Chief Accountant at ACDI VOCA

Project: Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project

Job Description

• ACDI/VOCA is seeking experienced and talented professionals for the Chief Accountant position. The position will be based in Kano.
• This is an administrative & technical position.
• The position will be responsible for day-to-day management of project accounting/finance functions.
• She/he will also be responsible for training 4 Farm Management Centers (FMCs) in basic accounting & finance practices pertaining to FMCs.
• For the project, this position maintains accounting systems, standards, records and enforces policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Coordinates with bookkeeper in a sub office in Abuja to ensure that sub office financial/accounting matters are executed efficiently.
• Maintains internal controls over receipts, disbursements, & management of all financial resources.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the financial records of the field office including day-to-day field office operating expenditures, financial and accounting transactions, and bank accounts:
  • Ensures correct and timely payments to vendors, landlords and service providers.
  • Maintains banking relationship, including preparing bank deposits & correspondence.
  • Prepares monthly reconciliations of bank account.
  • Prepares vouchers and checks/wire transfers for payments. Ensures all supporting documentation and journal entries are accurate.
  • Ensure payments are allowable, allocable and compliant with local govt., donor and ACDI/VOCA regulations.
  • Ensures ledgers are accurate and compliant with applicable cost principles.
  • Prepares statutory monthly/annual tax return reports for local tax authorities
  • Processes/prepares employees’ travel advances & ensures advances are liquidated.
  • Reconcile all balance sheet accounts on a monthly basis.
  • Makes per diem payments to trainees, training/workshop participants and facilitators.
  • Follows VAT guidelines and requirements regarding payment of VAT in country. Prepares regular VAT claims for submission to the donor & assist in preparing tax return reports
• Prepares regular and ad hoc financial documents and reports as requested:
  • Prepares/submits field office financial reports, supporting documentation, field cash reconciliations, and monthly cash projections/advance requests
  • Reviews contract and grant budgets and related financial reports and documentation.
  • Assists in preparing financial budgets, tracking sheets, & other financial documents.
  • Prepares financial information for the Quarterly and Annual reports as required.
• Ensures the proper accounting and internal controls are maintained:
  • Maintains systems & procedures to accomplish internal auditing tasks & ensure financial files are audit ready. Creates & maintains audit ready, well-organized filing system
  • Maintain internal controls of receipts, disbursements, & mgmt. of financial resources.
  • Ensures that accounting documents such as official receipts, local purchase order are secure.
  • Keeps confidential all financial and sensitive information.
  • Ensures effective filing of accounting documents to facilitate access and retrieval.
  • Maintains accurate financial records in manual and electronic accounting ledgers
  • Ensures submission and processing of finance-related implementation documentation.
  • Participates in regular Finance staff meetings, conferences, workshops as assigned.
  • Travels to participate in audits and budget modifications as required.
  • Verify the office petty cash fund and the monthly report.
  • Performs other duties and undertakes other projects as may be assigned
  • Execute budget tracking and financial planning of office resources
• Set up finance and accounting (F&A) systems for the Farm Management Centers that will provide a range of services to the farmers. The centers are yet to be created:
  • Set up appropriate finance and accounting systems for the FMCs
  • Participate in the section of the FMCs’ accounting and finance staff training
  • Train FMC staff and management in F&A matters as pertaining to running an FMC.
  • Periodically audit finance and accounting functions of the FMCs

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from an accredited institution. ACCA, ICSA, CIMA, CPA or other recognized professional qualification.
• Minimum five years of progressive experience in financial management with a minimum of two years in an international non-governmental organization. Experience with donor project procedures, policies and compliance requirements a plus.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of either US accounting standards (GAAP), International Accounting Standards (IAS), or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Knowledge of USG regulations (22 CFR part 226; 2 CFR part 200; Sub grant mgmt.) a plus.
• Proven knowledge of applicable local tax laws. Ability to interpret governmental regulations.
• Advanced working knowledge in Excel; with a proficiency in Word, QuickBooks.
• Demonstrated understanding of accounting and spreadsheet software
• Good analytical skills & ability to gather/analyze info recommend appropriate actions.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate with others on varied and occasionally complex issues.
• Good writing skills to effectively develop, compile, and present information.
• Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Can work effectively in atmosphere of multiple tasks, shifting priorities, & deadline pressure.
• Fluency in English, written and oral and ability to travel as required.