Grants Accountant Officer At Habitat for Humanity

Under the Finance & Administration supervision, the Grants Accountant Officer facilitates support for implementation, monitoring and evaluation, financial and narrative reporting on selected grants in compliance with donor and HFH requirements. The incumbent manages the day-to-day grant compliance and financial reporting for donor funded activities in HFH Cote d’Ivoire

DUTIES

1. Assist in the coordination of stakeholders involved in grants management to ensure that:

• They are all aware of the terms and conditions of the grant regarding expected programmatic deliverables and all information created during proposal development and donor negotiations.
• That ongoing information related to grants is communicated to relevant stakeholders.
• Appropriate tools are available and used to manage programmatic implementation and compliance

2) Monitoring and coordinating grant financial management, compliance and reporting including:

• Ensuring compliance with the donor financial contractual obligations by:
• Assisting HFH Cote d’Ivoire in creating and reviewing of financial compliance checklist, compliance briefings and briefings on the importance of maintaining support documentation etc.
• Conducting initial assessment of financial systems to ensure the NO has set-up the correct codes to enable financial reporting in SunSystems such as Project codes, fund codes and Donor Activity codes.
• Conducting transaction record/data capture in the accounting system
• Conducting Balance sheet accounts reconciliation and P&L account analysis at the end of the month
• Conducting periodic reviews of the financial transactions supporting documentation to ensure compliance with the donor rules and regulations.
• Ensuring that grant financial reports are reconciled to the ledger.
• Assisting the Finance Team with preparation of budget realignment requests where applicable.
• Working with the Finance Team to respond to the grant audit findings and highlighted risks and project evaluation concerns.
• Working with the Finance Team to develop and strengthen the internal controls environment as far management of grants is concerned.
• Coordinate field work with finance to undertake verification of constructions undertaken on projects quarterly

3) Assist the review of grant budgets and work plans ensuring that:

• The grant budgets for grant proposals are aligned to the proposed work plans.
• The budget and budget narrative follows the donor’s budgeting guidelines.
• Ensure the correct budget coding has been used to facilitate posting and tracking in the Financial Management System for monitoring and analysis.
• Periodic fields visits to check on grant activities progress, consistency and level of compliance.
• Proactively identifying problem areas or potential problems making recommendations to address issues before they impact the grants, developing action plans and following up with the Finance & Administration Manager to ensure that problems have been addressed.

4) Capacity Building and Training

• Assisting the Finance Team to review the grant agreements against HFH Cote d’Ivoire’s systems and policies. Identifying the gaps and assisting in the development of systems and procedures that would enable full compliance with the contractual obligations.
• Providing input into grants management related policies and work with other parties to develop and institutionalize detailed implementation procedures based on the grant management policies and the applicable specific donor rules and regulations.
• Arranging, and/or conducting training and capacity building to address grant management competency gaps at the national office and field offices.

5) Sub-grantees management

• Reviewing and approving budget revisions: Work with sub-grantees to review their proposed budget revisions, ensuring they align with the original grant’s goals, regulations, and allowable costs
• Monitoring sub-grantee financial performance: Monitor the sub-grantees’ financial performance, including their spending, revenue, and budget variance. This may include reviewing financial reports, conducting site visits, and comparing actual spending to the approved budget.
• Providing training and technical assistance: Providing training and technical assistance to sub-grantees regarding financial reporting, grant compliance, and best practices in financial management.
• Conducting financial audits and compliance checks: Performing financial audits and compliance checks to ensure sub-grantees are adhering to grant terms and conditions, applicable laws, and accounting standards.
• Processing and reconciling payments: Managing the process of paying sub-grantees for eligible expenses. This includes reviewing invoices, verifying the accuracy of payment requests, ensuring expenses are allowable, and processing payments.

6) Assist in Grant cash flow management: Ensure the grant cash flow is managed in line with the donor requirements and HFH Cote d’Ivoire procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

• University Degree in Commerce, Finance, Business Administration or similar fields
• Preferably studying towards a Professional accounting qualification such as a Certified Public Accountant or ACCA

KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES / INDICATORS

• Ensure effectiveness planning, implementation and achievement of HFH Côte d’Ivoire Programs.
• Habitat for Humanity related policies such as Program Standard of Excellence, safeguarding policy, personnel standards and Financial Manual etc. are appropriately applied.
• Timely preparations of reconciliations
• Monthly and quarterly financial reports are submitted to the management and donors on a timely manner.
• Timely update and submission of internal financial reports.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Uphold and fully commitment to Habitat for Humanity Vision, Mission Statement and Mission Principles.
• At least 3 years’ experience in grant management in a major Non-Governmental Organizations.
• Experience in project management and financial management
• Experience in financial reporting.
• Experience in accounting
• Good computer skills and In-depth understanding and proficiency in the use of computer-based accounting systems
• Good communication (speaking and writing) skills in English and French.
• Ability to train and support field staff in accounting matters

OTHER INFORMATION

• Willing to uphold Christian principles of HFH Cote d’Ivoire.
• Confidentiality
• Honesty
• High level of integrity combined with ability to make bold and timely decisions