Financial Accountant at Creative Associates International

Project Description

• On September 25, 2015, the United States Agency for International Development/West Africa (USAID/WA) awarded Creative Associates International (Creative) a four and a half (4.5) year contract to implement its Reacting to Early Warning and Response Data (REWARD) activity in West Africa. REWARD is part of a broader United States Government (USG) initiative, the Early Warning and Response Partnership (EWARP) which was announced at the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in August 2014. The objective of EWARP is to bolster the capacity of the ECOWAS Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) to monitor, gather, analyze and disseminate threat information to its 15-member states to support peace and security in the region.
• In support of this objective, REWARD addresses critical gaps in the conflict early warning and response systems of ECOWAS. REWARD has a two-tier approach:
  • Work with the ECOWAS Department of Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) and ECOWAS’s Early Warning Directorate (EWD) to enhance conflict early warning and response systems to reduce the risk of violence across West Africa in the 15 ECOWAS Member States; and
  • Support national and local stakeholders in targeted countries in the region to mitigate electoral violence triggers before they escalate into violence.

Position Summary

• The Finance Manager will manage the project’s financial systems.
• S/He will work under the supervision of the Chief of Party and will work on all matters related to financial management, financial reporting, subcontracting.
• S/He will also ensure sufficient funds are available for effective and efficient implementation of project activities and support programs.
• Specific areas of responsibility include financial report preparation, review and submission to headquarters and cash flow management, and grant payments.

Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Financial Management:

• Supervise and ensure day-to-day accounting operations and financial management functions are performed in compliance with internal and client’s policies and procedures.
• Ensure funds’ availability and verify that all procurement and Grants-Under-Contract actions are compliant with internal and client’s financial management guidelines.
• Ensure that all accounting data is updated, reconciled and fully supported with backup docs.
• Ensure timely processing of staff payroll, allowances and other reimbursements.
• Oversee financial and administrative functions of the execution of grants to all regional grantees.
• Monitor program and operational forecasting, establish and maintain cash controls to ensure supply of adequate funds.

Financial Reporting:

• Manages the project’s finances to meet the financial reporting requirements, ensuring that all financial reports are submitted on or before the deadlines.
• Produce segregated finance records at the request of the Chief of Party such as expenses for specific locations or grants.
• Ensure accurate and smooth month & year-end closing and reporting within agreed schedules.
• Provide financial status of project expenses and budget information, as and when required by the Chief of Party.

Budgeting:

• Prepare budgets, monitor, review and revise as required in consultation with the Chief of Party.
• Prepare Budget vs. Actual analysis and report the variances to the Chief of Party.

Internal Controls and Compliance:

• Ensure proper controls are maintained.
• Ensure compliance with the Country local laws, particularly on withholding taxes.
• Ensure timely deposit of withholding taxes and reporting to Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).
• Alert potential non-compliance financial issues to the attention of the Chief of Party.
• Coordinate with Program & Grant Teams to establish proper controls for grants management.
• Establish procedures and forms for requesting and issuance of advances for program needs.
• Ensure and routinely test for maintenance of audit-ready documentation.

Qualifications
Education and Experiences:

• Having at least a Master’s or its equivalent degree with 5 years working experience or having a Bachelor’s degree with 7 years’ relevant experience.

Computer Skills:

• Experience with computerized accounting essential.
• Familiar with all MS Office applications.

Language Proficiency:

• English in reading, writing and speaking.

Skills/Knowledge Required: Preferred experience would include:

• U. S government (USAID preferred) administrative compliance experience
• Exposure working with international operations
• Ability to work with and achieve results with a diverse group of personnel located in many countries
• Strong organizational and managerial skills.