Tracking Code 2014039
Job Description
Function:
The Director of Finance supervises all accounting and financial functions of Heifer Project International's branch country office in Malawi. Heifer Project International is an international development non-governmental organization (NGO). Duties include management of accounting transactions, financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow, banking, grant management, compliance, and internal control function. This position works closely with the United States headquarters finance team to ensure consistency throughout the organization, while assisting the Malawi Country Director to manage the branch office's resources in the most effective manner.
Responsibilities:
- Provide financial management and accounting leadership to the country office to ensure compliance with Heifer Project International (Heifer) policies, donor requirements and relevant government authorities.
- Ensure strategic and responsible management of resources and personnel consistent with Heifer's mission, periodically reviewing the quality and strategic justification of programs and partnerships.
- Manage the preparation of the country office financials and reporting to meet statutory requirements and to ensure that financial reports are accurate and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and International Financial Reporting Standards.
- Ensure timely submission of financial reports and timely closing of books.
- Coordinate preparation of the budget and manage cash flow efficiently.
- Assess and strengthen internal controls over the Malawi country office.
- Report to the Country Director on a regular basis regarding the financial standing of the office.
- Identify and correct procedures, processes, or activities that put the organization at risk.
- Work closely with headquarters' Finance and Administration Department teams to ensure consistency and quality throughout the organization.
- Ensure proper and accurate accounting of all grant and donor funds in accordance with the grant/donor requirements, including all project expenses that are allowable and charged correctly.
- Supervise Heifer Malawi financial staff and provide guidance to their work and encourage their professional growth.
- Participate as an active member of the Senior Management Team, taking part in the major decision-making process of Heifer Malawi, especially on matters related to finance.
- May perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, plus seven (7) years of related experience, preferably in a non-governmental organization setting.
- Minimum one (1) year in a supervisory capacity.
Preferred Requirements:
- Experience in financial management in senior position level.
- Experience in large grant management and reporting through bilateral and multilateral donors, e.g.: United States Agency for International Development, European Union, Department for International Development (United Kingdom), Canadian International Development Agency.
Most Critical Proficiencies:
- Rich knowledge of accounting principles with strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and International Financial Reporting Standards.
- Ability to research, interpret and ensure compliance with local accounting standards and reporting requirements.
- Experience in planning and generating ideas for improvement of the accounting function.
- Strong budget development, management and monitoring capacity.
- Strong organizational skills and office management experience.
- Proficient in English, both oral and written.
- Computer proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail software, and knowledge of accounting software (Microsoft Office Suite preferred).
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:
- Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with minimal supervision while meeting sometimes inflexible deadlines.
- Preparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
- Direct supervision and assignment of tasks to a large number of culturally diverse staff including field staff in several remote locations.
- Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively, tactfully and diplomatically with culturally diverse groups of people.
- Motivated to work with little supervision.
- Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions.
- May require constant sitting; working at a computer and focusing for extended periods of time and performing office environment activities while on the road and/or in remote conditions.
- Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues, stakeholders and the general public.
- Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds (14 kilograms) floor to waist.
- Ability and willingness to work with a flexible schedule.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both locally and internationally.
- Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
