World
Concern Development Organization is a Christian global relief and development
agency extending opportunity and hope to people facing the most profound human
challenges of extreme poverty.
Position: Somalia Administrative Accountant
Location: Somaliland
Reports To: Somalia Country Director
Supervises: Admin Staff
Length of Contract: One Year
Purpose:
The Administrative Accountant oversees accounting services for all Somalia programs, ensures compliance with donor and organizational requirements, increases the overall efficiency & effectiveness of finance and compliance processes in Somalia.
He/She
advises the Country Director regarding emerging issues related to finance and
compliance.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the
accounting functions in support of Somalia programs including budget
preparation, budget amendment, income and expense allocations, outstanding
advances, A/R reconciliations, TRR reconciliations, cash flow projections
etc.
- Directly
supervises accounting staff as outlined in the Somalia Organizational
Chart and acts as the technical expert for other finance staff in Somalia.
- Oversee the
month end finance process to ensure that all program/country financial
information is accurate and ready for integration with WC Africa data.
- Oversee the year
end close process ensuring that the accounting for Somalia programs is
complete before final year end close.
- Ensure project
accounts are closed out properly at year end and relevant information is
input at the beginning of the new financial year.
- Review Somalia
program financial reports received from HQ for accuracy and
reasonableness. Research any irregularities and bring unresolved
matters to the attention of the budget holder and CD.
- Create monthly
variance reports-provide assistance to CD and PM to research and explain
variances
- Ensure field
offices are following WC financial policies, procedures and good financial
practices.
- Facilitate
learning opportunities for direct reports and other Somalia finance staff
to grow in their knowledge, skill and responsibilities.
- Proactively
evaluate income vs. expenses for all Somalia programs keeping the Somalia
Director abreast of any significant concerns or matters arising. Advise CD
and PM when issues arise that might result in funding gaps.
- Evaluate the
allocation of country costs between programs quarterly and make
adjustments as necessary. Advise the CD and Accounts Payable Clerk
of any changes.
- Review invoices
to ensure they are being coded to the correct project and donor.
- Invoice partners
for monthly expenses ensuring all appropriate costs are recovered.
- Monitor accounts
payable to ensure sufficient funds are on deposit to support operations.
- Provide
technical orientation to new staff in Somalia programs.
- Provide periodic
financial information as requested by WC Finance Director or CRISTA
finance.
- Assist in
creation or review of new budgets as requested by the Somalia Director or
Program Managers.
- Keep abreast of
relevant Somalia laws and regulations for taxation, duty etc. Ensure
organizational compliance with government agencies to reduce
organizational risk and take advantage of opportunities as laws or
regulations change.
- Proactively
examine ways to reduce organizational costs. Follow up on tax
exemptions, VAT refunds etc.
- Ensure sound
financial practices by following GAAP standards and WC policies and
procedures.
- Report
irregularities to the Somalia Director or WC Finance Director.
- Act as back up
support for the Regional Finance Manager to ensure smooth month end
processing.
- Responsible to
ensure that donor financial reports are accurate and timely.
- Responsible to
ensure organizational processes such as grant tracking system, PPF’s are
completed and submitted on time.
- Act as
gatekeeper for reports including program reports, organizational reports,
donor reports etc ensuring they are submitted to the relevant party on
time and filed in WC records.
- Maintain a
system to track outstanding obligations such as unfulfilled contracts etc
in an accruals report to ensure CD and program staff are aware of
commitments.
- Collect and
organize data and documentation in support of program objectives.
Ensure that there is sufficient documentation to support activities
reported to donors. Assist program staff to develop streamlined
documentation systems or processes.
- Maintain up to
date donor file (paper and electronic) for each donor which include copies
of all official documents, agreements, contracts, approvals, key
correspondence, waivers, financial and narrative reports etc.
- Maintain a life
of grant spreadsheet updated monthly for each donor funded project that
will pass over a WC financial year.
- Advice CD and
program staff if grant spend rate is either too low or too high. For
USG and other multilateral donors ensure that WC Finance Director is also
notified.
- Monitor USG
grants/agreements to ensure compliance with key areas. Advise staff
regarding items needing prior approval or waivers.
- Work closely
with the Regional Grant and Compliance Manager to establish systems or
mechanisms to track USG grant compliance requirements such as
international travel, local taxes, procurement etc.
- As part of the
Africa Regional Finance Team participate in audit preparation, examination
and response.
- Provide
technical support to other staff members as requested.
- Participate in
Africa Regional Finance Team meetings to foster collaboration and
consistency between country programs.
Required
Education, Skills & Experience:
- Committed to
World Concern’s values and mission.
- B.Com
(Accounting) degree; CPA Qualification. Other degree holder with CPA
qualifications may be considered.
- 5 years
accountancy experience and experience managing INGO financial systems.
- Advanced
training in finance and administration with practical work experience in a
NGO relief environment.
- Knowledge of NGO
budgeting, accounting and annual financial procedures
- Fluent in
English.
- Ability to
organize work, supervise others and work as part of a team.
- Ability to
develop positive and trusting cross-cultural relationships.
- Competent in
Microsoft Office and ACCPAC.
Working
Conditions:
- This position is
based in Somalia with frequent travel into field locations.
- Living
conditions in the field may at times be harsh.
- May require
working extended hours and on weekends/holidays to meet deadlines.
- Normal office
hours are Monday-Friday 8:30a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
If
you think you can deliver in this role please submit your application and CV
only to worldconcernhr@wcdro.org or online via the World Concern website
at www.worldconcern.org/employment by 31st May, 2013.
Please
consider your application unsuccessful if you do not hear from us by 30th June,
2013.