Accountant and Administrative Officer - ProCashew - (300) at Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA)

CNFA is currently seeking applications from qualified candidates for an Accountant to support a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress (FFPr) project in West Africa region (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria) called USDA West Africa PRO-Cashew project. The project aims to improve agricultural production and expand trade of agricultural products.  

Position Description

Under the direct authority of the Director of Finance and Operations, the Accountant will lead preparation of the program’s expenditures and reporting system. The Accountant will be responsible for monitoring the overall financial reporting system and give recommendations concerning relevant financial issues. Additionally, the Accountant will maintain the Accounts Payable Ledger and Check Register. The Accountant is responsible for maintaining accurate and complete records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and CNFA Accounting and Financial Policies and Procedures.  She/he also provide administrative support for program implementation.

If the direct line of authority is with the Director of Finance and Operations (based in Abidjan), the day-to-day activities will be under the supervision of the Nigeria Country Representative.  He will provide technical and administrative supports to allow a smooth work flow of all activities as per the approved work plan.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties of the Accountant and administrative are:

1.   Conduct day-to-day accounting activities in compliance with CNFA policies and procedures and with Nigerian laws:

• Maintain Accounts Payable Ledger and Check Register;
• Monitor bank account balances (money market & operating accounts); Process monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts
• Verify accuracy of vendors invoices and expense reporting from staff and sub-contractors;
• Process payment of vouchers including verifying support documentation for signature and bank transfers twice a week with respect of DOA limit
• Manage daily petty cash payments and cash reconciliation, including verifying support documentation; prepare petty cash replenishment/request documents;
• Review invoices for rent and other expenses;
• Maintenance of all equipment contracts and insurance policies;
• Prepare payroll processing;
• Maintain tax accounting and ensure due reporting to tax authorities;
• Develop, enhance, and maintain automated financial reporting systems to track financial performance of CNFA and its affiliates;
• Prepare the accounting functions in closing the books and reports;
• Prepare monthly funds request;
• Providing assistance with internal or external audit requirements.

2. Provide administrative support for project activities:

• Draw-up service and employment contracts;
• Manage all personnel issues, including timesheets, leave reports and local benefits, and ensuring their confidentiality, maintain file of personnel records;
• Provide support for goods and service procurement:
• Keep log of vehicle request forms, alongside with driver schedule and manage usage of office vehicle, request and maintain fuel inventory;
• Maintain fixed asset records and determine depreciation terms/rates to apply to items;
• Provide logistics supports for all hotel, flight and travel arrangements, handle visa arrangements and car pick up; for seminars, workshops and other special events;
• Provide support for administration and monitoring of grant agreements; 
• Other duties assigned by supervisor.

Job Requirements

Qualifications:

• Minimum of Bachelors’ degree required in accounting or a relevant  field;
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting and operations with at least 3 years within the International Non-Governmental Organization’s (NGO) sector;
• Proficiency in Excel and other relevant accounting software;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work in fast-paced environment;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
• English;
• Experience working on USDA, USAID or other donor-funded programs a plus;
• Strong attention to details and high degree of integrity, accountability, energy and flexibility.

Location: Ilorin, Nigeria