Program Accountant – LifeWater International, Ethiopia

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for timely, accurate, and proactive management of financial aspects of the field office in coordination with the regional program Manager. This includes monthly reporting and planning. The Program Accountant is responsible for all financial matters of the field office and take part in procurements, monthly & quarterly financial reporting (both internal and to the government stack holders), and budgeting in line with Lifewater International (LI) guidelines, procedures, and policies.

KEY Areas Of Responsibility

•  Prepares and submits monthly financial reports which will be sent to the country office within the set deadline.
• Conduct Reconciliation on Funds transferred from Country office and expenditure reports sent to Country office monthly.
•  Actively participates in the preparation of annual budgets for the field Office with respect to the project.
•  Checks for the availability of budget before expenditure occurs, especially for program activities.
• Prepare cash payment vouchers and ensure that all cash transactions are fully and properly documented
• Prepare bank payment vouchers and ensure that all bank transactions are properly and fully documented.
• File all cash and bank vouchers and maintain voucher filing system such that files are updated, complete and safeguarded.
• Ensures the application of proper accounting controls and uniformity with financial regulations, rules and policies and procedures
• Posting transactions into the designated accounting package
•  Prepare the necessary financial utilization report on the format prepared for this purpose at the end of each quarter and when requested for any other purpose.
• Prepares and effects payments any Government obligations such as Payroll Taxes, Tax Withholdings etc. to Inland and Revenue Administration on timely basis
• Ensure adherence of financial transactions of the Field Office to Lifewater International financial policies & procedures & Government policies.
•  Maintains up-to-date and accurate recording of financial transactions on the day-to-day basis
• Analyze and code financial transactions per Lifewater International financial, procurement, personnel, and administrative policies and procedures, government regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Assist and support the program management through providing accurate and timely financial information
• Provides professional advice to work colleagues and answers enquiries concerning accounting procedures and policies.
• Makes sure year end closing are made according to the requirements of financial policies and procedures.
• Provides assistance in the conduct of internal and external audit.
• Other duties as assigned.

CONFIDENTIALITY

• Maintain confidentiality of financial information.

Terms of Employment: One year contract with possibility of extension and probation period of 60 working days.

Number: One

QUALIFICATION

• MA degree in Accounting and Finance,  BA in accounting/Finance, from recognized University/Institution.

EXPEREINCE

• Minimum of 2 years for master’s degree and 3 years for first degree in a similar role preferably with an INGO with demonstrated experience managing teams
• Knowledge on financial regulations
• Excellent practical knowledge of financial accounting and of report development
• Experience in preparing variance analysis reports
• Proficiency in computer skills and accounting software packages such as QuickBooks, MS Excel, Internet and Email
• Excellent understanding of the reporting requirements of senior managers and ability to convey financial concepts to non-financial staff

PERSONAL SKILLS

•  Ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a team setting
• Well organized and efficient in time management whenever there is task pressure
• Commitment to the core values of Lifewater International
• Strong ethics, with an ability to manage confidential data
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relations within and outside the team
• Ability to contribute towards resource stewardship
• Excellent command of the English language
• Punctual, honest, dependable, servant leader, trustworthy, encourager, peacekeeper, multi-tasking, and self-starter