Adeso Program Accountant in Somalia

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
PROGRAM ACCOUNTANT
Organization Adeso: African Development Solutions www.adesoafrica.org

Position Title Program Accountant-National Position-Somalia Nationals
Reporting to Finance Manager
Working with Program and operations team in Somalia as well as relevant departments in Nairobi Programme / Duty station MDG Initiative for Somalia: Reducing hunger and food insecurity in Puntland region through improved and sustainable use of rangeland resources – Badhan Sanaag regiona with frequent field visits .
Duration 12 Months
Starting date Immediately

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Adeso, formerly known as Horn Relief, is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.

For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. Currently, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan. Our current donor portfolio includes the European Commission, USAID, SIDA, CIDA, UNICEF, and the Government of Netherlands, among others.

Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Program Accountant will be a full-time member of the Adeso staff, working with the teams in Badhan and other field Offices. The main responsibilities will be overseeing all aspects of the finance activities of the Programs including preparation of monthly and quarterly forecasts, processing of payments, reporting on expenses and ensuring proper documentation and filing for all projects is observed. The Program Accountant will be in charge of ensuring compliance with all Adeso and donor financial policies and guidelines at the field.

POSITION PURPOSE
Adeso is seeking a qualified and committed individual to join its team as Program Accountant for the MDG Initiative for Somalia project. The primary roles of the Program Accountant will include: Accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance; Ensure compliance with donor regulations as well as Adesos’ internal policies and procedures and provide timely reports and assistance to the Country Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Management:
• Provide Accounting support to all Adeso projects and management while ensuring compliance with internal controls, donor regulations and budget restrictions;
• Record accounting transactions including coding of payment vouchers before making payment, and ensure an efficient, proper and transparent financial filing system of all documents relating to finance are maintained (e.g., monthly payment of bills, contracts, rent and local salaries.);
• Prepares and examines accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports and ensure accuracy, completeness and conformance to reporting and procedural standards;
• Assist in developing, monitoring and analyzing budgets, including preparation of periodic budget monitoring reports that compare budgeted costs to actual costs;
• Plan for cash flow requirements for Adeso’s projects and submit updated cash forecast and monthly cash requests to the Finance Manager on a timely basis;
• Ensure timely transfer of all field fund request and timely liquidation of any outstanding advances and transfers;
• Process and make payments as provided in the approved budget;
• Ensure no processing of monthly payroll without the necessary timesheets and confirm accuracy of all timesheets before processing of payroll;
• Ensure timely recovery of all advances including travel and mid-month advances and provide monthly update of any outstanding advances to the Finance Manager;
• Assist with facilitation of internal and external audit procedures as required.

Compliance and Enforcement:

• Ensuring compliance and enforcement of internal policies, donor regulations and budget restrictions on all projects;
• Ensure proper procurement procedures are adhered to at all times, including maintaining of vendor contracts, lease agreements, and any other service contracts as may be required;
• Ensure that proper authorization is obtained for all disbursements. Assess accuracy and completeness of documentation and conformity with reporting and procedural standards.

Capacity Building:

• Assist in the identification and assessment of any capacity gaps in the finance department;
• Assist in the planning and implementation of capacity building activities for Adeso finance staff;
• Assist in the orientation of new staff (Finance and non-finance staff);
• Assist in the identification of best practices within and outside of Adeso and help in the documentation and implementation of such practices;
• Help in assessing any system gaps and bottlenecks to improve the system.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• University Degree in Business or Public Administration desirable or Diploma with relevant experience and professional training;
• Certification in Accounting and Finance (ACCA, CPA or CFA).
• At least 3 years of relevant finance experience at the national or international level with vast experience and knowledge in handling multi donor projects (USAID,EC,DFID and UN Agencies)
• Strong Knowledge and experience of institutional donor funding requirements, particularly European commission, UN agencies, DFID and USAID.
• Ability to train staff on Donor rules and regulations
• Ability to multi-task and effectively handle stressful situations.
• Strong written communication skills in English and Somalia languages;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a team.
• Proficiency in computer applications such as MS Office and Accounting software packages.
• Ability to travel to where necessary to the field and work in an isolated area in conditions of limited comfort.
• Commitment to Adeso's mission and vision.
• Good interpersonal skills as well as networking, flexibility and innovativeness;

How to apply:

APPLICATION PROCESS

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you would like to join this dynamic team and be part of building resilience and economic growth in Africa, please submit your application to jobs.somalia@adesoafrica.org , quoting the position in the email subject matter, by DATE 28th March 2013.

Each application should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager and include the following:

• An updated CV; and
• An application letter which should include remuneration requirements and contact information for three work-related referees.

Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer