Senior Finance Officer (USAID Experience) at Wildlife Conservation Society

Organization Background

• The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity.
• WCS is currently recruiting a Senior Finance Officer for the Nigeria Country Program.

Job Summary

• The Senior Finance Officer reports to the Director of Finance and Administration (DAF).
• S/he is responsible for all accounting across the Country Program. Based in Calabar, there will be frequent travel to field sites to support the field-based finance teams and review financial documentation.
• Support the Director of Finance and Administration in the management of the treasury and accounting in order to ensure the smooth running of operations at all times and minimizing financial risks through proper internal controls.

Responsibilities
This position is responsible for the following plus other duties, as assigned by the Director of Finance and Administration:
Staff Management:

• Directly manages the accounting team (currently a team of two staff) in Calabar and the first-line technical support for field accountants
• When requested, replace other members of the capital or project finance teams during their absence
• Provides training to administrative/finance and technical staff in finance and accounting policies and procedures

Accounting:

• Reviewing daily accounting and supporting documents for all transactions in the JV Upload before posting to the SAP system in order to minimize errors. Participate in the coordination and supervision of the monthly and annual closing of accounts and ensures timely reconciliation
• Prepare monthly salary calculations
• Follow-up with employees and tracking open mission advances
• Follow-up and ensures monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts and accrual accounts
• Prepare payment requests and purchase order requests for international vendors
• Review service agreements for consultants.
• Ensures that all local tax laws and regulations are strictly adhered to with taxes paid to tax authorities as prescribed by law.

Budget and Grant Management:

• Participate in the management of funding agreements providing regular and adequate indicators to monitor the financial health of the mission.
• Conduct regular field visits to ensure harmonization of process and procedures
• Assist the Director of Finance and Administration on monthly budget follow ups and financial report preparation
• Assist the Director of Finance and Administration in working with project managers and field-based accountants to generate financial reports

Treasury and Cash Management:

• Conduct weekly petty cash verification including surprise cash verifications for the Calabar office
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliation
• Monitor bank transfers, banking activities, and expenditures

Audit, Compliance and Documentation:

• Manage accounting archives and setting up a clear physical and electronic archiving system
• Ensure completeness and compliance of documentation on all financial transactions
• Assist in the preparation of documents required for audits
• Follow up of audit recommendations to ensure findings are closed as per the schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Professional Accounting qualification (ICAN, ACCA, ACA), MBA, CPA or other equivalent certification a plus.
• English language fluency required.
• Experience with the financial management of USAID funding is essential.
• Experience with other government and agency grants and contracts, such as EU funding, a plus.
• At least five years of experience managing a financial area for an international non-profit organization.
• Willingness to travel to field sites
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as strong analytical skills.