Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Project Summary:
The purpose of Nicaragua Youth and Communities Secure, Empowered and Resilient (NYCSER) is to empower youth and their communities to acquire the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to become resilient and better equipped to advocate for their own best interests and security in the current national context of social and political instability and discrimination, including by actively participating in their communities’ and nation’s decision-making.
Position Summary:
The Senior Finance Manager will provide overall financial management and administrative oversight for the project. This position will also serve as a liaison with the Home Office to ensure full compliance with regulations and policies regarding implementation of effective internal controls.
Reporting and Supervision:
The Senior Finance Manager will report to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP).
Primary Responsibilities:
- Establish and maintain financial management and accounting control systems for program expenditures;
- Ensure that the project meets all donor contractual requirements and complies with donor policies and regulations;
- Receive and account for all funds for the project;
- Liaise between Creative field and headquarters offices in Washington regarding all program financial matters and all internal or external audit requests, as needed;
- Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting and review of project expenses;
- Participate in budget planning and realignments as required;
- Track the transfer of funds between headquarters and the field office;
- Manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses;
- Monitor program and operational forecasting, establish, and maintain cash controls to ensure supply of adequate funds;
- Process electronic funds transfer/check requests for payments to vendors in compliance with Creative policies and procedures and USAID regulations;
- Review and approve all disbursement/payment vouchers, including a thorough review of all supporting documents to ensure the goods and services being paid are adequately documented and approval thresholds are being followed and procurement documentation, if required, is attached;
- Review and process invoices and in-field payments in accordance with Creative accounting procedures and contract policies;
- Establish and maintain accounting records for all goods and services paid for and ensure strong internal review and controls are in place and being followed by the Creative team;
- Work closely with field-based subcontractors to ensure budgets, projections, and invoices are completed according to Creative/USAID policies and procedures;
- Manage personnel and payroll office staff and procedures;
- Maintain project financial and contractual files;
- Develop and put in place written guidelines and systems for efficient and effective accounting and payment processes;
- Provide financial management and systems training for project staff;
- Maintain a database of accounting documents, in both electronic and hard copy;
- Prepare and consolidate monthly field expense reports and submit monthly expense reports to Creative headquarters;
- Draft quarterly and annual financial reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information and forward to Finance and Contracts for review and approval by the Controller;
- Ensure monthly field expense reports;
- Provide COP (Chief of Party) with project’s current financial status; and
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- M.S. degree in accounting or financial management desired; B.S. degree required;
- At least six (6) years of general work experience and four (4) years of relevant work experience;
- Previous financial management experience of a donor-funded project in Nicaragua;
- Public or private sector management, financial analysis, cost accounting and relevant experience preferably in developing countries;
- Demonstrated capacity to supervise a complex financial management or general ledger system; and
- Fluency in Spanish and English is required.
Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Position contingent upon donor funding.
