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.
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;