Director of Administration and Finance At NCBA CLUSA

Project Summary

The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is seeking a candidate for the position of Director of Administration and Finance for the anticipated USAID-funded Ghana Accountability Activity. The purpose of Ghana Accountability Activity is to strengthen civil society oversight of and feedback into government performance in public service delivery and to support the government, especially at the local level, and public service providers to be more responsive to citizen demand in delivering quality essential services. This is based on the premise that citizen action and engagement are critical for ensuring that the government delivers quality services with increased accountability in 17 target districts of northern Ghana.

The goal of Activity is for citizens to adopt constructive behaviors in relation to achieving three objectives:

(1) Citizens Demand Responsive Service Delivery;

(2) Government Manages Policy Implementation for Efficient Service Delivery; and

(3) Local Public Service Providers Adhere to Quality Standards.

The expected duration of the project is five years. This will be a contract position pending award from USAID.

This position is expected to be a three-year duration, beginning December 2022.

Job Title: Director of Administration and Finance

Job Location: Tamale, Ghana

Position Summary

The Director of Finance and Administration, as part of the Senior Management Team, will be responsible for managing the accounting and finance personnel and functions to ensure compliance with NCBA CLUSA financial management policies, US Government policies, regulations, and procedures, and other applicable regulations. S/he provides oversight, guidance, and supervision to the project accounting staff. This position ensures that project finance and administration are upheld with high quality in accordance with NCBA CLUSA’s international program management standards and with its technical approach and principles.

The position is responsible for the management of the accounting and finance functions, its related entities, and the award administration of government grants for the project. This position will also assist to drive system and process improvements including upgrades within the accounting and finance field processes. The Director of Finance and Administration will also prepare in-depth analyses and ensure appropriate policies, procedures, and internal controls are maintained to safeguard the assets of NCBA CLUSA, the project, and the stewardship of government funds.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Oversee and direct all project financial and administrative management functions.
• Ensures that the appropriate financial systems are set up in compliance with NCBA CLUSA policies and USAID standards.
• Directs the development, implementation, and maintenance of the field financial policies, procedures, and internal controls including an emphasis on the requirements imposed by external donors and creditors.
• Oversee finance, human resource management, logistics, procurement, administration, and information technology support to the project, requesting direction from NCBA CLUSA headquarters (HQ) as needed.
• Work closely with Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), NCBA CLUSA HQ staff, and appropriate USAID staff when necessary to ensure that project resources are effectively and efficiently budgeted, analyzed, disbursed, monitored, and reported.
• When necessary, work closely with other key project staff, government officials, implementing partners, contractors, and USAID staff to ensure full compliance with local laws (i.e. taxes, shipping, customs, registration).
• Provide training and guidance to the field finance officers and COP on managing project expenses to annual work plans and contract budgets.
• Oversee preparation and submission of monthly financial statements (including expenses, receivables, and payables).
• Ensure timely submission of expense reports, bank reconciliations, and wire transfers requests to corporate HQ in Washington, D.C.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual expenditures and prepare pipeline estimates for the project.
• Responsible for treasury management including daily supervision of cash position and cash accounts; preparation of project cash flow projections and pipelines, preparation of cash requests from NCBA CLUSA HQ; and coordination of spot audits of petty cash accounts and fuel deposit accounts.
• Manage the bank accounts, ensuring that proper documentation is sent and received from the bank(s) including overseeing the monthly bank reconciliation process.
• Act as custodian of all accountable documents.
• Manage and provide financial oversight of subcontracts, sub-grants, and grants managed at the field level; ensure that proper financial reporting is received and is forwarded to NCBA CLUSA HQ.
• Responsible for project financial reporting to USAID, NCBA CLUSA HQ, and the Government of Ghana, if required.
• Ensures the required level of internal audit is achieved.
• Works closely with the COP to ensure site locations have the appropriate level and quality of accounting staff, ensures site staff is appropriately trained on government and donor regulations and requirements, and that site locations comply with such regulations as well as NCBA CLUSA policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the context of this position.

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in finance management of large USAID or other donor-funded development projects in Ghana.
• Knowledge of US Federal regulations (22CRF226), Standard Provisions and A-133);
• Requires working knowledge of the administrative, financial, and contractual management of international development programs and applying US government rules and regulations that govern foreign assistance development financing.
• Mastery level in accounting, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budget forecasting, general audits, A-133 audits, and financial analysis.
• Previous supervisory experience required.
• Excellent track record of good interpersonal, supervision, leadership, and managerial skills;
• Ability to work well with others and willingness to support and provide trainings.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access plus a working knowledge of accounting and procurement software particularly QuickBooks is preferable.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an engaging style for public presentations, and analytical, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills.
• Fluency in English is required.
• This position will be based in Tamale, Ghana, with around 15% of the time for field travel around Northern Ghana or to Accra for project implementation and/or project management duties.

To be considered applicants shall forward to sasadov@ncba.coop and cblock@ncba.coop the following documents with the subject line “Ghana Accountability DAF”:

• Cover Letter
• CV in reverse chronological format

Deadline: 25 February 2022

About the Organization

For over 60 years, the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) has contributed to high-impact international development projects in more than 85 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Grounded in the seven cooperative principles, NCBA CLUSA’s international development work seeks to alleviate poverty through social and economic empowerment. NCBA CLUSA’s work focuses on building resilient communities, creating economic opportunities, and strengthening cooperatives and producer organizations.

Our community-led development approach empowers communities to identify, promote, and manage sustainable, locally generated solution