Finance and Administrative Officer - Crossroads International

Crossroads International is a leader in international cooperation and has been fighting inequality for 60 years. Crossroads works in some of the world’s poorest nations in sub-Saharan Africa and West Africa with local partner organizations to create decent jobs and to empower women to become leaders and live free from violence.

Every year, we engage experienced volunteers and staff North and South who apply their expertise locally to address global issues. Together, we are leveraging knowledge, expertise and dollars to create a more just and equitable world. 

Crossroads International is a registered charity supported by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), other government and non-government funders, and many individual donors around the world. 

OUR VISION

ONE WORLD where poverty is eliminated, equality prevails, and the rights of women and girls are fulfilled

Job Description

• Location: Ghana Office  
• Languages: English (fluent), French (basic)
• Supervisor: Country Manager  
• Position Type: 1 year contract, Full-Time  

Position Overview

The Finance and Administrative Officer is an integral part of the Country Office in Ghana. The incumbent processes financial transactions relating to the accounts payable cycle, manages the bank accounts including performance of bank reconciliations, and liaises with the Country Office team to ensure that all monthly and annual financial reporting requirements are met.

The Finance and Administrative Officer is a key point of contact for local partners, providing training and monitoring compliance on financial reporting requirements. This position provides support to the Country Manager and cross-functional teams across the organization for the administrative function.

General Context:

• Contributes to all organizational goals and objectives
• Ensures all areas of responsibility are carried out in compliance with the organization’s mission, values, policies and procedures, standards, and systems
• Works in close collaboration with members of the country office team to achieve organizational goals as set forth in the strategic and operational plans 

Main Responsibilities

1. Financial Management – Ghana Country Office & Local Partners (70%)

• Manage day to day financial and accounting requirements, including but not limited to: 

1. Payment processing, including cheque/electronic payment and wire transfer preparation (including review of appropriate supporting documentation and payment authorization as per the Organization’s signing authority policy)
2. Preparing and making bank deposits; petty cash management  
3. Prepare request for advances and expense reconciliations for local partners (including review of appropriate supporting documentation from partners as per the Organization’s requirements)
4. Communicate directly with Country team on operational items 

• Prepare financial reports as part of the monthly and annual financial statement close process, including preparation of monthly bank reconciliations with appropriate supporting documentation  
• Communicate with local vendors/suppliers on Crossroads accounts and/or payments, as required
• Providing training and support to local partners with respect to Crossroads’ financial policies, processes, and acceptable practices; monitor and enforce compliance, as required
• Support internal and external reporting requirements, including local partner and funder reports, as well as internal and external audits
• Contribute to the development of annual and project budget, forecasting and reporting requirements, as they relate to the Ghana Office and Crossroads’ local partners

2. Payroll Administration and Processing (5%) 

• Prepare monthly payroll for processing 
• Complete statutory payroll filing requirements 
• Manage employee benefits program for the Ghana office 

3. Office Administration and Management (20%)

• Carry out reception and general administration duties, including mail, courier, telephone and office supplies management 
• Filing of invoices and other finance and administrative documents, including file maintenance and archiving
• Participate as member of the administrative team which collaborates in providing administrative support in the Ghana office and across the organization
• Provide support to Country Manager and Program team, as required
• Ensure the purchase of goods and services and monitor the logistics, in accordance with internal policies and procedures 
• Monitor and report on compliance with Crossroads’ internal policies and proceeds, as they apply to the Ghana Office 

4. Perform Other Duties as Required (5%) 

• Support organizational goals and objectives as part of the strategic and operational plans
• Contribute to the ongoing emphasis of process improvements, including current projects within the finance and administrative portfolio 

Required Skills or Experience

• Post-secondary diploma in Accounting, Business Administration or relevant field 
• Knowledge and experience in the international development sector; previous experience in working with Global affairs Canada is an asset
• Previous experience with payroll processing and administration
• Proficiency in MS Excel
• Bilingual (French and English) an asset

Essential Qualities:

• Commitment to growth and development 
• Commitment to inclusion, equity/equality, diversity, and empowerment
• Innovation, creativity, collaboration
• Highly proficient in data entry and account reconciliations 
• Organized self-starter, ability to manage competing deadlines in an effective manner to meet tight deadlines 
• Must be able to work independently and effectively collaborate within a team across multiple geographic locations 
• Ability to effectively communicate information, such as policies and procedures, both verbally and in writing to cross-departmental staff 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills 
• Respect for confidentiality of information 

Essential conditions:

• To work an average of 35 hours per week
• Infrequent local travel may be required