Country Accountant at World Concern

Location: Nairobi, Kenya – Include travel to field offices in Somalia and South Sudan

Primary Functions: The Somalia and South Sudan Country Accountant oversees accounting services for all Somalia and South Sudan programs, ensures compliance with donor and organizational requirements, increases the overall efficiency & effectiveness of finance and compliance processes in Somalia and South Sudan. The Somalia and South Sudan Country Accountant advises the Country Director regarding emerging issues related to finance and compliance.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee the accounting functions in support of Somalia and South Sudan programs including budget preparation, budget amendment, income and expense allocations, outstanding advances, A/R reconciliations, TRR reconciliations, cash flow projections etc.
• Directly supervises account assistants staff as outlined in the Countries Organizational Chart and acts as the technical expert for other finance staff in Somalia and South Sudan.
• Oversee the month end finance process to ensure that all program/country financial information is accurate and ready for integration with WC Africa data.
• Oversee the year end close process ensuring that the accounting for Somalia and South Sudan programs is complete before final year end close.
• Ensure project accounts are closed out properly at year end and relevant information is input at the beginning of the new financial year.
• Review Somalia and South Sudan program financial reports received from HQ for accuracy and reasonableness. Research any irregularities and bring unresolved matters to the attention of the budget holder and CD.
• Create monthly variance reports-provide assistance to CD and Program Managers to research and explain variances
• Ensure field offices are following WC financial policies, procedures and good financial practices.
• Facilitate learning opportunities for direct reports and other Somalia and South Sudan finance staff to grow in their knowledge, skill and responsibilities.
• Proactively evaluate income vs. expenses for all Somalia and South Sudan programs keeping the Somalia and South Sudan Director abreast of any significant concerns or matters arising. Advise CD and program managers when issues arise that might result in funding gaps.
• Evaluate the allocation of country costs between programs quarterly and make adjustments as necessary. Advise the CD and Accounts Payable Person of any changes.
• Review invoices to ensure they are being coded to the correct project and donor.
• Invoice partners for monthly expenses ensuring all appropriate costs are recovered.
• Monitor accounts payable to ensure sufficient funds are on deposit to support operations.
• Provide technical orientation to new staff in Somalia and South Sudan programs.
• Provide periodic financial information as requested by WC Finance Director or CRISTA finance.
• Assist in creation or review of new budgets as requested by the Somalia and South Sudan Country Director or Program Managers.
• Keep abreast of relevant Somalia and South Sudan laws and regulations for taxation, duty etc. Ensure organizational compliance with government agencies such as Somalia Revenue Authority and South Sudan Revenue
• Authorities to reduce organizational risk and take advantage of opportunities as laws or regulations change.
• Proactively examine ways to reduce organizational costs. Follow up on tax exemptions, VAT refunds etc.
• Ensure sound financial practices by following GAAP standards and WC policies and procedures.
• Report irregularities to the Somalia and South Sudan Director and/or WC Africa Finance Director.
• Act as back up support for the Regional Finance Director to ensure smooth month end processing during his/her absence.
• Responsible to ensure that donor financial reports are accurate and timely.
• Responsible to ensure organizational processes such as grant tracking system, annual budgets are completed and submitted on time.
• Act as gatekeeper for reports including program reports, organizational reports, donor reports etc ensuring they are submitted to the relevant party on time and filed in WC records.
• Ensure that program staff are recording and reporting all GIK on a monthly basis. Report consolidated GIK information including volunteer hours to HQ on a monthly basis.
• Maintain a system to track outstanding obligations such as unfulfilled contracts etc in an accruals report to ensure CD and program staff are aware of commitments.
• Collect and organize data and documentation in support of program objectives. Ensure that there is sufficient documentation to support activities reported to donors. Assist program staff to develop streamlined documentation systems or processes.
• Maintain up to date donor file (paper and electronic) for each donor which include copies of all official documents, agreements, contracts, approvals, key correspondence, waivers, financial and narrative reports etc.
• Maintain a life of grant spreadsheet updated monthly for each donor funded project that will pass over a WC financial year.
• Advice CD and program staff if grant spend rate is either too low or too high and ensure that WC Finance Director is also notified and fill the MPR finance section
• Monitor USG grants/agreements to ensure compliance with key areas. Advise staff regarding items needing prior approval or waivers.
• Work closely with the Africa Finance Director and Compliance Manager to establish systems or mechanisms to track USG grant compliance requirements such as international travel, local taxes, procurement etc.
• As part of the Africa Regional Finance Team participate in audit preparation, examination and response.
• Provide technical support to other staff members as requested.
• Participate in Africa Regional Finance Team meetings to foster collaboration and consistency between country programs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Commerce Degree from a recognized University or related field with at least five years’ experience in a similar position.
• CPAK/ACCA holder from a recognized institution
• Familiarity with not-for-profit Accounting systems will be required.
• Experience working with US Government grants. Working knowledge of USAID rules and regulations.
• Above average functional knowledge of Excel and MS Office suit.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Experience working cross culturally
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili; both written and verbal

Employment Standards

Core Competencies:

• Results Orientation – recommends solutions that meet program needs in the most effective and efficient way
• Communication- gives and receives information with clarity, attentiveness, understanding and perception.
• Commitment to World Concern’s values and mission.
• Time Management-ability to multi-task & meet deadlines
• Personal Integrity-Trustworthy, conscientious and can be relied on to act and speak with consistency and honesty. Able to keep information confidential.
• Initiative-Grasps opportunities and proactively ensures that neither issues nor people are forgotten or overlooked.
• Concern for Standards-Thoroughness & accuracy
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Accountability-Welcomes objective evaluation of working relationships and performance of self and others.

Desirable Competencies

• Attitude of learning – maintaining a Christ-like attitude, a learning mind that does not coerce others to accept his/her opinion.

Working Conditions

• Travel to field offices in Somalia and South Sudan. May travel to WC offices outside of Africa.
• Living conditions in the field may at times be harsh.
• May require working extended hours and on weekends/holidays to meet deadlines.