of finance operations, driving efficiency and scalability.
- Develop and implement data analytics frameworks to monitor operational performance and identify efficiency opportunities.
- Leverage advanced analytics tools and insights to improve forecasting accuracy and streamline workflows.
- Partner with the Program Operations & Planning (POP) function to deliver transformation programs.
- Collaborate with Operations teams to develop system roadmaps and evaluate automation tools.
- Design and standardize fit-for-purpose finance processes and tools.
- Apply robust risk management and control frameworks to transformation initiatives.
- Partner with the Finance Director to develop business cases and apply financial analytics.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Finance Director, shaping strategic priorities and driving data-informed decisions.
- Develop and maintain KPI dashboards, predictive models, and performance metrics.
- Deliver insight-driven reporting by integrating historical results with forward-looking forecasts.
- Use data visualization and analytical storytelling to communicate actionable insights.
- Partner with Data Analytics to strengthen predictive capabilities and ensure data integrity.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience.
- At least 5 years in a senior management or leadership role.
- Proven track record in senior financial roles within large, complex, and/or global organizations.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing data analytics strategies and tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau, SQL, Python).
- Proven ability to lead large-scale finance transformation and drive operational excellence.
- Strong financial acumen with deep understanding of finance operations, systems, and controls.
- Expertise in data analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Python/R).
- Skilled in project management, strategic reporting, and evidence-based decision-making.
- Exceptional communicator and influencer, able to engage senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
- Strong collaborator and relationship builder.
- Demonstrated project and change management capability (Lean Six Sigma certification an asset).
- Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and capacity building.
- Experience in Transformation programs and Projects at a regional/global scale is an added advantage.
- Culturally agile, values-driven leader with integrity and adaptability.
- Commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.
Benefits & Perks
- Opportunity to lead significant financial and operational transformation.
- Work with a global organization focused on impactful development.
- Collaborative and values-driven work environment.
- Chance to shape strategic priorities and drive data-informed decisions.
How to Apply
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This pivotal role leads finance planning, performance management, and operational excellence within the Program Finance division. You will spearhead the development of a robust data analytics function to drive evidence-based decision-making, uncover predictive insights, and foster continuous improvement. This position is instrumental in overseeing high-impact projects and championing cross-functional transformation initiatives.
Posted Date
February 10, 2026
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