Finance Officer: Tamale - Creative Associates

Creative Associates International Inc. is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services company that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, DC, the firm has a field presence in 30 countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of State. Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Littorals Regional Initiative (LRI) program can provide support to local counterparts across five West African coastal states to withstand the increasing pressures of violent extremist organizations by addressing instability factors including: localized conflict, ethno-religious marginalization, lack of understanding of the VEO threat, local grievances against governance structures, and weak social cohesion.

LRI complements the broader USAID presence in the region by providing short-term, targeted programming that reduces windows for VEO expansion and helps national governments and local communities build prevention capacity

POSITION SUMMARY

The Finance Officer will be responsible for (a) ensuring that payments requirements are met based on USAID policies and procedures; (b) implementing financial procedures in compliance with Creative and USAID policies and procedures; (c) Preparation of payroll and staff reimbursements (d) Timely disbursement for small grants related payments to field offices.

REPORTING & SUPERVISION

 This position reports to the Finance Manager.  

Responsibilities

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in preparation of budgets, monitor, review, and revise as required.
• Coordinate with the Grants Department to reconcile finance record of grants.
• Initiate and follow through on information gathering and documents needed with the Government of Ghana, Headquarters, and relevant ministries on renewal of MOU, tax exemption, banking, leases, and other contracts.
• Monitor compliance of grantees through field visits and financial report review provide training and orientation to new field staff. Bring potential non-compliance issues to the attention of the Finance Manager.
• Oversee cash flow, adherence to Ghanaian tax and labor laws.
• Prepare financial reports for Headquarters prior to submission to Finance Manager.
• Implement procedures and forms for request and issue of funds for program needs.
• Assist Finance Manager in forecasting and request cash transfers from HQ to ensure adequate supply of funds in country.
• Pay authorized bills to contractors, suppliers, and monthly payroll for employees.
• Check petty cash vouchers, receipts, and replenish to established levels upon receipt of replenishment requests.
• Produce segregated finance records at the request of the Finance Manager such as expenses for specific locations or grants.
• Cooperate and assist in audit requirements.
• Assist Finance Manager to produce Monthly Finance Reports according to HO procedures and submit by the mandated deadline.
• Maintain grant financial records.
• Oversee project procurement by contract and Creative requirements.
• Assist in compiling and reviewing timesheets of the staff so that payroll is processed in a timely and accurate fashion.
• Assist with financial tracking of local sub-contractors and fixed price contracts as needed
• Undertake other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (Finance, Accounting etc) required, professional accounting/financial qualification highly desired.
• Must have a minimum of 4 years working experience with over 2 years of specific experience related to the position required.
• Experience with USAID program finances and budgeting (preferred) or similar work for other donors/U.S. Government agencies.
• Competence in computers and using financial software.
• Understanding of budget and cost control management.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Proficiency in any of the languages spoken in northern Ghana desired.
• Must be willing to work and be based in Northern Ghana.
• Must have existing work authorization for Ghana.