Finance Officer

  • Contractor
  • Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
  • TBD USD / Year
  • Interpeace profile




  • Job applications may no longer being accepted for this opportunity.


Interpeace

Reporting to: Operations Officer Burkina Faso

Location: Ouagadougou

Application closing: 22 March 2022

Reports To: Operations Officer Burkina Faso

Unit: Global Operations Unit

Duty Station: Ouagadougou

Grade: L4 S1

Fixed-term appointment: 1 year renewable subject to funding and performance

Background

Interpeace is an international organisation for peacebuilding that strengthens the ability of societies to manage conflict themselves in sustainable and non-violent ways. Interpeace designs and delivers its work tailored to each situation in partnership with local partners and communities, based on extensive consultation and research. Interpeace also ensures that the processes of conflict management and change that it supports are integrated at all levels of society including local communities, civil society, government and the international community (we call it a ‘Track 6’ approach).

Interpeace was originally established by the United Nations and remains its strategic partner. Beyond field-based peacebuilding, Interpeace also assists the international community – particularly the UN – to be more effective in supporting peacebuilding efforts worldwide. This includes contributing innovative thought leadership on peacebuilding policies and practices.

Interpeace is headquartered in Geneva and has offices around the world. For more information about Interpeace, please visit www.interpeace.org

Position within the Organization

The Finance Officer is a member of the Global Operations Unit which encompasses Finance, IT, Administration, Legal, Internal Audit and HR. The Global Operations Unit is led from the Headquarters office in Geneva, although team members are based in different locations around the world including in Bosnia, Côte d’Ivoire, Guatemala, Switzerland, Kenya, and Tunisia.

The Finance Officer reports to the Operations Officer of Ouagadougou.

Under regular supervision from the Operations Officer, the Finance Officer works closely with finance, administration and programme staff to create a more efficient and effective Finance function for an agile, responsive, and high performance Interpeace.

Purpose and General Overview

Under the direction of the Operations Officer, the Finance Officer is responsible for the effective financial performance of the assigned Interpeace office. This includes accounting, internal controls, audits, budget management, financial reporting and monitoring

The Finance Officer oversees the financial management of the office assigned, maintaining complete and accurate financial records and approving (in coordination with the programme team) the different project budgets from development to implementation, monitoring, reporting and auditing. S/He ensures that project budgets are implemented according to Interpeace policies and procedures and respecting the donor regulations. S/He also works closely with the Operations Officer to closely monitor the cost coverage of the programme and/or offices in the assigned areas to anticipate potential risk and financial gaps.

The Finance Officer plays an important role in monitoring and supporting the implementation of the programme overseeing compliance with internal policies, donor regulations and local Laws (i.e. Taxes).

This position requires to consult with and/or coordinate activities with internal and external actors. There is an element of persuasion, influence and provision of professional advice and direction, but it is not a regular activity.

Guided by and in collaboration with the Operations Officer, within the first 3-5 years, a successful Finance Officer will:

  1. Maintain accuracy of all accounting information and documentation posted in the accounting software (QB) and ERP (SunSystems) including internal procedures (procurement, budget & report monitoring etc.…)

  2. Achieve unqualified project and statutory Audits and on time donor and internal financial reports

  3. Budget monitoring: produce and distribute Budget versus Actuals (BvA) reports with detail analysis on potential risks.

  4. Deliver on a monthly basis, timely, accurate and complete reviewed set financial records and supporting documents for the partners and/or office assigned through the online tool for consolidation.

  5. Follow up of office accounting record and implement the internal controls recommendations until resolved (monthly checks, internal and external audits, internal reviews, etc.)

  6. With the guidance of the Operations Officer, support Interpeace performance by reviewing policies and procedures, providing training to staffs, monitoring financials, or assessing risk within the offices assigned.

Duties and responsibilities

Specific Duties

Budget Management

· Provides support in preparation of final budget version or any subsequent amendment designed in collaboration with the relevant programme team before is sent to the (Manager) for further approval before final submission.

· In coordination with the programme team, helps to develop the PoWB according to available funding and oversee the entry of budgets and budget revisions at SunSystems.

· Monitor budget implementation and performance (BvA) of all the projects implemented at the designated geographical area and reports to the (Manager) and the programme team on any variances or potential deviations according to actual and forecasted expenditures.

· Check monthly that the final booked expenses are in line with approved budgets (including cost sharing)

· At year end, prepare assigned office draft Financial Statements for the annual consolidated Audit. Coordinate any Statutory or Donor audits and, with the assistance of the (Manager), respond to audit queries.

· Monitor that organizational performance actions stated at the Summary of Outstanding Audit Recommendations Report SOAR for the assigned office are implemented until issues are resolved.

· Prepare monthly Cash Transfer Request (CTR) according to cash flow and budget availability and those funds are utilized according to approved plan (CTR). Update estimates included in the CTR in discussion with relevant programme team.

· Monitor that expenditures are processed and authorized according to Interpeace Delegation of Authority and other policies (as Procurement Manual).

· Prepare grant expense reports for all the projects implemented at the designated geographical area and ensure accuracy with SunSystems before they are submitted to any external party.

· Participate in Programme team meetings and contribute to Programme strategy, activity planning and Programme development as requested.

Office accounting

· Review all local expenses for billing purposes and Manage Accounts Payable to ensure all local payments comply with policy requirements and conducting

· Prepare all payroll taxes and social deductions and ensure that all these taxes have been paid on time and ensure compliance with Local Tax Laws in relation to statutory requirements relating to financial statements, periodic reporting, and tax filings across all taxes.

· Reconcile the local bank account and constantly review banking arrangements to ensure timely transfer of funds

· Reconcile the Balance Sheet account and follow up to clear non-current items

· Prepare Draft Financial Statements for and supporting schedules as requested by the auditors and act as the focal point for the auditors during Statutory and Donor/Programme audits.

· Monitor the implementation and clearance of internal and external audit issues and recommendations

· Maintain local fixed asset register

· Upload QuickBooks back-ups and financial reports on SharePoint monthly

· Record office financial data in the QB file. Ensuring data accuracy of COA and other analytical dimensions.

· Follow up on non-compliant items and implement corrections requested by Operations Officer or Headquarters until resolved.

· Communicate finance issues arising from the monthly review of financial reports and supporting documentation to Interpeace Programme Officers within the stipulated timeframe. Follow up on all outstanding issues until they are resolved.

· Ensure proper filing done in the office assigned, checking that all relevant documentation is archived according to internal practice.

· Maintain an up-to-date inventory data base as per donor standards that enables Transfer of Assets to the beneficiaries at the end of the grant period.

Others

· Participate in Proposal development team meetings and contribute by providing technical guidance/suggestions to proposal development, activity planning, interpretation of donor requirements etc.

· Maintain updated contractual documentation for grant implementation (project proposals/budgets (ProDocs) and grant agreements or relevant documentation) at SharePoint (DRD, Project Connect, etc.)

· Assist Headquarters in the review of existing policies and procedure and in the development of new procedures, including internal controls.

Scope and Impact

· Specific responsibilities and objectives are assigned with some latitude for setting of priorities and technical approaches, using established practices and procedures. Unusual challenges may be discussed with supervisor or others for clarification of the policy.

· Is recognized as the projects first reference for professional/Technical advice relating to accounting, Budgeting and reporting within the projects and grants assigned

· Informs and interprets policy and practices within the unit

· Work conducted by the Finance Officer impacts specific job family, assigned grants and partners for the West Africa Region

Planning and implementation

· Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies

· Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work

· Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning

· Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary

Management of Personnel and Resources

· Supervising (intern, accountant, or assistant) on a day-to-day basis and performing appraisals and providing mentoring and on the job training for the staff supervised

Qualifications:

Education

· Degree in Business Administration, finance, or related field from a recognized University

· Accounting certification (partial or full CPA or equivalent) considered an asset

· Professional membership with a recognized body is an added advantage

Experience

· Minimum of 4 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in the professional field of finance and accounting in not-for-profit setting

· Experience in financial bookkeeping within the local context

· Experience of computerized accounting software, preferably QuickBooks and ERPs, preferably SunSystems. High level of IT proficiency in use of all MS Office applications

· Proven experience in budget management and internal controls

· Experience in conducting capacity-building for partners and staff on financial systems and good financial practices.

· Experience working in field locations.

Competencies

· Thorough understanding of finance and accounting preferably within the not-for-profit sector

· Proficient accounting knowledge and operating capacity

· Proficient budget management skills; financial internal controls; source documentation verification; preparation of payment vouchers; and procurement processes

· Ability to perform detailed work, frequently of a confidential nature and/or to handle a large volume of work systematically, effectively and accurately

· Ability to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently

· Ability to work in a multicultural environment successfully and to demonstrate gender-responsive and non-discriminatory behavior and attitudes

· Advanced level of French required. Working level of written and oral English

· Ability to travel within and outside the country on short notice.

Interpeace Competencies

· Collaboration and Weaving

· Communication

· Driver for Results

· Adaptability and Continuous learning

· Respect for Diversity

Success factors

· Identifies with and is committed to Interpeace’s core values and working principles

· Commitment to inclusiveness

· An innovative, critical thinker with extensive problem-solving skills

How to apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their application to [email protected] no later than 22 March 2022. “Finance Officer BURKINA FASO” must be included in the subject line of the application email to be considered. The application must include:

· a complete curriculum vitae

· a letter of interest

· an acknowledgement letter.

o answering the following questions:

  1. Have you ever been criminally convicted or subject to any criminal or administrative penalty by any competent authority? If yes, please specify:

  2. Have you ever been terminated or separated (e.g. contract termination, dismissal, non-renewal) or subject to any disciplinary measure or sanction by your employer for fraud, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse?

  3. Have you ever resigned while under investigation or during disciplinary proceedings?

· Confirming the following declaration of understanding:

I confirm the accuracy of the information provided, with the understanding that Interpeace will conduct reference checks to verify relevant information.

I understand that if any false or misleading information is provided in my application, or any material fact suppressed, I may not be employed, of if I am employed, I may be dismissed.

Please note that due to high volume of applications, ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Interpeace values diversity among its staff and aims to achieve gender equality both through gender parity at all levels of the organisation and promoting a gender dimension in all its work. We welcome applications from women and men, and those with disabilities.


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