Senior Compliance Officer at Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme Ltd/Gte (ECEWS)

Job Description

• Under the direction of Compliance Manager, the position holder will carry out independent appraisals of the effectiveness of policies, procedures and standards by which ECEWS financial resources are managed.
• Review and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, adequacy of internal controls, and reliability of financial reporting, compliance with applicable laws/regulations and the safeguard of assets within ECEWS policy framework.
• Plan, perform and report back on internal audits to ensure that financial control, financial guidelines of donor organizations and other control procedures are in place and are being properly implemented and managed by the project offices
•  Prepare audit program and budget for review and approval by Compliance Manager, prepare audit notification including the timing of audits and list of audit requirements, conduct regular field visits to sub-recipients’ project/ activity locations, beneficiaries, vendors and other relevant stakeholders, as required, to address key identified risks in line with the approved audit plan.
• Follow-up on significant findings from previous audits and flag any long-outstanding issues for management action.
• Advise and monitor quality standards and value for money and make recommendations for improvement.
• Test internal controls, target in particular high risk areas; document any weaknesses and their impact and make recommendations to address these weaknesses.
• Where necessary, carry out investigations of alleged fraud, mismanagement, loss of assets or any other investigation.
• For each assignment, prepare a written report summarizing findings and conclusions for management.
• Prepare and distribute monthly financial and labor reports to senior management and technical and finance staff.
• Respond to management queries in relation to ECEWS internal control environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Recruitment Standard

• BS / BA Degree in Accounting, Finance and Business Administration or its recognized equivalent
• MS/MA degree in Accounting, Finance and Business Administration or its recognized equivalent.
• CPA, ACA, ACCA, CIA, CIMA, CFE or any other relevant professional qualification.
• 4-6 years relevant experience.
• Up to 2-4 years’ experience in internal control functions.
• Demonstrated experience with U.S Government grants or other client funded programs, contracting and auditing standards as they apply to effective management of multi-year funds.
• Knowledge of IIA’s International Professional Practices Framework is an advantage.
• Knowledge of local and donor contractual requirements and regulations Knowledge of generally accepted accounting, budgeting and fiscal control theory and practices.
• Budget development skills with multi funding sources and general ledger skills.
• Relevant software skills to include automated accounting software and database spreadsheets and Management Information Systems.
• Ability to work with others and to develop and maintain compatibility among project staff, subcontractors, and recipients of assistance.
• Ability to report to supervisor on a regular basis.
• Work independently with initiative to manage high volume workflow.
• Routine coordination with ECEWS employees and consultants, on-site and in the field.
• Resourceful through technology, research skills, and relationship building among several organization teams and units and professional organizations.
• Perform detail-oriented work with a high level of accuracy.
• Interact with diplomacy and tact and follow-up on requests in timely and efficient manner.
• Maintain confidentiality for sensitive issues or projects and use judgment and decision-making to execute duties and responsibilities.
• Handle financial and quantitative information with accuracy and precision; resourceful in gathering, verifying and analysing financial data.
• Strong understanding of risk management and internal control issues. Good communication and report writing skills.
• Exhibit high levels of professionalism, integrity and ethical values always.
• Time management skills, both in planning and organizing work, to meet deadlines.
• Ability to effectively communicate financial and internal control issues to staff with little or no financial background.
• Attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to use software tools to present data clearly and concisely.
• Fluent English speaker with superior spoken and written communications; candidate must be comfortable speaking in front of large audiences