This position is open to Ghana nationals only.

An international organization is currently recruiting for the position of Project Finance Manager for a new project in northern Ghana. The incumbent will work out of the project’s head office in Tamale, Northern Region.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The ultimate outcome of this 6-year project is to enhance food security and resilience for poor male and female smallholder farmers (35% male/65% female) and their households in the three northern regions. This ultimate outcome is to be achieved through increased, diversified and more equitable agricultural production; and increased, diversified and more equitable incomes and assets.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Project Director in Tamale for administrative matters and to the organization’s Director of Finance in Canada for functional matters, the Project Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the project in Ghana.

The Project Finance Manager is primarily responsible for maintaining accurate accounting and financial records, preparing financial reports and statements on a regular basis, preparing and monitoring budgets, and ensuring that financial policies and procedures are followed, including while procuring goods and services.

The Project Finance Manager will be responsible for the implementation, administration, maintenance and management of financial systems as well as the training of staff in the project’s head office in Tamale and the regional offices in Wa and Bolgatanga.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Establish and maintain accurate and timely financial records and audit trails for the project’s Ghana operations;
• Manage and ensure compliance with the overarching regulatory and contractual obligations (e.g. financial, human resources and legal) of the project’s Ghana operations;
• Ensure monthly and timely reconciliation of all asset and liability accounts including resolution of discrepancies;
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting as required, including Quarterly Requests for Advances;
• Ensure timely and complete budgeting processes are implemented, including variance analysis and guidance on managing the expenditures and managing the project cash flow;
• Provide overall financial management advice and technical assistance to the project team in northern Ghana as required;
• Oversee foreign exchange transactions and accounting;
• Review incoming financial reports from partner organizations and ensure accurate booking to the project’s Ghana accounts;
• Participate in financial monitoring of partner organizations;
• Participate in and support audits as required; and
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualification Required & Experience

• A Master’s degree in Finance or related field is preferable; bachelor degree with extensive relevant experience accepted.
• Professional Financial/Accounting qualification (CA or equivalent).
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience post qualification in accounting, management and monitoring, preferably with large international development programs.
• Substantial experience (3 years or more) building capacity of staff in finance and accounting.
• Experience with international donors’ contributions financial and administrative management preferable; experience with CIDA a definite asset.

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proficient in Microsoft office packages, and computerized software applications.
• Excellent financial and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards, control standards and the reporting requirements of major international donors.
• Must be detail oriented and capable of working independently.
• Ability to manage a financial/administration team across several sites and demonstrate leadership, versatility, and integrity.
• Knowledge of the agricultural sector and financial management issues specific to it an asset.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate financial and monitoring skills of partner organizations and to provide capacity building support, as required.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to travel to regional offices in northern Ghana

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

Suitably qualified persons are invited to submit their cover letter detailing how their work experience and academic/professional qualifications meet the requirements described above, CV, and 3 professional references no later than February 8th, 2013 via e-mail to:

jobsapplications@yahoo.com

Closing Date: 08 February 2013

Please indicate in the subject line of the email which position is being applied for.

The principles of employment equity are adhered to. Suitably qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.