JOB DESCRIPTION
Accountant
Shelter for Life International (SFL) is a humanitarian organization with more than 30 years of experience in the international humanitarian field. SFL specializes in infrastructure reconstruction, agricultural development, food security, and the application of microcredit. An approach that remains culturally sensitive emphasizes community participation and uses appropriate technology as an integral part of all SFL projects and programs. SFL's mission is to demonstrate God's love by enabling people to rebuild their communities and restore their lives. For more information, see our website:
www.shelter.org
SFL plans to implement a seven-year program in Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau to develop and improve the value chain linkages needed to support an integrated regional cashew nut trade network. The proposed program will consider these links in four program components: (1) market infrastructure, (2) financial services, (3) market access and connections, and (4) good agricultural practices. The program "Linking infrastructure, finance, and cashew nut farms" will create sustainable trade infrastructure, improve access to financial services, organize and train small farmers to increase their production and negotiating capacity, and strengthen the capacity of local processors to add value to nuts in the cashew production area in West Africa.
Position Summary:
We are currently looking for an Accountant to serve on a regional project.
The position holder will be based in Ziguinchor, Senegal. This position will be responsible for day-to-day management of activities of the field accounting department.
Duites And Responsabilites :
- Manage and oversee the daily operations of the accounting department including assets, accounts payable, general ledger, expenditures, and payroll.
- Record various financial transactions such as bills, invoices, budgets, cash transactions, and payroll data into our accounting software.
- Manage expense accounts and implement journal entries to allocate expenses correctly to departments, projects, and accounts.
- Monitoring and analyzing accounting data and producing financial reports or statements.
- Establish and maintain fiscal files and records to document transactions.
- Responsible for month-end and year-end closing
- Provide cash flow analysis - maintain records of cash advances received by staff and project cash accounts and provide daily cash available balance of all cash accounts to management when requested.
- Reconcile assets, liabilities, revenue, and expense accounts to supporting documents and schedules monthly.
- Assure expenditures are in accordance with code balances for item acquisition. Keep the finance manager and Chief of the party informed as to the balances of internal accounts.
- Ensure internal control policies and procedures are properly implemented and maintained.
- Ensure all accounting information, records, and supporting documents are accurate, complete, and in accordance with GAAP and Federal grant agreement requirements.
- Ensure compliance with SFL’s Field Operation Manual and U.S. Government accounting policies.
- Gather and provide information, prepare schedules and analyses, and organize supporting documents for year-end financial statements and A-133 audits.
- Provide necessary checks and balances with technical, administrative, logistics & procurement, and management staff in compliance with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget requirements.
- Supervise and review cash in safe and related records.
- Prepared vouchers for staff for payments; review that invoices and all required accurate and complete supporting documents are attached to the disbursement voucher to approve the payment.
- Perform special projects as assigned by SFL-FM
- Oversee and communicate with the Finance Manager, ensuring the following:
- Expenditures are recorded to the proper account and the projects.
- Project(s) are within budgeted guidelines.
- Accounting data and documents are forwarded on a monthly basis to the SFL Finance Manager
- Internal control processes and procedures are in place and being adhered.
These essential functions are not interpreted as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required. All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
- At least 3 years of professional experience in the field of accounting and having experience with INGO (international non governmental organization) preferred.
- Ability to manipulate large amounts of data.
- Proven knowledge of accounting principles, practices, standards, and regulations
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Advanced computer skills in MS Office and QuickBooks accounting software.
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English and French are an advantage.
- Experienced with all phases of the general ledger.
Skills:
• Demonstrate a commitment to the vision, mission, and values of Shelter For Life.
• Ready and passionate to work in the field, in rural areas, and under difficult conditions.
• Ability to work in multicultural environments: Demonstrate sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age.
• Team spirit in a multi-stakeholder context, focus on impact and result.
• Perform the work with consistency and energy and with a positive and constructive attitude.
• Ability to summarize and work under pressure, sense of rigor and organization, ability to communicate.