Finance and Budget Manager at Water and Land Resource Center (WLRC), Ethiopia

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 Basin Management Support for Resilient, Inclusive Growth and Harmonized Transformation for the National IWRMP of Ethiopia (BRIGHT)project in Abbay, Awash, Omo-Basin, Tekeze and Rift Valley Lakes basins. Considering the volume and demand of the work, WLRC is looking for a senior, 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 Manager shall:

• Prepare and implement annual financial and budget plans.
• Ensure compliance with the implementation of appropriate financial rules and regulations.
• Plan, coordinate and control the day-to-day activities of finance and accounting.
• Check all payments that are authorized by the concerned budget holder before payment is effected;
• Analyse cost structures and build-ups and present analytical report to supervisor;
• Prepare periodic and annual financial reports of WLRC and its individual projects;
• Ensure financial activities, including management and reporting are done diligently and timely;
• Assist divisions and project managers in tagging activity plans to budgets;
• Advise and assist 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 capacity development opportunities.
• Monitor, support and evaluate performance of the staff of the unit;
• Verify and ensure that required documentation and authorization are filed before effecting payment.
• Ensure payrolls are prepared according to policies and procedures of the Centre;
• Ensure all transactions from projects are sent 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, validity and completeness.
• Analyze and code transactions before they are posted in the accounting system
• Monthly reconcile bank accounts with the books.
• Assist project accountants to comply with financial 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;
• Ensure that all financial documents and reports are filed systematically and safely.
• Support the finance staffs when they are overloaded.
• Organize and follow up the external audit process
• Advise management to address recommendations by the auditors
• Do other finance and budget related activities as required by the Division Director.

Qualifications

• Minimum master’s degree in accounting and finance, from an accredited and recognized university, with a primary BA in Accounting.
• ACCA or CPA qualification is desirable.

Experience

• At least 15 years of relevant experience; 5 years of which should be in managerial position
• Experience in project-based development environments
• Risk Management and Financial Analysis
• Experience in managing diversified and big portfolio
• Experience in foreign grant management.
• Knowledge of the Ethiopian Tax and other financial regulations.