The Finance Officer provides technical and financial management functions to colleagues, clients and stakeholders of SCIDAR. S/he will work directly with the Head of Finance to provide guidance on funding information, budgetary control and management, regulatory compliance, monitoring of expenditures, financial reporting, project accounting and cash management, cost analysis and compliance for all projects across SCIDAR to ensure effective and efficient utilization of resources in line with SCIDAR financial management policies and procedures.
Technical Responsibilities
Financial Management and Reporting
Actively participate in implementing SCIDaR's finance strategy across assigned projects;
Preparation and reporting of monthly project reconciliations and coordination of month-end reporting cycles for the assigned projects in line with SCIDAR and donor requirement;
Work with Head of Finance to provide, analyze and interpret financial information to EMT while recommending further courses of action to drive business performance and aid decision making; Perform the analytical procedure on key financial statement captions;
Work closely with assigned Program Managers to plan, budget and monitor costs across assigned projects; Transforms and oversees the continual improvement of financial management operational systems, processes and policies and quality assurance processes;
Manage and monitor financial metrics, KPI tracking, and reports assigned projects.
Audit and Compliance
Review financial transactions and reports within SCIDAR and across assigned projects to ensure compliance with all donor regulations and relevant laws;
Work with the internal audit team to continuously develop and seek out methods for minimizing financial risk to the firm;
Participate in the management of process/report reviews by internal and external auditors to ensure seamless review process and implementation of recommendations;
Develop and employ financial oversight and control mechanisms and procedures to ensure that program expenses are in line with SCIDAR's financial policies, procedures, and rules and regulations.
Financial Administration
Prepare periodic payment schedules ensuring the accuracy and correctness of the Beneficiary payment details;
Preparation and remittance of statutory deductions in adherence to existing regulations;
Preparation of monthly invoices and billing for assigned projects across SCIDAR.
Preparation of monthly intercompany personnel invoices.
Required competencies
Core requirements
Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR;
Logical approach to identifying and evaluating issues with strong problem solving and analytical skills; Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, PowerPoint; including internet navigation and various Microsoft Office applications;
Experience with accounting packages and systems such as QuickBooks, SAGE, etc.;
A Vibrant and energetic team-player with good inter-personal skills and cross-cultural understanding; Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
Ability to work with minimal supervision, with proven track record of working independently to manage the accounts recording and financial reporting requirements of an organization and donor funded projects; Results oriented performer, experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs; Possess strong verbal and written communications skills;
Commitment to self-development and expansion of knowledge;
Education and Experience
Academic training: Minimum of Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in Financial Accounting, Economics or a related Social Sciences;
Professional credentialing: Additional professional accounting qualification/certification such as ACCA or ICAN
Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years progressive experience in a similar role, with at least 1 year in an audit role; iv. Consulting experience: Strategy and financial management experience in top consulting firms is a major plus.
Information Security Management System Responsibilities
All employees are responsible for supporting and maintaining the organization's information security posture by adhering to established security policies, participating in mandatory training, safeguarding data and systems, promptly reporting security incidents or suspicious activities, and applying best practices in the secure use of technology and information handling.