Finance and Budget Manager at Water and Land Resource Center of Addis Ababa University

Background: Water and Land Resource Centre (WLRC) is an autonomous not-for-profit research and development center with engagements focusing on water and land resources, specifically: integrated landscape management, water security, livelihoods improvement, climate risk management, scientific monitoring, resource governance, land systems sciences, knowledge management, and WASH. It has implemented a number of research and development projects in those areas. Currently, WLRC is implementing ongoing projects include Kunzila Integrated Landscape Management and WASH Project, Water Security Project, and many others.

Considering the volume and demand of the work, WLRC is looking for a well-qualified and experienced Finance Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director People, Operations and Resources (PO&R) Division, the Finance and Budget Unit Head/Manager shall: 

• prepare and implement annual financial and budget plans;
• study and implement/insure implementation of appropriate financial rules and regulations;
• plan, coordinate and control the day-to-day activities of finance and accounting of WLRC;
• check and approve all payments that are authorized by the concerned official before payment is effected;
• analyse the cost structures and build-ups and present analytical report to supervisor;
• prepare periodic and annual financial reports of the WLRC and of individual projects;
• ensure all financial activities, including management and reporting are done diligently and timely;
• help divisions and project managers in tagging activity plans to budgets and financial plans;
• advise and help division heads and project managers in drawing financial proposals of new grants and projects/participate in fund generation;
• identify capacity development needs of the Finance and Budget Unit staff and plan and initiate those capacity development opportunities;
• monitor, support and evaluate performance of the staff of the unit;
• verify and ensure that required documentation and authorization is present before effecting payment;
• ensure monthly payroll for all staff are prepared according to policies and procedures of the Centre;
• ensure all transactions from projects are transferred to the Head Office on time and are supported with required documents and approved by concerned authorities;
• ensure all financial data are entered into computer after verification for coding and completeness;
• analyze and code transactions and enter them into the computer;
• reconcile bank account with books of accounts each month;
• assist project accountants to comply with financial management policies and procedures of the Centre;
• Support project managers in the preparation and review of project financial plans and reports, as well as in revision and monitoring of funds (resources);
• prepare reconciliation reports and summaries of accounting activity;
• ensure that all financial documents and reports are filed in systematic and kept safely.
• in the absence or overload of the finance and budget staff, handle part of those assignments;
• assess the capacity gap in the finance unit and plan for on-the-job training for the staff
• organize the finance documents for auditing and follow the auditing process
• advise the management to address recommendations by the audit process (if any)
• do other finance and budget related activities as and when required by the Division Head.

Qualifications

MSc/MA in Accounting and Finance/Accounting /Business Administration/Management, from an accredited and recognized university, with BA in Accounting/Finance/Economics/Agricultural Economics/ Business Administration/Management

Experience

At least 10 years of direct relevant experience; 4 years of which should be as Finance Head/Manager/Coordinator

• Experience in Project-based Research and Development environments.
• Risk Management and Financial Analysis
•  Asset Valuation & Taxation
•  Knowledge of the Ethiopian Tax System

Competency/Trainings

• QuickBooks Accounting
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Application
• Financial Analysis and Management
• Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP)
• International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS)
• ACCA certification would be an asset