Submit reports to the International Accounts Manager responsible for oversight ... Good working knowledge of computerise
Job Description and Person Specification
Job Title:
International Project Accountant: UK Aid Match (ActionAid)
Department:
International Finance
Job Family:
International Finance
Reports to:
Regional Finance Coordinator
Grade:
TBC
Location:
Nairobi, Kenya
CRB Required:
NA:
Direct Reports:
None
Standard:
Enhanced:
Job Role Role Overview:
To ensure the financial integrity of the three year multi-country project on Safe Cities funded by UK Aid Match, a scheme managed by the Department for International Development (DFID) which gives the UK public a say in how a proportion of the aid budget is spent, by match funding public donations to appeals for projects to reduce poverty in developing countries. The International Project Accountant will provide consolidated project financial plans and reports as required by the Donor and the Project Management and Accountability teams. He/she will monitor financial progress of the project and identify and address any issues that may arise. Accountabilities
Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities: Overall Project Financial Management
Key Activities
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Prepare timely and accurate financial reports as required by the International Project Manager and/or International Project Accountability Team (IPAT). Submit reports to the International Accounts Manager responsible for oversight to ensure adherence to international finance and donor requirements. To support the International Project Manager in the use of the financial analysis for sound project management. Work closely with the International Project Manager to monitor the budget utilisation and communicate any issues upwards from partners and country programmes. Support project managers with project narratives in relation to expenditure and financial risks. To ensure that project cash flows are managed in a timely and accurate manner. To develop financial performance measures in
% time on task
Job Description and Person Specification conjunction with the International Project Manager. Provide ongoing financial risk analysis and recommendations of risk management strategies. Manage the external audit and ensure audit requirements are monitored throughout the project. Work with the International Project Manager and IPAT to ensure that audit recommendations are fulfilled. Support International Project Manager and national-level Project Managers to ensure archiving of the project documentation for audit at all levels of the project.
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Project start up
•
Coordinate the initial implementation of the project budget by Country and Partner. Develop the financial reporting templates for the project. Develop tools and run financial aspects of inception workshop in co-ordination with International Project Manager. Work with implementing staff to establish systems that are integrated and meet donor requirements. Ensure all partners to the project understand the financial requirements and have systems in place to meet them.
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Financial support and monitoring
•
To provide information and ongoing training to project staff to ensure the financial success of the project. To inform the International Project Manager of material issues and variances and propose and monitor actions. Ensure transaction listings for multi country projects are maintained as supporting documentation for donor reporting. Respond to donor financial queries and recommend. actions to the International Project Manager as required To advise participating countries and their partners of donor specific financial rules and regulations and support staff to meet these. To support international offices and country programmes to fulfil the requirements for internal and external audit.
• • • • •
Typical People Management Responsibility Approximate number of people managed in total
None
Matrix Manager – (projects/dotted line)
International Project Manager
Team Leader Manager of Team Leaders/Managers
What is the global remit? Operates in: Remit covers all ActionAid countries
Yes Role Dimensions
Financial (limits/mandates)
Non-financial (customers/staff)
Job Description and Person Specification
Key Relationships to reach solutions Internal and External
Country Management Teams
Action Aid Affiliates/Members
Project managers and Donors
Int. Finance Management Accountants
IPD Team / AAUK
Finance staff in country programmes. Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Experience of leading on financial aspects of donor contract management and providing advice on complex financial management. Experience developing financial operational systems and schedules. Excellent financial management and administration skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English. Proven ability to prioritise in a demanding environment, multiple accountabilities, and to tight deadlines. Strong analytical, financial reporting, and presentation skills with the ability to present complex issues clearly and concisely. Proven ability to work in an accountable and flexible way in an international organisation. Experience of delivering participative training to INGO and local partner staff. Experience of financial capacity building. Experienced in using accounting software appropriate for a large international organisation. Advanced Excel skills. A strong commitment to ActionAid’s values. Ability to travel to the project countries and other international destinations as and when determined by the Project Managers/Coordinators and International Project Accountability Team.
Education & Certifications
•
Professional Accounting or Financial Management Qualification.
Job Specific Technical Requirements
•
Knowledge of/and or experience of the Not For Profit, NGO and/or Development sectors. Good working knowledge of computerised accounting packages and MS office (Excel), experience in SUN and Vision, an advantage. Experience in preparing plans and budgets, management and financial reporting, analysing financial reports and plans, and establishing key performance indicators and drawing insight for use by management and different stakeholders. Experience in providing support and training, particularly from a distance. Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
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Organisational Structure
Job Description and Person Specification Competency Profile Competency
What it looks like
Action
The desire to accept ownership and accountability, whilst getting things done well and meeting challenging goals
Planning
The ability to think ahead and decide on courses of action, ensuring that the resources required to implement the action will be available, and scheduling work required to achieve an end result
Innovation
The ability to originate, introduce and be open to, new practices, concepts, ideas and change and to continuously improve
Communication
The ability to get our points across clearly, both orally and in writing, to ensure we get our key messages across in the right way
Collaboration
The ability to work co-operatively and flexibly with others, both within and outside the organisation, demonstrating an understanding of effective team working and partnerships
Leadership & Management
The capacity to inspire others to give of their best to achieve a desired result, whilst maintaining effective relationships with individuals and teams as a whole and allocating resources
