Finance Officer - World University Service of Canada

WUSC is a leading Canadian international development organization that works with and through its southern partners to promote sustainable development. Founded in 1957 and currently working in 22 countries worldwide with an annual budget of approximately $45 million dollars, WUSC’s mission is to foster human development and global understanding through education and training. Our internationally recognized programs support youth, women and other marginalized populations, focusing on three thematic areas of education, employment and empowerment. Globally, WUSC works with a network of higher education institutions, civil society organizations, private sector partners, professionals, students, volunteers, faculty and community leaders that can be leveraged to support our work. 

Job Description

• Reports to: Country Finance Manager
• Contract term: 2 years with possibility of renewal
• Deadline: 15th August, 2020

Nature and Scope

Under the direction and supervision of the Country Finance Manager, and in close collaboration with the WUSC Finance Team, this position provides strong support in Financial Management for the implementation of all WUSC projects in Ghana.

Key responsibilities

The Finance Officer will perform the following responsibilities:

Project Accounting 

• Record and maintain accurate and timely financial information in accounting records/accounting system  and assist in preparation of  reports to WUSC Headquarters (HQ) in a timely and reliable manner;
• Assist in the effective development, management and monitoring of  annual budget for all project activities and maintaining strict control of all expenditures through performance-to-budget analysis;

Finance and Accounting Support

• Provide strong support to the Country Finance Manager in ensuring compliance with WUSC finance policies and procedures
• Review and analyse invoices and payment requests submitted for vendor payment
• Scrutinise staff travel/activity advances and liquidations for errors, adequate support documentation in compliance with WUSC policies and donor requirements.
• Provide first hand information and guidance to the program officers and volunteers on finance matters 
• Management of petty cash for efficient cash flow for small office purchases and reimbursable
• Preparation of Payment Vouchers (PVs) and issuing cheques for authorisation and approval
• Maintaining an up to date register of cheques issued and dispatched  
• Preparation of monthly bank reconciliations on timely basis
• Assist with procurement (in close  collaboration with the Administrative Officer) for inventory and supplies in the office
• Ensure timely filing of statutory returns (PAYE/SSF) with state agencies and institutions.

• Support with timely update/recording of financial transactions into the financial system (Quicken/SAGE 50)
• Ensure adequate electronic and physical filing of financial supporting (backup) documentation 
• Performing other finance duties as may be assigned from time to time

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management or related field;
• Not less than three (3) years of progressive experience in financial and operations management of programs;
• Experience working with regulations governing the management of international not-for-profit organisations and donors;
• Advanced level computing knowledge including Word, Excel, G- Suite and familiarity with accounting software  such as Quicken and Sage 50 Accounting;
• Must be a Ghanaian citizen resident in Ghana

Competencies

• Ability to work effectively in an inter-cultural, diverse and complex work environment;
• Ability to work as part of an international team in a participatory manner;
• Ability to communicate effectively in English language - both written and orally