Finance Manager 92 views

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic development and post-crisis 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.

Position Summary:

Creative Associates seeks a Finance Manager for a short-term engagement to support a grants program in Ethiopia. S/he will provide overall financial management and oversight for the project and will work closely with the Regional Team Lead. This position will also be a liaison with the Home Office to ensure full compliance with regulations and policies regarding implementation of effective internal controls.

Reporting& Supervision:

The Finance Manager reports to the Regional Team Lead.

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 personnel and payroll office staff and procedures;
• 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; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills& Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in accounting or financial management desired; B.S. degree with at least five (5) years of experience required;
• Previous financial management of a donor-funded project in Ethiopia, with previous USAID experience strongly preferred;
• Public or private sector management, financial analysis, cost accounting and relevant experience preferably in developing countries;
• Demonstrated capacity to supervise a complex financial management or general ledger system;
• Fluency in English and Amharic; and
• Must be legally authorized to work in Ethiopia.

Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply online.