Senior Associate, Finance (Africa) at Rainforest Alliance

Under the leadership of the Finance Manager, Global Programs, the Senior Associate, Finance (Africa) will support the financial management of the portfolio, ensuring appropriate use of financial resources and that financial reporting at all levels is completed in accordance with the program terms. The Senior Associate, Finance will support in budget development and administration, handle implementation of key financial activities, ensure efficient financial support to the projects team, and ensure compliance with donors’ rules and regulations, as well as RA policies and procedures. This position will work closely with Project Managers, Country Directors, and finance, administrative, compliance, contracts and/or accounting staff based in different locations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure compliance with budget and contract requirements in accordance with Rainforest Alliance policies and procedures;
• Build and maintain tools (i.e. forecasts and dashboards) to maintain visibility and transparency on budget allocation and execution;
• Ensure cost recoverability and track cost share requirements;
• Support the annual budgeting and financial planning process (including forecasts) for the portfolio;
• Monitor all financial activities, and keep Management advised of situations which could have potential negative impact or underspending on financial performance;
• Ensure all programmatic and subgrantee expenses are made in line with donor’s rules and regulations, as well as RA’s policies and procedures;
• Facilitate the development, improvement and adoption of improved financial policies, practices and procedures;
• Prepare monthly budget to actual reports, including projections for the grants;
• Maintain and track project codes in accounting system and provide access to staff when needed;
• Assist with financial reports to donors;
• Responsible for sub-awardee financial monitoring, site visits or virtual reviews, reports and follow up;
• Support and review budget to actual reports from subgrantees;
• Serve as a key communication conduit to and from Management and other staff, ensuring the timely and accurate dissemination of information;
• Assist with preparation of budgets for new opportunities;
• Provide training and guidance to staff and subgrantees on budget formulation, tracking and adjustments, financial analysis and reporting and contract management;
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in business administration, finance management or related field;
• 5+ years of work experience in a similar position;
• Knowledge and experience in budgeting, financial reporting & monitoring and financial systems;
• Ability to work independently and as well as in a team environment, and to work with shifting priorities;
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and easily adapt to changes to meet demands of the role effectively and efficiently;
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to handle critical information confidentially;
• Strong math, analytical and technical skills; highly organized, detail oriented and customer service oriented;
• Experience in a not-for-profit and international environment preferred;
• Experience handling large grants especially those funded by governments and multilateral donors; experience handling subgrantees is a plus
• Excellent computer, planning and organizational skills;
• Written and verbal proficiency in English is required;
• Ability to travel a minimum of 20% per year, nationally and internationally.