Finance Officer at Colleges and Institutes Canada

General Expectations

• The Finance Officer is expected to support the CICan Kenya office in a number of financial and administrative capacities in Nairobi and across Kenya. The employee is expected to work with a high degree of independence and autonomy.

Reporting

Reporting to the Human Resource & Administration Manager and working in close collaboration with the Ottawa-based Managers of Operations, Senior Finance Officers and Kenya-based Finance Assistant, the Kenya-based Finance Officer will be responsible for supporting the CICan Nairobi office’s financial activities. This will include supporting the Partnership Coordinators, implementing partners and suppliers with the management and reporting of finances.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial services for the CICan Kenya office.
• Establish and maintain financial systems and files for the CICan Kenya office.
• Support the project teams in the preparation of budgets to support annual work- planning and ad hoc activity planning.
• Assist the Human Resource & Administration Manager and Kenya-based Senior Technical Advisors (STAs) in preparing monthly cash advance projections and monthly financial reports.
• Process routine project financial operations including payment of suppliers, management of petty cash, and reimbursement of Kenya office staff and partners.
• Work closely with CICan’s Ottawa-based Finance Officers to process financial reports from institutional/thematic partnerships and implementing partners and support monthly financial reporting.
• In collaboration with the CICan Ottawa-based Finance Officers, prepare, monitor and update budget and cashflow for CICan Kenya office.
• Collect and process invoices from Kenyan suppliers and consultants and report on inconsistencies/irregularities.
• Ensure adherence with CICan Finance and procurement policies.
• Support implementing partners, Partnership Coordinators and partner institutions in budget development, monitoring and reporting.
• Provide detailed financial reports as required/requested by CICan Ottawa and the funders.
• Liaise with audit and tax advisory firm, as needed.
• Ensure monthly and annual tax and financial regulatory obligations for the CICan Kenya office are met.
• Process monthly salary payments and corresponding benefits for local staff.
• Liaise on financial details with implementing partners.
• Alert Human Resource & Administration Manager, STAs and Manager of Operations to any emerging financial issues.
• Supervise CICan-Kenya Finance Assistant.
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Swahili.
• Kenyan citizen or legally permitted to work in Kenya. Note: CICan will not provide a work permit or sponsor individuals.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related subject area (accounting, business or similar).
• CPA (K) or equivalent qualification is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial and accounting processes, including, but not limited to, experience preparing financial claims and reports for programs, budgets and reconciliations.
• Experience working on international development projects with an international organization is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability using Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel where advanced knowledge is expected.
• Demonstrated ability using QuickBooks.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information.
• Experience working with an international team.
• Demonstrated competence in the planning, implementation, administration, and reporting of donor-funded projects.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work effectively and efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Strong writing, computer, and data skills.