Nicaragua: Finance Officer

Start Date:October 2015

Position Location:Managua, Nicaragua

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 15 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Description:

The USAID/Nicaragua Technical Vocational Education and Training Strengthening for At-Risk Youth Program (TVET SAY) is a four-year activity that targets TVET institutions serving at-risk youth populations and prepare them for government certified technical degrees, formal employment, and self-employment in support of community product and service needs. To equip youth target populations with the needed workforce readiness skills, TVET SAY will work with a range of actors including private TVET centers, private sector employers, private sector representative groups, youth or workforce groups, INATEC and other government agencies.

Position Summary:

The Finance Officer will design, implement, and supervise adherence to financial policy, budgets, and internal control measures. S/he will develop and implement financial and personnel procedures in compliance with Creative and USAID policies; manage payroll; draft periodic and annual reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information; support the development of documentation and written materials relating to the project; and respond to inquiries on the status of financial information. The Finance Manager will track the transfer of funds between headquarters and the field offices, and manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses. The Finance Manager will ensure funds’ availability and verify that all procurement actions are compliant with Creative’s financial management guidelines prior to payments.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Finance Officer will report to the Director of Finance and Administration.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Establish and maintain financial management and accounting control systems for program expenditures;
• Ensure that the project meets all USAID contractual requirements and complies with USAID policies and regulations;
• Receive and account for all funds for the project (performing weekly and monthly cash checks).
• Liaise between Creative Associates' field and headquarters offices;
• Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting and review of project expenses;
• Track the transfer of funds between headquarters and the field office, and manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses, including developing spreadsheet programs for tracking and monitoring all financial project activities, and maintaining spreadsheets with current project expense data;
• Provide COP/HQ updates on the status of fund requests and work with Finance and Contracts (F&C) in Washington to ensure the timely transfer of funds;
• Submit wire transfer requests for field offices to F&C for processing;
• Process check requests and wire transfer requests for payments to vendors in compliance with contract requirements;
• Review and process invoices and in-field fee payments in accordance with Creative accounting procedures and contract policies;
• Manage personnel and payroll office staff and procedures;
• Maintain project financial and contractual files;
• Develop financial procedures manual;
• Provide financial management and systems training for project staff;
• Maintain a database of accounting documents, in both electronic and hard copy;
• Consolidate accounting data into a monthly return to be forwarded to Headquarters in paper and electronic copies;
• Prepare the requisite financial documents and vouchers;
• Draft quarterly and annual financial reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information and forward to F&C for review and approval by the Controller;
• Coordinate with USAID regarding the management of U.S. dollars and local currencies;
• Ensure monthly field expense reports;
• Travel to field offices when necessary; and
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, finance, business administration or equivalent;
• At least five years’ experience in administrative and finance management of complex, development programs, developing and managing budgets;
• Demonstrable financial management experience on USAID cooperative agreements, including USAID policy, procedures, and reporting requirements, experience managing USAID-funded grants programs, and experience in field based accounting;
• Experience with computerized accounting;
• Excellent oral and written English and communication skills. Fluency in Spanish required; and
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.

Please apply online: https://rew21.ultipro.com/CRE1010/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=\*E542C0529B2E0073