Administrative Accountant Job at World Concern in Somalia
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.
We serve nearly 6 million people in 18 countries, focusing on food security, child protection, education, maternal and child health, microfinance, vocational training, clean water and sanitation and disaster response.
Position: Somalia Administrative Accountant
Location: Somaliland
Reports To: Somalia Country Director
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:
- 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.
