Senior Finance Officer -Gambella

Objective of the Position:

Assist the Finance Manager in the day-to-day operations of the accounting and finance function, including but not limited to compliance, controls, donor and partner management, reporting, budgets, and staff capacity building. Ensure that all financial compliance and audit requirements are met while ensuring that all financial data is accurately entered into the African Park RCA financial system. He/she will provide support and advice to senior management and budget managers on donor compliance issues and budget monitoring. The incumbent will oversee the timely completion of the management accounts and their distribution to budget holders and prepare draft financial and budget reports for review by the finance manager in accordance with the African Park RCA cycle.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• The Senior Finance Officer is responsible for the efficient and effective operation and maintenance of the company’s day-to-day financial and accounting operations as well as regular reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual and year-end).
• Post batches in Serenic supplier invoices
• Present a statement of account reconciliation based on Supplier statements before channeling the process to the payment stage
• Inter-exchange with logistics on any issue related to suppliers
• Participate in the unloading, storage and inventory of stocks (represent finance to logistics), in collaboration with the supplier accountant
• Monitor the timely submission of budgets by budget holders and undertake the revision of budget submissions to confirm that they reflect as accurately as possible the financial impact of the proposed activities.
• Ensure that appropriate and up-to-date classification and documentation of budget information in paper and electronic form is in place.
• Financial Reporting Pack (PIB) according to the Concern Reporting Cycle
• Assist the Finance Manager during the preparation of the Financial Report (PIB) by producing a draft PIB for review with the Chief Financial Officer.
• Help respond to headquarters comments on the FRP
• Correctly classify the final FRP after feedback, both on paper and electronically.
• Undertake a periodic joint (at least quarterly) review of the management accounts with budget holders on the basis of agreed arrangements.
• Review of transactions processed by accountants/cashiers.
• Processing newspapers, including depreciation, wages, etc.
• Monthly reconciliations for the closure of accounts.

Donor management (budgeting, reporting, archiving)

• Ensure that all relevant donor directives, policies, circulars, and procedures are readily available, streamlined, and adhered to during grant planning, implementation, and closure.
• Liaise with programs and prepare/update a schedule of all reports to be submitted during the year. Ensure donor reports are prepared on time.
• Participate in the joint periodic review of donor relations with budget holders, as planned.
• Perform budget eligibility tests against donor guidelines/requirements when developing the new budget.
• Represent the finance department in the process of developing new proposals/budgets.
• Ensure that there is appropriate and up-to-date documentation, in both paper and electronic form, regarding the budget and donor reports.
• Personnel management
• Manage direct reporting to ensure results are achieved
• Mentor and mentor accounting staff who have the potential to move into higher positions in the organization.
• Provide financial literacy for newcomers and maintain introductory materials.
• Contribute to the capacity development of the local accounting team at headquarters and in the field offices of the program to ensure the maintenance of a high level of financial management.
• Participate in the facilitation/organization of training for financial and non-financial managers in consultation with the Finance Manager.
• Other duties and responsibilities
• Assist in the management of the audit process (internal and external).
• Conduct regular supervision visits to the field
• Represent the finance department internally and externally
• Maintain good communication within the team and ensure that all information is shared within the team
• Ensure the non-disclosure of any information acquired in the performance of his duties concerning the practices and activities of African Parks RCA to any other person or organization, except in the normal performance of the aforementioned tasks.
• Ensure the strict custody and security of financial data and documents at all times, including secure storage, accurate and complete filing, and limiting access to the finance office to authorized personnel only.

Ensure, together with all staff, that all activities are implemented and managed in a transparent and participatory manner and in accordance with African Parks RCA’s policies and procedures.

Educational Qualification

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Experience

• At least 6 years’ experience in a similar role, with 4 years in a similar field.
• Strong understanding of accounting, finance, and management principles.
• Preferred experience working with non-profit or conservation organizations in Ethiopia.
• Direct experience working with major donors such as USAID, EU, UN agencies, and private foundations.
• Excellent communication skills delivered both verbally and in writing.
• Skills in managing, organizing, planning, and implementing assigned tasks under pressure of frequent and tight schedules.
• Ability to gather and analyze data and to work with figures.