Senior Financial Controller – African Parks Ltd

Senior Financial Controller – African Parks Ltd

Majete Wildlife Reserve, Reporting to: Chief Finance Controller (APN) and Park Manager (Majete), Expected start date: 1 December, Type  of contract – Fixed term (36 months), Closing date 31st October

African Parks is a non profit organisation that takes total responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with govts and local communities, African Parks Ltd has signed a management agreement for the management of Nkhotakota Wildlife reserve and Liwonde national Park in august 2015, We are looking for a Senior Financial Controller based in Majete who will be coordinating all the financial affairs African Parks in Malawi, The right person will also be the appointed Financial Controller for Majete, in charge of the day to day financial affairs of Majete Wildlife reserve

To direct and control the administration of all financial, treasury and accounting activities in accordance with APN policy and in compliance with fiscal, legal, and statutory requirements of the host country, To coordinate and provide the required financial information and requirements for African Parks Ltd (Malawi entity) ad African Parks Network (parent entity), To ensure that all regulations are adhered by e.g. restricted funds, fund reporting requirements, specific procurement requirements, etc, Is responsible for reporting on grants-financial and narrative, To ensure that the accounting system is in place to record transactions in accordance with accepted accounting principles and APN policy such that it provides the basis for an efficient Financial management and information system

Accounting and Reporting (project function- Majete ) – Supervise the recording classifying and summarising of the finical transactions of Majete and ensuring the proper update and maintenance of the accounts to ensure that the accounting system provides the basis for an efficient financial information system for both internal and external users and that is  compliant with internationally accepted accounting principles, legal and statutory requirements of Malawi, Review all accounting a related transactions (payment vouchers, receipt vouchers, debit and credit notes, staff time invoices, correcting journal entries) prior to entry into the accounting system, Ensure that all balance sheet accounts are reconciled, Review and provide guidance and coaching to accounting staff ensuring accuracy, correctness and completeness of transactions recorded, Ensure the timeliness of required financial reports to project managers, donors, govt partner sand Board Members, Prepare periodic reports of financial performance and discuss with head of depts.

Treasury and Cash Management (Group Function) – Is responsible for the treasury planning of all 3 projects Nkk, LWNP and Majete, Review and ensure that disbursements are properly supported with relevant evidential documentation, Cash and ban balances are reconciled with the records maintained, Reconciliations are reviewed and signed by the park manager

Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting Reporting (Project Function – Majete ) – Assist in the planning and budgeting for the project, taking the lead in the financial plans and budgets and ensuring that the assumptions, parameters, guidelines and policies in planning are complied with, Review and monitors budget performance of the project and provide recommendations, Provide cost data of the various resource inputs to project personnel to prepare and update Budget, Assist the park manager and other park staff by providing guidance on compliance with donors guidelines and the provisions of donor agreements

Internal Control Environment (Group Function ) – Continuously review the adequacy of internal control  to ensure the provision of accurate and timely financial information, protection of assets and adherence to policies, systems and procedures and the smooth and orderly implementation of plans and activities

Fixed Asset Management (project function – Majete) – Ensure the identification and proper inventory of fixed assets of the project through the conduct of an annual inventory to determine their location and condition of proper disposition, determine accuracy of depreciation in accordance with APN’s policy and that the assets are adequately protected, Prepare the request for approval to dispose of missing, lost, stolen, damaged and obsolete equipments,

Payroll (project function – Majete) - Ensure that the systems   and procedures are in place to enable  accurate preparation and disbursement of the payroll in compliance with statutory requirements, Sign off on the monthly payroll by reviewing and checking the accuracy of amounts to be aid to the staff

Due Diligence and Audit (group function) – Coordinates with the auditors in the external audit of the African Parks Ltd and African Majete Ltd, This includes preparation of the reporting pack and necessary notes to the accounts, Provide draft responses to the audit management letter, including coordinating inputs from the programme, human resources, administration and other units as necessary, Ensure the closure and resolution of audit findings

General (group function) – Provide leadership and guidance in all matters pertaining to finance (including taxation and other financial issues) and give advice and support to all those needing it, Provide training to project staff on APN financial policies and procedures, budgeting methods and compliance with donor guidelines, Where required, assist with writing and maintaining the local procurement policy and be a member of the procurement committee

Carry out any other relevant tasks that may be assigned from time to time

Qualified ACCA with 5 yrs post qualification experience, Has previous Board experience, Has previous company secretary experience, Has previous coordinated and finalised audits and the financial statements of a large organisation, Possess in depth knowledge of Malawian Income Tax and Labour Law, Bilingual: English and Chichewa, Must be a Malawian citizen, Willing and able to relocate to Majete Wildlife Reserve with regular commuting to Blantyre and the other projects, Proven ability to conceptualise, plan, budget and implement programme finance related issues, Relevant experience in working with international organisations will be considered a an asset, Good verbal communication skills, A high level of computer literacy is essential, Ability to work under pressure at times, while maintaining high quality results is an essential requirements, Be honest, highly organised, responsible, self motivated and able to take initiative under minimum supervision, Demonstrate ability to work as part of  tem in diverse professional backgrounds,

Application letters and CVs with at least 3 traceable refs should be sent to The Senior Financial Controller, African Parks-Malawi, P o box 232, Chikwawa, or email thomasb@african-parks.org not later than 31st October