Job Purpose : 

The Country Financial Controller (CFC) is responsible for managing all aspects of the finance function of the Concern Worldwide Ethiopia country programme so that we achieve our objectives in line with Concern Worldwide and government’s policies, procedures and standards.

Main duties and responsibilities: 

Financial System and Controls

·       Ensure that country financial management systems and records are adequate in order to identify and protect the assets and interest of the organization.

·       Ensure that the systems and procedures in place enhance, as far as possible, the efficiency and effectiveness of the manner in which assets are utilized.

·       Maintain an effective and efficient system of internal controls, which comply with Concern’s financial guidelines.

·       Maintain up-to date knowledge of and implement national government requirements and regulations related to financial matters

·       Review existing systems on an on-going basis in order to develop and improve internal controls, in compliance with Concern’s policies and procedures.

·       Ensuring financial systems of the country programme are operating in line with standard Concern procedures and they meet the monitoring and reporting requirements of the Country Management Team, Donors and National Authorities;

·       Ensure that all financial records and accounts are compiled in a timely and accurate manner, in line with applicable accounting standards and donor regulations.

·       Ensure that the country financial operations comply with legal and statutory requirements e.g. audit and financial reporting to all relevant national authorities.

·       With the support of the finance team, keep up to date with donor regulations and ensure that all controls are in place to meet donor compliance.

·       Support the SD in ensuring there is a complete record of capital assets and that they are adequately safeguarded

·       Organising and supporting financial assessments, reviews, monitoring and training of local partner organisations;

·       Undertaking regular field visits to assess the financial systems in place & implement improvements wherever needed

·       Closely monitor all financial activities, and keep the CD/Senior Management Team advised of all situations that have the potential for a negative impact on internal controls or financial management performance.

·       Accepting, advancing and pursuing any new objectives or responsibilities that may be assigned by the Country Director including transfer of existing duties and/or re-assignment to other responsibilities should the organisation so require

·       Ensure that the global accounting package (Microsoft Great Plains) is maintained in a proper manner, and utilized in an appropriate and effective manner

Financial Reporting and Donor Reporting

·       Ensuring that country management prepares the annual and revised Country budget and donor budgets, as accurately as possible

·       Producing monthly management accounts (budget vs. actual) and working with the programme teams and department managers to understand their expenditure reports (management accounts) and budgets

·       Overseeing the accurate preparation of financial reports and ensuring both organisational and donor requirements are met within agreed timeframes

·       Overseeing the process of for new project/programme budgets and reviews

·       Maintaining a donor financial management system in order to optimize funding and to ensure efficient and accurate reporting to donors, including donor compliance

•     Ensuring timely and accurate preparation of financial reports for Concern’s Head Office (Financial Reporting Pack (i.e. FRP)

•     Reconcile all balance sheet items on a timely basis, in accordance with Concern Worldwide policies & procedures

•     Finalise year end accounts for the external auditors and provide any ad-hoc finance reports for Concern’s Head Office

·       Provide financial analysis where necessary especially on maximizing available funds and advice to CD.

Staff Management and Capacity Building

·       Providing leadership and direction for the in-country Finance Team

·       Develop the capacity of the finance team especially in Addis Ababa to ensure that a good standard of financial management is maintained.

·       Undertake specific training, capacity building and other relevant initiatives to ensure national staff perform their roles and responsibilities with accuracy and professionalism and also create the space for national staff to develop into credible candidates to fill vacant positions in the finance team and to provide strong cover for leave.

·       Providing training and support to financial and non-financial staff regarding Concern’s financial procedures and internal controls

·       Undertake financial training of budget-holders, to assist them in enforcing financial controls and making decisions based on financial reports.

·       Ensuring Concern’s values and policy commitments, including accountability and equality, are reflected in the work of the Finance Team/Department;

Other financial duties

·       Facilitate internal, external and donor audits and associated reviews of field systems

•     Ensure that all statutory deductions & taxes in respect of national staff are complied with & to liaise with relevant authorities in this respect.

•     Assist in the development and implementation of the Country’s Strategic Plan

·       Contribute to the development of the country’s strategic direction and to the overall leadership of the country programme

·       Any other finance-related assignments

Concern Code of Conduct and Associated Policies

·       Ensure adherence to the Concern Code of Conduct and Associated Policies

• Ensure finance staff understanding and adhere to the Concern Code of Conduct and Associated Policies
• Ensure the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) are understood by finance staff
• Contribute to and ensure that the Ethiopia programme delivers on its accountability commitments.
• Promote an organization environment which is fair, open, protective and which fosters a learning culture.

Confidentiality

• Ensure the non-disclosure of any information whatsoever acquired in the course of duty, relating to the practices and business of Concern Worldwide, to any other person or Organization without authority, except in normal execution of the above duties
• Ensure strict guardianship and security of financial data and documents at all times, including secure storage, accurate & complete filing and limiting access to the finance office to authorised personnel only
• Ensure strict adherence to Concern Financial Procedures and Fraud Policy and remaining within the boundaries of these policies at all times

Gender Equity

·       With the PD, ensure adequate financial resources are available for gender mainstreaming during the proposal review process

With the PD, ensure that budgets allocated for gender mainstreaming are fully utilized and resources used to maximum effect

Emergency Response 

Concern is committed to responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively in order to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. To this end, when emergencies strike and Ethiopia Programme is to respond, all staff are required to actively participate in the response, regardless of location and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving the humanitarian objective of the organization.

Concern has a Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct which has been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants, especially beneficiaries, from abuse and exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, partner organisations, and anyone engaged by Concern or visiting our programmes, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, all Concern staff have a responsibility to the organisation to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in the day-to-day conduct of their work in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission.  

Any candidate offered a job with Concern will be expected to sign the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment. By signing the Programme Participant Protection Policy and the Concern Code of Conduct candidates demonstrate they have understood its content and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of this document.

Any breach of the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct by employees of Concern during the course of their employment will result in disciplinary action up to, and including, dismissal.

 Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Essential

·       Accountancy Qualification (e.g. CPA, ACA, ACCA,CIMA)

·       3 years post qualification experience in a similar international organization

·       Experience in donor budgeting and financial reporting.

·       Experience in developing staff technical and management capacity

·       Experience managing large and multi donor (especially ECHO, DFID, WFP, Irish Aid etc.) programme budgets

·       Experience managing ChSA and government requirements

·       Must be fully fluent in English.

• Empathy with Concern’s goals and values, particularly equality
• Strong commitment to capacity building, protection and participation including Concern’s P4.

Desirable

·       Knowledge of development issues and concepts.

·       Experience of working/living in an insecure and harsh environment

·       Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines

·       Good team worker

·       Good Communication and negotiation skills

·       Knowledge of computer applications i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, communications systems.

Special Skills, Aptitude or Personality Requirements:

·       Cross cultural awareness and sensitivity

·       Good communication and training / capacity building skills

·       Proven organisational, planning and management skills

·       Ability to work on own initiative and lead diverse teams

·       Flexible and adaptable to a changing environment

·       Strong interpersonal and team work skills