Finance Officer - World Vision

The Improved Feeding Practices for first 1,000 Days project will be implemented by World Vision Ghana (WVG) with anticipated funding from the Japan Social Development Fund/World Bank. The project is focused on reducing nutritional deficiencies in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children under the age of 2 (the so-called first 1,000 days) among the rural poor in Ghana. The project will use an innovative market oriented approach that integrates the deployment of nutrient supplements, intake of micronutrients and amino acids/protein and nutrition-sensitive agricultural approaches to address nutrient deficiencies among selected rural poor populations. The project aims to increase the food availability, access, and consumption of diverse and nutritious food for individuals within the target group.

Purpose of the position:

This position is responsible for performing the day-to-day financial accountability and production of periodic financial reports of the Improved Feeding Practices for First 1,000 Days project to ensure effective implementation within World Vision International Financial policies and procedures and donor requirements. Ensuring compliance with financial procedures and controls and providing information to the Project Manager and the Grants Finance Manager for decisions on allocation of resources.

Major Responsibilities

Planning, Budgeting. Procurement

• Contribute to project planning and budgeting by providing inputs
• Work closely with project team to explain any variance in budget execution.
• Support project manager with information on all budget-related- communication with donor and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure adequate cash flow of the project
• Help project coordinators prepare good procurement plan for the project

Monitoring, Reporting & Documentation

• Analyse financial reports and raise concerns for the attention of the project manager.
• Provides monthly, quarterly, year-end and other grants financial reports and analysis Ensure prompt processing of documents for payments
• Verify and properly document all transactions.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of LDR/Timesheet, payroll expenses, travel / activity advances for project staff.
• Prepare monthly/weekly financial report and advice project Manager on any shot falls (over/under expenditure)
• Ensure that all costs in the project adhere to donor regulations, and are allowable, reasonable and allocable
• Ensure all procurements met donor and World Vision requirements
• Ensure sub-grantees’ submission of timely, complete and accurate financial reports per agreements.
• Support all audits to be carried out during the duration of the project.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Assist to set up proper internal control system in project team.
• Promote and practice transparency and integrity for good stewardship of resources by applying controls.
• Take corrective actions/measures on audit recommendations and regularly monitor progress, in partnership with NO and partner finance departments.
• Train partners on financial requirements of the donor and WV.
• Monitor ongoing activities, including site visits.
• Ensure proper and adequate background checks on all project partners whom will receive funding from the project.
• Provide necessary information on project audits

Networking, collaboration, and communication

• Represent WV Ghana at relevant meetings with internal and external stakeholders
• Foster good relationships with communities and partners, ensuring that feedback is addressed in a timely manner.
• Support all audits to be carried out during the duration of the project.

Qualifications: Education/Knowledge/Technical Skills and Experience

• First Degree or its equivalent in accounting and finance option; A professional certificate in Accounting will be an added advantage
• Experience: At least 3 to 5 years’ experience in an accounting or finance office role, preferably in implementing integrated Nutrition & Health and food security projects in developing countries
• Strong understanding of food based approaches -Nutrition-sensitive agriculture approaches and pathways
• Strong grant project management skills and experience in managing large scale internationally funded grant projects will be an added advantage
• Prior experience in social enterprise /microenterprise/ micro franchising will be an added advantage
• Prior Knowledge of JSDF/World Bank regulations and processes (operations, procurement, finance, environmental safeguard policies, etc.) will be an added advantage

Other Competencies/Attributes:

• Strong analytical and report writing skills
• Strong communication skills (oral and written), able to make convincing presentations
• Competency in the use of MS Office suite- Excel

Working Environment / Conditions:

• Work environment: Office-based with frequent travel to the field
• Travel: Minimum 50% domestic travel required