Finance and Accounting Manager – Central African Republic (CAR) At Water for Good

The Finance and Accounting Manager will be responsible for supervising, monitoring and evaluating the daily activities of RCA operations, managing accounting activities to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, preparing for audits , review salaries, conduct the monthly country close process, participate in the development and implementation of internal controls, accounting and procurement policies and procedures.

Main areas of responsibility :

Financial management

• Lead the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting process for the program and country offices in consultation with the Country Management Team (CMT).
• Participate in the writing of proposals and concept notes
• Support staff in developing the work plan and budget, technical budget estimates and scenario-based forecasts.
• Monitor expenditures and revenues to ensure that projections are accurate and that the program does not exceed forecasts.
• Provide technical guidance to staff and management on monthly/quarterly budget execution.
• Design and collaborate with the CMT to implement appropriate financial diligence procedures for programs and conduct a financial evaluation.
• Perform benchmarking exercises and vendor reviews to achieve value for money
• Evaluate country performance against the annual budget and program strategic plans to determine necessary corrective actions.
• Liaise with banks on credit-related financial matters

Preparation of financial reports, compliance and audits

• Establish internal controls and guidelines for accounting transactions and budget preparation to ensure compliance with WFG policies and procedures and international financial reporting standards.
• Develop an audit plan to ensure procedural and financial compliance with grant partners and external auditors.
• Work with managers and supervisors to ensure compliance with internal policies, statutory obligations and donor requirements.
• Responsible for tax planning throughout the tax year; completes the annual tax return.
• Monitor accounts to ensure compliance with local regulations; coordinate with external auditors, take initiative in preparing audits and provide necessary information for internal/external audits.
• Provide financial analysis with emphasis on pricing decisions and contract negotiations.
• Monitor and review accounting system reports for accuracy and completeness to ensure that all transactions have been correctly accounted for and errors are corrected in a timely manner.
• Review monthly staff pay, provident fund deductions and employer contributions.
• Liaise with local authorities and remit deductions to suppliers and staff.

Purchasing and logistics management

• Regularly review public procurement policies and procedures and recommend their updating.
• Oversee procurement planning and implementation of an effective and well-documented procurement management system.
• Support the timely and accurate processing and documentation of purchases, verifying document accuracy, evaluating value for money and compliance with WFG purchasing policies and procedures.
• Establish an internal control system to protect company assets
• Guide staff through the process of eliminating old and obsolete inventory and assets

Capacity Building

• Mentor and coach, accountants and purchasing managers
• Carry out the evaluation of the purchasing manager and the accountant of the national office.
• Coordinate orientation programs for new staff and identify training needs of current staff regarding WFG accounting and procurement policies and procedures.

Required skills and abilities :

• Excellent leadership, supervisory and time management skills.
• Initiative, flexibility and high level of integrity
• Fluent in French, English and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience discovering process gaps, designing and implementing systematic improvements
• Knowledge of financial reporting and auditing standards
• Excellent analytical skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Business central or similar software.
• Ability to learn new software systems
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent creative problem solving skills

Training and experience :

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, financial management or business administration is required.
• Five years or more of experience in an international NGO