Plan International is a global organisation that works side by side with communities in 50 developing countries to end the cycle of poverty for children and their families. Plan works at the community level to develop customized solutions and ensure long-term sustainability. Our solutions are designed up-front to be owned by communities for generations to come and range from clean water and healthcare programs to education projects and child protection initiatives. Across program areas, Plan's activities are guided by a Child-Centered Community Development (CCCD) approach, which is rights-based, holistic, gender sensitive and inclusive.

Job Summary

Plan Ghana, an international child-centered community development organization, is looking for a dynamic and results-oriented person to fill the position of COUNTRY FINANCE MANAGER. The position is located at the Ghana Country Office, Accra and reports to the Country Director

Job Purpose:
To implement Plan Ghana's financial action plan and solidify the financial processes and systems m the Country Office and Program Units to enable it deliver on its program strategy and accountabilities to children, communities and donors.

What does the position-holder plan?
Finance Manager's role in the Country Management Team (CMT); Business planning processes; Accounting and treasury; Financial reporting and analysis; Internal financial controls; People management; Performs any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

List of Direct Reports:
Senior Accountants and Accounts Officers

Accounting and treasury:
Manages a budget of $15 Million per year; Signatory to bank account; Approver of financial transactions up to 50,00X3 Euro or as provided for in the prevailing financial authorization matrix.

Finance Manager's role in the CMT:
Participates in CMT decision-making; Supports the CMT to manage relationships and processes relating to partners (NGOs and communities), including partner assessment; Takes responsibility as part of the CMT for risk management processes in-country.

Budgeting and planning based on excellent and timely financial data

•   Communicates instructions and milestones for business planning, including long-term planning, budgeting, quarterly forecasting   and cash flow forecasting;
•   Supports the Country Director (CD) to communicate business plans to the   Regional Office (RO);
•   Organizes and controls the annual budget and quarterly re-forecasting processes including communicating  instructions, meeting deadlines,
•   Consolidates and reviews country operational budget;
•   Ensures financial due diligence of partners is completed as part of partner assessment processes.
•   Ensures Financial reporting and cash management is accurate and compliant with established policies and procedures by updating the financial authorization matrix and obtaining the approval of the Country Director at least annually and more frequently, if required.

Grants financial reporting and record keeping are thorough, well maintained and accurate

•   Establishes complete grants budgets which includes cost recovery of staff costs and support services;
•   Review of financial reporting prepared for submission to donors to ensure it is accurate and on time;
•   Maintains a systematic and consistent risk management approach to allow for effective identification recording and management of threats and opportunities internally and with key partner organizations;
•   Ensures finance related audit actions are implemented and alternative actions taken as required to address weaknesses in financial controls and procedures identified in finance and other forms of audit reports.

Ensures effective Oversight and development of an excellent and high performing finance team within the country

•   Communications and Working Relationships:
•   High contact:
•   Reports to Country Director
•   Provides financial services and business advice to CD and the project management team
•   Manages the performance of Finance and Grants staff of the project
•   Member of the Regional Finance Team network
Responsible for project level liaison with the external auditors
•   Works closely with Plan International National offices and Plan Ghana country office staff on internal and external financial reviews and audits
•   Works closely with bank officials and other financial institutions
•   Works closely with Program Unit Managers on budget and expenditures monitoring

Level of Contact with Children:
Low contact: No contact or very low frequency of interaction

Qualification Required & Experience

Knowledge, Skills, Behaviours, and Experience Required to Achieve Role's Objectives:

Knowledge

•   Professional Financial/Accounting qualification (ACCA/CA Ghana or equivalent).
•   Knowledge of the sector and the financial management issues specific to it would be an added advantage;
•   Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards, Control standards and the reporting requirements of major international grant donors

Skills

•   Proven effective management skills leading teams across several sites and operating in a multi-cultural and matrix management structure;
•   Excellent proven financial analytical skills;
•   Good written and spoken English is also an advantage;
•   Proficient in Microsoft office packages and with Plan's general ledger, grants tracking and PPM systems.

Physical Environment and Demands:

•   Typical office environment, however it requires travel to program unit operations, which may account for up to 25% of working time
•   Program unit visits may be to locations which are remote, provide rudimentary facilities or be physically challenging in other ways.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to addition to a cover letter:

•   Detailed Curriculum Vitae stating current and latest posts  (WITH DATES) as well as summary of job responsibilities
•   Certifies photocopies of relevant certificates of highest academic qualification
•   Names, e-mail addresses and  telephone numbers of three (3) Referees (work-related)
•   Applications should reach the following address not later than 18th September, 2014

The Country Human Resource Manager
Plan Ghana
Private Mail Bag
Osu Main Post office, Accra.

Closing Date: 18 September, 2014

Only shortlisted candidates would ne contacted. Qualified Ghanaian nationals, especially female candidates are encouraged to apply