Finance and Operations Manager (Changsha, Hunan, China)

Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) is a global health organization that partners locally and globally to create and scale solutions to the world’s deadliest health threats. Millions of people die from preventable health threats. We collaborate to close the gap between proven, life-saving solutions and the people who need them. Since 2017, we’ve worked with governments and other partners in more than 60 countries to save millions of lives. We work toward a future where people live longer, healthier lives, communities flourish, and economies thrive. This is an ambitious vision, and it inspires us and our partners to make progress every day. 

RTSL is registered in the People’s Republic of China as Resolve to Save Lives, Global Health Promotion Organization (United States), Hunan Representative Office to actively participate in the realization of the Healthy China 2030 Planning Outline and to foster cooperation and exchange between the People’s Republic of China and other global countries in the field of public health. The Hunan Representative Office will cooperate with the government, the health system, and other partners to apply evidence-based and innovative methods and technologies and provide technical and financial support for the development, practice, and research of public health systems and the public health workforce. Geographical areas of activities include Hunan Province, Beijing Municipality, Liaoning Province, Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, Jiangxi Province, Shandong Province, and Shaanxi Province.  

Position Purpose

The Finance and Operations Manager oversees the financial and operational management of RTSL’s China office, ensuring that the office operates effectively, responsibly, and in compliance with Chinese regulatory requirements and RTSL policies.

Reporting to the Country Director and working closely with RTSL’s global Finance and Operations teams and a fiscal agency, the Manager oversees financial management and reporting, budgeting, internal controls, compliance, procurement, office operations, and external service providers. The role provides the Country Director and program staff with reliable financial and operational guidance, identifies and manages risks, and ensures that systems and processes effectively support RTSL’s work in China.

The Finance and Operations Manager also serves as a key link between the China office and RTSL’s global functional teams and promotes strong stewardship, accountability, and efficient ways of working across the office. This is a one-year fixed-term employment agreement. RTSL is prepared to cover relocation costs for the selected candidate.

Core Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee the financial management and accounting of the China office, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting and compliance with applicable Chinese requirements and RTSL policies.
• Manage relationships with accounting, fiscal, payroll, banking, and other financial service providers and ensure the quality and timeliness of their work.
• Lead country budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow planning, and budget monitoring, providing analysis and guidance to the Country Director and program staff, as needed.
• Oversee banking, payments, accounting records, payroll-related financial processes, and other financial transactions, ensuring appropriate authorization, documentation, and controls.
• Coordinate closely with RTSL Global Finance to ensure China financial information is appropriately reflected in organizational reporting and planning.

Compliance, Controls, and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable Chinese accounting, tax, banking, financial, and other regulatory requirements, working with internal and external specialists as needed.
• Maintain effective internal controls and appropriate segregation of duties across financial and operational processes.
• Coordinate audits, regulatory reporting and inspections, and ensure that identified issues are addressed appropriately.
• Monitor financial, operational, compliance, and other organizational risks and advise the Country Director and relevant global teams on appropriate mitigation or escalation.
• Support compliance with donor requirements, contracts, organizational policies, and other obligations relevant to RTSL’s operations in China.

Operations Management

• Lead the effective day-to-day operations of RTSL’s China office, ensuring systems and processes are practical, compliant, and appropriate to the needs of the team.
• Oversee procurement, vendor and contract management, office and facilities administration, travel and event operations, and organizational assets.
• Maintain and implement fit-for-purpose country operating policies and procedures in alignment with RTSL global standards and local requirements.
• Serve as the China office focal point for operational coordination with Global Operations, IT, HR, Legal, and other functional teams.
• Oversee external vendors and service providers, ensuring appropriate performance, value, compliance, and accountability.

Safety, Security, and Business Continuity

• Serve as the country focal point for safety and security, working with the Country Director and Global Operations to maintain appropriate security, emergency, and business continuity arrangements.
• Monitor relevant risks and ensure staff have appropriate guidance, information, and support for safe travel and working arrangements.
• Coordinate response to operational incidents and emergencies as needed.

Organizational Collaboration and Support

• Serve as a trusted financial and operational advisor to the Country Director and China team, helping translate organizational requirements into practical country-level processes.
• Build effective working relationships across the China office and with RTSL’s global Finance, Operations, HR, Legal, IT, and program teams.
• Promote clear, efficient, and consistent ways of working and help staff understand their responsibilities under relevant financial and operational policies.
• Contribute to planning and organizational improvement initiatives that strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of RTSL’s operations in China.

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: China Office Leadership, RTSL Global Finance, Human Resources, Global Operations, and Program Teams.
• External: Accounting service agency, HR/payroll service agency, banks, tax and professional advisors, vendors, consultants, auditors, and relevant governmental authorities.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience; a relevant professional qualification is desirable.
• Substantial experience in finance, accounting, and operations management in China, ideally within an international nonprofit, representative office, or similarly regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of relevant Chinese accounting, tax, banking, and financial compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, audit, and management of external financial or professional service providers.
• Experience overseeing broader operational functions such as procurement, vendor management, office administration, staff safety and security, and compliance.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong financial management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Sound judgment and ability to identify, manage, and appropriately escalate financial, compliance, and operational risks.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and recurring deadlines.
• Ability to translate policies and regulatory requirements into practical, efficient processes.
• Strong communication and relationship-management skills, including the ability to work effectively across local and global teams and with external service providers.
• High standards of integrity, discretion, accountability, and stewardship of organizational resources.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and financial/accounting systems skills.
• Professional proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and English.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this role is competitive and set according to national labor rates for the international NGO sector in China. The exact offer will be determined by various factors, such as the candidate’s skills and experience relative to the requirements of the role. 

In addition to a competitive salary, Resolve to Save Lives provides a generous package of benefits, including:   

• Health insurance for you and your dependents  
• Paid annual leave and sick leave, in addition to public holidays  
• Two paid, week-long organization-wide breaks at mid-year and end-of-year   
• Professional development funds  
• Up-to-date computer equipment  

RTSL believes its programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by individuals with diverse life experiences whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We encourage applications from and provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, organ donor status, or status as a veteran. Resolve to Save Lives complies with all applicable US EEO laws.