Background

The Finance and Administration Officer will oversee finance, human resources management, logistics, procurement, administration, and information technology (ICT) in support of all programmatic activities. The FAO sits on the senior leadership team and plays a key part in RHL’s leadership, strategic decision making, and strengthening internal capacity. The FAO also ensures compliance with RHL standard operating procedure, RH US rules and regulations, donor guidelines and national/international GAAP standards. This role will liaise closely with the Fleet Coordinator and the Executive Director – with tangential work done during key seasons with the leadership of each of RHL’s key programmatic areas (health, mental health, weaving, rice mill, etc.).

The FAO will provide financial and operational management for Restore Hope Liberia’s growing mental health and health care projects in Kolahun, Liberia. This position is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting and budgets as well as the management of all accounting, audits, procurement, and sub-award financial and compliance monitoring. Overseeing all aspects of financial systems, this position will often liaise directly with the ED for financial and accounting matters and will ensure compliance with donor policies and procedures. The successful candidate will display an impeccable professional standard of finance ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with and donor policies and procedures. An ability to support programmatic objectives with timely and meaningful financial information is essential.

However, the FAO is also responsible to help draft an improved staff retention policy that better aligns with Liberian national standards. They will guide HR processes as the organization grows – with a goal to be more ‘people focused.’ They will lead efforts to strengthen data gathered from our existing procurement and fleet management practices. They will follow up with the Liberian government to ensure that all RHL’s registration and accreditation processes keep moving forward toward completion.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead and support creation of robust finance and administration systems, policies and procedures that span the Restore Hope US and Liberian offices. Enforce and use existing systems for financial operations in in accordance with the RHL policies and procedures and donor regulations, including systems for cash flow management, budgeting, consolidation of accounting information, internal controls, financial reporting, financial record-keeping, grant management and compliance.

Provide some supervision to programmatic support staff as related to financial matters. Maintain banking relations and plan and monitor country cash flow requirements to ensure smooth project implementation. Provide monthly standard accounting submissions to RH US, including general ledger files, account reconciliations, expenditures by cost center/project/grant/donor, required sub-grantee reporting, as well as other financial information in a timely and accurate manner.

Coordinate human resources management including recruitment processes, coordinating recruitment of long and short-term staff, overseeing procedures for orientation and performance improvement of all new staff, and developing job descriptions.

Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices and finalize the finance unit’s operations manual. Work with Liberian government to ensure that RHL is following all required national employment standards.

• Manage finance/administration teams to achieve company financial goals.
• Develop overall corporate financial goals and objectives.
• Oversee preparation of financial records related to general ledger, payroll, budget, expense, etc.
• Assist in account receivable and payable activities.
• Maintain accurate bank records of cash withdrawals and deposits.
• Follow standard accounting process for financial analysis and reporting activities.
• Evaluate existing accounting system/ recommend improvements.
• Assist in developing and managing budgeting system – including ultimate identification of electronic accounting system that meets org. needs.
• Perform account reconciliations and generate financial reports.
• Identify and resolve invoicing issues, accounting discrepancies and other financial related problems.
• Manage all client accounts for payment settlements.
• Initiate orientation and training programs for employees.
• Track and monitor resource needs and other material needs for carrying out financial and administration tasks.
• Monitor and manage expenses within allotted budgets.
• Interview, hire and train new employees in financial and administration activities.
• Assist in resource identification, work assignment, performance evaluation, and promotion decision activities.

Responsible for monthly cash reconciliation with RH US. Review financial reports, journals and transactions and liaise with management on a regular basis. Provide monthly financial reports, including expenditures by budget category, sub-grantee reporting and other financial information, in a timely and accurate manner. Collaboratively lead the annual budget development process with key program staff and in conjunction with both Executive Directors from the RH US and RHL. Support development of grant budgets for proposal submission and when grants are awarded, provide oversight to the grant budgeting and forecasting systems.

Perform internal audits and reviews, as required, to ensure compliance with RHL policies, government regulations, and donor requirements. Effectively stay abreast of donor policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; compile and update applicable local policies; and train program and partner staff in these policies.

Plan, organize and implement annual external audits of the RH Liberia organization, utilizing a local Liberian financial audit firm. Liaise with Liberia ED regarding the findings of the annual external audit and ensure that action plans are developed and implemented to address any external audit findings/recommendations.

Develop and maintain local office policies and procedures and provide training for all issues related to local financial and operational matters. Co-sign all checks and transfers from project checking accounts. At the close of each budget year, support process to bring audit firms to the board for the next year’s approval of service delivery. Review and monitor partners’ financial reporting and compliance while providing additional technical assistance to partners as necessary to maintain high standards of compliance.

Qualifications

A minimum of college degree in finance/accounting or equivalent. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in financial and grants management, with a minimum of 1 years direct international work experience with senior-level responsibility for administration and finance managing similar programs.

Demonstrated strong management, coordination, teamwork, and planning skills, with proven ability to function effectively in both the public and NGO sectors. Demonstrated familiarity with and understanding of USG donor rules and regulations governing financial compliance and contracts management.

Proven expertise in finance, accounting, and auditing, including automated financial systems, as well as results-oriented grants management. Proven expertise in financial planning, monitoring of grant compliance and management and the establishment of internal controls. Thorough knowledge of MS Excel and experience with accounting software is desired. Excellent oral and written English skills.

To Apply: Submit Cover letter and CV to:

admin@restorehopeliberia.org;

kdatokpah@restorehopeliberia.org

drdavid@restorehopeliberia.org

Or apply below.