Job Description
Formed in 1947, the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) has focused its efforts on advancing self-reliant, member-owned co-operatives on a global scale. The strength of CDF Canada is grounded in its mission – Acting on Co-operative principles, we partner with communities to achieve sustainable economic and social development – and is at the heart of all strategic activities the organization undertakes. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do! We recognize the immense value that different experiences and perspectives bring to our organization. As a result, we intentionally seek people from diverse backgrounds and empower them to inspire our teams to nurture new processes and ideas.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Finance Assistant is part of an integral team implementing CDF Canada’s international development programs within the framework provided by organizational strategies, policies, procedures, and goals. The Finance Assistant collaborates with Finance Officer, providing support to the program team, supporting and monitoring project financial performance and variances in budget. The Finance Assistant will also support the budgeting and reporting process, the development and / or evaluation of field office financial systems and controls and the development of suitable reporting system for the project.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides financial support and advice to project team.
- Coordinates with staff assigned to the project to ensure accurate and timely transfer of funds and reception of financial reports.
- Participates in development of annual work plan and budget for the project.
- Verifies payment requests and advances for accuracy and correctness.
- Tracks advances provided to partners, staff, consultants, and volunteers; ensuring that outstanding advances are cleared before new advances are issued.
- Reviews all related business expense claims for authorization & accuracy. Verifies coding and compliance with funder agreements.
- Ensures that claim is confimed by appropriate supporting documentation.
- Receives and reviews financial reports from CDF’s partners. Verifies the general ledger, reconciliations (project bank accounts, advances), other relevant reports, calculation of foreign exchange rate and coding to budget lines.
- Brings any errors and discrepancies to the attention of the Finance Officer.
- Prepares monthly journal entries to incorporate the financial activities into CDF’s books.
- Maintains project financial files.
- Responds to internal & external requests for project financial information at the transactional level.
- Provides assistance & support for project related matters during year-end and compliance audits.
COMPETENCIES & SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- Extremely organized and detail-oriented with a talent for multi-tasking.
- Excellent analytic skills.
- Information management – ability to maintain financial systems, database platforms, update information and prepare reports using relevant data.
- Must be resourceful, respond quickly to daily needs, and able to hit the ground running.
- Exceptional interpersonal and group process skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Headquarters and project field staff.
- Unquestionable personal code of ethics, integrity, and trust.
- Good judgement and maturity, with an ability to identify and address organizational needs, make decisions, develop and justify recommendations, resolve conflicts, and be responsive and clear with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work as a member of a team.
- Discretion and commitment to organizational reputation and confidentiality.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 3 years in a finance & accounting position in a non-profit organization, foundation, or government agency preferably in an international development context.
- Diploma in a relevant field with specialization in Accounting; Enrolment in CPA designation program is considered an asset.
- Advanced computer literacy, including experience in database management, spreadsheets, and accounting software.
- Knowledge of Sage Accounting System is desirable.
- Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
- Demonstrated experience in providing support to finance teams in overseas project offices with financial reporting and control systems and techniques.
- Knowledge of co-operative forms of enterprise an asset.
- High level of proficiency in written and oral English.
TO APPLY
We require all applications, including cover letters and resumes, to be submitted through the web portal.
Application Deadline: Friday December 13th, 2024 4:00 p.m. CAT
Applicants must be Malawi Citizens or have legal authorization to work in Lilongwe, Malawi. Please note that we are unable to provide visa assistance or offer relocation support for this position.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, and unsolicited communication will not be accepted.
CDF Canada is committed to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or age.