Senior Finance Director @ CRE

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 15 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Summary:

This position is for an upcoming education project in Nigeria, which seeks to improve student access to school and literacy outcomes in a language they use and understand in Grades 1-3 in select areas of Nigeria, equitably and sustainably.

Position Summary:

The Senior Finance Director will be based in Abuja, Nigeria. S/he will provide overall financial management and oversight for the project and will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP). This position will also be a liaison with the Home Office to ensure full compliance with regulations and policies with regard to implementation of effective internal controls.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Senior Finance Director will report to the COP.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain financial management and accounting control systems for program expenditures;

• Ensure that the project meets all donor contractual requirements and complies with donor policies and regulations;

• Receive and account for all funds for the project (performing weekly and monthly cash checks).

• Liaise between Creative Associates' field and headquarters offices;

• Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting and review of project expenses;

• Participate in budget planning and realignments as required;

• Track the transfer of funds between headquarters and the field office, and manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses, including developing spreadsheet programs for tracking and monitoring all financial project activities, and maintaining spreadsheets with current project expense data;

• Provide Project Director/HQ updates on the status of fund requests and work with Finance and Contracts (F&C) in Washington, DC to ensure the timely transfer of funds;

• Submit wire transfer requests for field offices to F&C for processing;

• Process check requests and wire transfer requests for payments to vendors in compliance with contract requirements;

• Review and process invoices and in-field fee payments in accordance with Creative accounting procedures and contract policies;

• Work closely with field-based subcontractors to ensure budgets, projections, and invoices are completed according to Creative/USAID policies and procedures;

• Manage personnel and payroll office staff and procedures;

• Maintain project financial and contractual files;

• Develop financial procedures manual;

• Provide financial management and systems training for project staff;

• Maintain a database of accounting documents, in both electronic and hard copy;

• Consolidate accounting data into a monthly return to be forwarded to Headquarters in paper and electronic copies;

• Prepare the requisite financial documents and vouchers;

• Draft quarterly and annual financial reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information and forward to F&C for review and approval by the Controller;

• Coordinate with USAID regarding the management of U.S. dollars and local currencies;

• Ensure monthly field expense reports;

• Travel to field offices when necessary; and

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in accounting or financial management desired;

• At least eight (8) years of experience in financial management of development activities with increasing levels of responsibility;

• Experience in financial management on USAID-funded projects is required;

• Public or private sector management, financial analysis, cost accounting and relevant experience preferably in developing countries;

• Membership in a professional body such as those for Certified Public Accountants preferred;

• Experience working in Africa preferred; and

• The candidate must be professionally.

Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.