Tetra Tech ARD is currently accepting expressions of interest from qualified candidates for the active West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA-BiCC) program. This is a multi-year USAID-funded program to improve conservation and climate-resilient, low emission growth across West Africa

Job Title: Finance Specialist

Job Summary

•   The Finance Specialist is responsible for managing overall accounting and financial control systems for the USAID WA BiCC office and for ensuring that adequate and appropriate internal controls are in place to meet generally recognized accounting standards
•   In addition, the Finance Officer will manage all bookkeeping, bank accounts and cash flow to ensure sufficient funds are available for effective and efficient implementation
•   Specific areas of responsibility include financial report preparation, review and submission to Tetra Tech ARD Home Office, cash flow management

Job Description

•   Responsible for processing all types of financial transactions including Data Entry, Payments & banking, using accounting package and assisting the Finance and Operations Manager in all areas of financial accounting and financial control
•   Assisting in the closing of monthly accounts and preparing financial statements for submission to the home office
•   Reconciling and reviewing suspense accounts and ensuring that proper clearance procedures have been followed
•   Assisting in the processing of payments to suppliers/subcontractors and vendors for goods and services
•   Reconciling bank statements for all funds in foreign and local currencies
•   Serving as Approving Officer for disbursements up to an authorized level
•   Providing guidance and training to colleagues as required
•   Keeping up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines/Audit Files in an appropriate manner
•   Maintain and update accounting and financial control systems in accordance with U.S government regulations (expenses are reasonable, allowable and allocable) Tetra Tech ARD policy transactions are conducted, processed and recorded as stipulated by the system
•   Manage the preparation and submission of the USAID monthly expenditure reports, ensuing that they are accurate, complete and submitted to Tetra Tech ARD HO Chief Accountant, by the specified due date each month
•   Manage the preparation and submission of the USAID monthly fund projections ensuring that they are accurate and complete
•   Work in close collaboration with the Chief of Party and other senior USAID staff on monitoring the project budget and expense planning
•   Ensure that transactions are appropriately recorded in QuickBooks and ensure Tetra Tech ARD accounting and procurement standards, procedures and policies are followed and implemented
•   Determine the number of bank accounts necessary for smooth conduct of transactions. Set up the bank accounts and ensure that all bank and cash transactions are conducted in accordance with the set procedures
•   Develop a plan to monitor all project-related funds, by tracking expenses against budget line items.  Design and manage audits and financial reviews
•   Maintain a close coordination with all the senior staff on financial matters and advise them, as appropriate, on matters requiring their attention
•   Other accounting, financial management and administrative tasks consistent with the overall scope of this position assigned from time to time by the Chief of Party or Finance and Operations Manager
•   Manages VAT tax exemption process, prepares monthly reports for USAID
•   Manages confidential payment of monthly payroll and orders payments of income tax, pensions

Qualification Required & Experience

•   University degree in accounting, finance or similar field is (relevant experience and another university degree may substitute for the degrees mentioned
•   Minimum of 5 years experience in an equivalent position
•   Experience with QuickBooks is required
•   Experience working in a similar position for an NGO or an international organization is required
•   Knowledge of OMB Circular A-122 is desired
•   Must have the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, stressful environment
•   In addition, must be flexible, willing to perform other duties and work irregular hour

Skills

•   Proficient/Excellent in QuickBooks software
•   Fluent in English, both written and spoken
•   Excellent interpersonal skills, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen and respect for colleagues
•   Must be capable of working both individually and as part of a team
•   Must also be able to create a supportive working relationship among all project teams

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

To be considered, applicants must submit the following as part of this on-line application process:

•   A letter of application explaining individual qualifications for this opportunity
•   A current CV in reverse chronological format
•   A list of at least 4 professional references including name, contact information, and statement of relationship to the reference
•   Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not be considered
•   No phone calls will be accepted

Applications should be send on-line at:

info@wabicc.org

Closing Date: 14 December, 2015

Tetra Tech is committed to diversity and gender equality in all of its operations—in the US and overseas. We strive to reflect these goals in our global mission and in our workforce. We encourage applications from women and underrepresented ethnic, racial and cultural groups. Tetra Tech ARD is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer