IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre have established a branch office in Ghana (IRC Ghana) with a medium term strategic framework. IRC Ghana programmes consist of all projects and activities in which IRC is involved in Ghana. These include projects and activities financed by IRC using its own 'core funds' and implemented in Ghana ('own projects'); projects and activities that are part of larger (typically multi-country) projects being delivered for clients/donors ('international projects'); and projects/activities being implemented in Ghana for local clients ('advisory activities'). The bulk of IRC Ghana's programme revolves around 'own projects' with host organisations and strategic partners and 'international projects'. International projects will typically be part of larger 'action research and learning programmes' being run along thematic lines, and with programmatic and project leadership of IRC in The Hague - Netherlands. These projects will typically have local management/leadership based in Ghana.
Description Of Job
IRC Ghana therefore requires a person with financial management and financial controlling qualification and experience who will work with an operations team to manage a financial and accounting system, and coordinate financial reports from IRC 'own projects', IRC International programmes and a number of projects hosted by IRC partners. These hosted projects include the Sustainable Services at Scale Project 'Triple-S' hosted hosted by the Community Water & Sanitation Agency, WASHTech hosted by TREND Ghana and the WASHCost Project hosted by the Department of Engineering of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology.
Purpose of Role:
To maintain reliable records and books of accounts to reflects the true financial state of IRC Ghana at all times; and to ensure that funds are utilized in the most efficient manner for growth and goodwill of IRC globally and locally in line with internationally accepted financial and accounting procedures.
Main Responsibilities:
Financial Operations & Management:
• Establish and maintain the financial systems and procedures of IRC Ghana and program
• Coordinate the preparation of the overall budget for IRC Ghana programmes
• Prepare the annual accounts in accordance with financial regulations and audit requirements
• Effect payment in accordance with established financial rules and regulations
• Assist the project/program officers to determine the budget strategy for each year
• Provide monthly and quarterly reports of all IRC Ghana accounts and programmes and consolidating with F&C team of IRC NL in line with IRC accounting procedures and international best practices
• Manage and maintain an effective pay roll administration system
• Ensure that comprehensive financial management software is maintained and properly linked and updated to all IRC Ghana program accounts and budgets and to be able to consolidate financial reporting with IRC-HQ in Netherlands
• Set up and maintain systems and procedures for internal control
• Perform contract management duties as and when required
Financial Controlling:
• Review and certify financial statements for presentation to management, consortium stakeholders and donors
• Manage the funds of IRC Ghana efficiently to keep the organisation solvent
• Work directly with the Country Director, Programme Manager, and the international F&C team for the maintenance and upholding of an effective system of internal control
• Liaise with external auditors for the audit of IRC Ghana annual accounts, consolidated and other programme accounts and attend to matters arising out of the audit
• Work with the IRC F&C Team in the management of IRC Ghana approved budgets
• Advice on financial regulations, taxation and accounting procedures as and when required
• Maintain in a healthy relationship with bankers and validate all financial statements for effective reconciliation with bankers
• Ensure that all tax obligations (corporate and individual) are honoured adequately and in good time
• Supervise financial budget and expenditure for Regional operations and monitor compliance in line with tenets of host organizations and consortium stakeholders
• Develop financial and accounting management frameworks for capacity and institutional building of IRC Ghana and its staff
Reporting: The Finance Officer will work closely with the County Director to ensure the monetary and fiscal coordination of IRC Ghana and IRC-financed projects to ensure the successful achievement of IRC's vision, mission and objectives. Functionally the Finance Officer reports to the Programme Manager and to the F&C Team in the NL and hierarchically to the Country Director.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract Period: This appointment is for an initial period of 2 years renewable annually based on good performance.
Monthly Remuneration: A competitive monthly salary with more than pleasant secondary labour conditions is offered in a stimulating and dynamic working environment where own initiative and self development are greatly encouraged.
Qualification Required & Experience
• A University Degree in any of the following: Economics, Finance, Commerce or Business Administration (Accounting).
• Final certification in any of the ff: ACCA, CA, CPA, CIMA, or equivalent is essential
• Minimum of 5 years relevant post professional qualification work experience of which three (3) years must have been in controlling and management position in a reputable organisation.
• Demonstrable ability to provide and maintain a solid financial management system.
• Demonstrate the wish and ability to work for a not for profit organisation with a hands-on mentality.
Other Requirements:
• Must be a Ghanaian
• Must be willing to travel locally and internationally
• Must be willing to work in a multi cultural environment
How To Apply For The Job
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria should submit their letter of application together with a motivation letter and a detailed CV that gives details of a reliable telephone and email contact and contacts of three referees with a clear indication of the position being applied for. Applications should be sent to:
The Country Director
IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre, Ghana.
P. O. Box CT 6135
Cantonments, Accra
Email soft copies to:
recruitment@ircghana.org
Closing Date: 10 October 2012
Email applications must be in Microsoft Word/PDF 2007 or above and as an attachment.
Background information on IRC can be found at:
www.irc.nl