Overview

Position Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.?

Creative has bid on a five-year project in Burkina Faso funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project will focus on strengthening local governance in key regions of Burkina Faso, and in building relationships between citizens and their elected officials. The main field office will be in Ouagadougou.

Position Summary:

The finance manager will be based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. He / she will ensure the overall financial management and supervision of the project and will work in close collaboration with the COP. The finance manager will develop and manage the financial systems of the project. He / she will be responsible for all matters related to financial management, financial reporting, and outsourcing. He / she will ensure the availability of sufficient funds for effective implementation of project support activities and programs. Specific areas of responsibility include preparing, reviewing, and submitting financial reports to head office and managing cash flow.

Reporting and Supervision:

The Finance Manager will report to the Chief of Party.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain financial management and accounting control systems for program expenditures.
• Ensure that the project meets all donor contractual requirements and complies with donor policies and regulations.
• Receive and account for all funds for the project (performing weekly and monthly cash checks).
• Liaise between Creative Associates’ field and headquarters offices.
• Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting and review of project expenses.
• Participate in budget planning and realignments as required.
• Track the transfer of funds between headquarters and the field office and manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses, including developing spreadsheet programs for tracking and monitoring all financial project activities, and maintaining spreadsheets with current project expense data.
• Provide Project Director/HQ updates on the status of fund requests and work with Finance and Contracts (F&C) in Washington, DC to ensure the timely transfer of funds.
• Submit wire transfer requests for field offices to F&C for processing.
• Process check requests and wire transfer requests for payments to vendors in compliance with contract requirements.
• Review and process invoices and in-field fee payments in accordance with Creative accounting procedures and contract policies.
• Work closely with field-based subcontractors to ensure budgets, projections, and invoices are completed according to Creative/USAID policies and procedures.
• Manage payroll for field office staff.
• Maintain project financial and contractual files.
• Develop financial procedures manual.
• Provide financial management and systems training for project staff.
• Maintain a database of accounting documents, in both electronic and hard copy.
• Consolidate accounting data into a monthly return to be forwarded to Headquarters in paper and electronic copies.
• Prepare the requisite financial documents and vouchers.
• Draft quarterly and annual financial reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information and forward to F&C for review and approval by the Controller.
• Coordinate with USAID regarding the management of U.S. dollars and local currencies.
• Ensure monthly field expense reports.
• Travel to field offices when necessary.
• Other related duties as assigned. Qualifications

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree required, master’s degree preferred;
• At least six (6) years of general professional experience and four (4) years of specific experience related to this position required;
• Extensive experience in computerized accounting systems;
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications, in-depth knowledge of Excel;
• Experience with US government administrative compliance rules preferred, experience working with USAID highly desirable;
• Experience working with international entities;
• Ability to work effectively with staff members from various backgrounds;
• Great sense of organization and leadership;
• Fluent English (oral and written) highly desirable; and
• Fluent French required.

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

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