Vacancy: Finance Officer

Role Overview

The Finance Associate will assume a supportive role in the finance and administration department. He/she will report to the Finance Manager. The primary responsibilities are to assist in the management of all financial accounting/operations, grants administration, policies, and procedures of the Afrobaromter. The Finance Associate will also assist in the management of all external accounts and relationships. Success requires effective cross functional management with members of other departments. The Finance Associate will also play a supportive role in projects which may proficiency in handling spreadsheets, solid cost/managerial accounting knowledge and ability to train other nonfinancial staff.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all general ledger and subsidiary journals, including cash and credit card receipts, cash disbursements, accounts payable, accounts receivable, revenue

• Reconcile accounts payable and accounts receivable on a monthly basis

• Process funds disbursements

• Manage the purchase order process for the organization

• Process general ledger transactions and post entries

• Reconcile all credit / Debit card purchases to monthly statements

• Perform all cash account reconciliations for all relevant bank accounts

• Support all annual reporting requirements

• Assist in the annual budgeting process

• Assist with strategic budgets for long/short term planning for the organization

• Assist with financial models and other projects as needed

• Assists in the annual financial and any other audits as required

• Ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP

• Make cash deposits as needed

• Manage all vendor relationships and resolution of billing issues

• Manage the petty cash administration process for the organization

• Manage all insurance policies (workers’ compensation, general liability,)

• Perform daily back-ups for the ERP system

• Review and report submissions to all funding partners as required

• Support the Finance Manager on budgets, projections and other grant related procedures

• Assist and sit in for the Finance Manager

• Be the custodian of value books (cheques, invoices, receipts etc)

• Ensure compliance with the monthly accounting cut off and period end closure procedures

• Ensure compliance with tax obligations

Minimum experience, education and skills

1. Minimum Bachelor’ degree in Accounting/Finance

2. Recognized accounting/finance professional qualification (ICA, ACCA, CIMA) is desired

3. Minimum of 3 years’ work experience in accounting/finance role

4. Some experience in grants management is required

5. Good appreciation of tax and other statutory requirements

6. Spreadsheet and Accounting software familiarity

7. Demonstrable capability in financial administration and general management

8. Experience using the ERP System is an advantage

9. Bi-lingual skills (especially French or Portuguese) an added advantage

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

1. Self-disciplined to proactively resolve issues, anticipate needs and meet deadlines

2. Strong organizational skills including a sense of urgency to set priorities, juggle multiple tasks, organize

   time effectively, conduct research, identify resources and coordinate input for projects in a fast-paced,

   dynamic environment in which remote working is the norm

3. Ability to manage complex and highly confidential information

4. Comfortable working autonomously and across multiple tasks and reporting into the Finance Manager

1. Ability to pay close attention to detail, focusing on accuracy and quality, without losing sight of the bigger picture

2. Ability to tactfully manage internal and external relationships, and communicate in a clear, direct, and diplomatic style, handling sensitive situations and complex tasks discreetly, effectively, and efficiently

3. Maintains customer service demeanor, responsive to requests and providing high quality service, available as necessary outside normal business hours

4. Demonstrates sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential information, as well as the ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner; makes appropriate decisions and exercises sound judgement on when to elevate decisions to senior management

5. Ability to solve problems creatively and logically, and to think proactively and laterally to maximize opportunities to promote the work of AB

6. Numerate with the ability to present and analyze data

Desirable

• African citizenship or heritage

• A general understanding of external and economic trends affecting the non-profit sector in which AB works

• Knowledge of accounting and fundraising systems and best practice

   

Personal Qualities

• Alignment to AB core values including equality, diversity, and inclusion

• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality

• Excellent social skills, able to operate with diplomacy, tact, and empathy; ability to build rapport with both

  leadership and other colleagues

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Cooperative, problem-solving, and positive ‘can-do’ attitude

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Salary

Very competitive and based on skills and experience of successful candidate.

How to Apply

The deadline for all applications is 15th October 2021.
PLEASE READ THE SELECTION CRITERIA CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING.

Please send your application to kowusu@afrobarometer.org Include your name and position title in the subject field of your email. Example: “Subject: [YOUR NAME] AB Finance Officer”. Documents to include:

1. An up-to-date curriculum vitae with contact details (your email, phone, postal and WhatsApp Number)

2. A personal statement describing:

   1. your interest in the post and in working with Afrobarometer

   2. evidence of how your skills, experience and knowledge meet the Selection Criteria. If you lack experience or evidence in any area listed, please state how you would gain theknowledge or competency needed to succeed in the role.

   3. your availability for the post (notice period in your current role) and preferred working location.