About this role
Project Information:
Counterpart International, a leading international development organization is currently implementing the five-year USAID-funded program in Bangladesh “Promoting Advocacy and Rights (PAR)”. The program will support the creation of a more inclusive, resilient, and evidence-driven Bangladeshi civil society. The project's goal is to provide civil society with the skills, technology, financial resources, and connections to global networks that will enable it to work in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) to advance good governance.
Job Profile:
The Finance and Grants Officer will work under the direction of the Finance Manager and will work closely with Grants Manager in the area of finance and grants. The position will effectively implement day to day financial activities including recording transactions using QuickBooks, processing vendor payments, issuing VAT coupons, preparing monthly bank reconciliation, maintaining and preparing Provident Fund Ledger, assisting in grants management activities and ensuring compliance of donor and Counterpart International regulations.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Assist in preparing and submitting periodical finance reports and supporting documentation to HQ, as well as bank reconciliations, accounts receivable and other financial data;
• Upon receipt of approved documentation, check all supporting docs before preparing/processing payment vouchers, checks/bank payments and obtain required signatures.
• Generate payment vouchers and back up for all project financial transactions both local and international.
• Prepare journal entries and invoices, and post the information into the accounting system;
• Assist Finance Manager Record approved transactions into QuickBooks.
• Scan the finance transactions' documents and upload them daily into Repository Records system of Counterpart International
• Ensure all payments are allowable, allocable and in compliance with USG, local government, donor and Counterpart regulations.
• Ensure correct and timely payments to vendors, landlords and service providers.
• Follow VAT guidelines and requirements regarding payment of VAT in country and provide VAT coupons as appropriate. Prepare monthly VAT coupon reports for submission to USAID.
• Maintaining petty cash and prepare monthly petty cash report.
• Maintain and prepare Provident Fund Ledger and accounts each month for reviewed by Finance Manager.
• Provide assistance during external audits
• Assist in communicating with and providing mentoring support to Program grantees in connection with financial issues, as needed;
• Work with grants manager for constructing and monitoring budget, scope of work for grants
• Assist to maintain sub-award grant tracking and ensure timely submission of reports in adherence to Counterpart and USAID policies;
• Assist to maintain and update grant documentation and records;
• Assist with the grants making process along with grants management and providing links between program, finance and other administrative staff so that all grant making activities are smoothly implemented;
• Assist to prepare assigned periodic audit schedules and monitoring visits of PAR grantees;
• Participate in consultations with HQ Programs, Financial/Accounting, and GCC teams;
• Perform other tasks as assigned by his/ her supervisor when required.
Qualifications:
•
• University degree in accounting or related field;
• Minimum five years in accounting with two years in grants management experience preferred
• Experience working with international development programs preferred;
• Substantive knowledge of the technical and operational requirements of US government funding agencies (e.g. USAID) a plus
• Knowledge of grant processes including accounting and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of accounting software (preferably QuickBooks) is desired.
• Ability to manage grants funding requirements, submissions, and budget projections.
• Strong analytical skills, including ability to gather and analyze a variety of information pertaining to issues and to develop appropriate recommendations for action.
• Proven ability to effectively use Microsoft Office including databases and spreadsheets.
• Ability to work in partnership with local communities and NGOs as appropriate.
• Ability to work well with others, meet deadlines, and respond to changes in priorities;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills;
• Strong problem-solving and analytic skills required;
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, set priorities and see projects through to completion;
• Strong service-focused orientation; must work well and respectfully with HQ personnel, Program funder, staff and grantees.
“Counterpart International strongly believes in equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, veteran's status, age, marital status, sexual preference, disability or any other protected personal characteristic.”