VACANCIES/CAREERS
East Africa Youth Inclusion Project (EAYIP) Accountant
Tracking Code
379-752
Job Description
Function:
The Project Accountant reports to the Senior Operations Manager and plays a significant role in strengthening core global systems by ensuring the proper accounting and reporting of resources in project implementation by maintaining systems of accountability, processing accounting information, internal and external financial reporting, cash and bank account maintenance and other financial tasks as assigned in liaison with relevant Heifer departments. This person contributes to the program impact by preparing project time sensitive financial reports and monitoring budget burn rates for effective implementation of the project. The Accountant assists with financial and accounting aspects of the country program office and the processing of routine financial transactions in accordance with Heifer’s policies and procedures. The Accountant also ensures compliance with Heifer International and The MasterCard Foundation requirements for the East Africa Youth Inclusion Program. This position interacts with similar positions in other teams to promote consistency throughout the country and area program.
Essential Character Traits:
Detail-Oriented, Positive, Determined, Enthusiastic, Accountable, Values-Oriented
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES
(including approximate percentage effort)
Management and Compliance (75%)
Accountable for ensuring that all financial aspects of the project adhere to local laws and regulations and to donor requirements
Ensure that all transactions are in line with government laws
Conduct training and staff development workshops with the team in order to maintain a high standard of reporting
Ensure all transactions entered timely and coded accurately in financial system.
Prepare, coordinate, and monitor the project budget
Effectively manage the program/project cash flow through preparation of monthly cash flow projections while adhering to Heifer headquarters policies
Prepare monthly project reports and upload all financial documents to Agresso and Laserfiche platform.
Approve all office and fleet-related requisitions and review procurement requests as per the authorization policy
Monitor the petty cash advances in line with cash management controls and prepare project account(s) for audits as planned
Ensure compliance with accounting principles and standards including Heifer partners, donors, local partners and HQ cost principles
Maintain knowledge of required rules and regulations related to project implementation and activities that affect the budget
Review payment requests and ensure the timely processing of funds, ensuring that proper supporting documents such as receipts are maintained
Establish and maintain sound financial management systems and provide administrative support to the project
Ensure that an effective scanning and filing system is in place in the office, and coordinate with program staff to ensure that the project’s resources are effectively and efficiently utilized
Program Effectiveness (20%)
Accountable for preparing accurate information for the program team in a timely manner to achieve the highest standard of effectiveness
Prepare & Interpret variance reports and expenditure analyses for project staff and management on a monthly basis
Assist project management by explaining variances in line with finance policies and following up on budget execution action plans.
Partnership and Engagement (5%)
Accountable for ensuring compliance with established processes and procedures at the highest level of accountability with project partners
May perform other job-related duties as assigned
Required Skills
Most Critical Proficiencies:
Practical experience in various aspects of accounting principles and practices with a good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Good analytical skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate and a good understanding of and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger and the environment
Computer proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail software, and knowledge of accounting software (e.g.: MS Office Suite, DOS, Accounting packages such as Sun Systems, Pastel, Agresso)
Strong organizational skills
Deadline-oriented
Strong numeracy skills
Demonstrated written and oral fluency in English
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:
Ability to prepare and present documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail
Ability to maintain the highest level of professionalism when dealing with donors, project participants, staff and partner organizations
Willingness to contribute to Heifer International’s principles of transparency and honesty
Proven team and customer care skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations
Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues, both internal and external
Requires constant sitting and moving; working at a computer for extended periods
Ability to work with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality
Ability to perform multiple tasks with minimal supervision
Willingness to work with a flexible schedule
Willingness to travel both domestically and internationally
Required Experience
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field is required, plus three (3) year of experience; or a University Diploma in Accounting, Business Studies or PAEC Diploma with six (6) years’ experience in a non-profit organization. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these requirements
Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identify, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
Job Location
Mbeya, , Tanzania
Position Type
Full-Time/Regular
Job Level
To Be Determined
Client
Non U.S. Based Locations
Closing Date
7/14/2017
The Guardian 10 July 2017