Finance and Administration Director

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 USAID West Africa mission intends to fund a five-year Strengthen Resilience and Learning to Countering Violent Extremism in Cote d’Ivoire Northern Border Areas program in August 2020. Position Summary: The Finance and Administration Director will be based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

S/he will provide overall financial management and oversight for the project and will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP). This position will also be a liaison with the Home Office to ensure full compliance with regulations and policies with regard to implementation of effective internal controls. Reporting & Supervision: The Finance Director will report to the COP and supervise a finance team of accountants.

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 (performing weekly and monthly cash checks). Liaise between Creative Associates' field and headquarters offices; 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, and manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses, including developing spreadsheet programs for tracking and monitoring all financial project activities, and maintaining spreadsheets with current project expense data; Provide Project Director/HQ updates on the status of fund requests and work with Finance and Contracts (F&C) in Washington, DC to ensure the timely transfer of funds; Submit wire transfer requests for field offices to F&C for processing; Process check requests and wire transfer requests for payments to vendors in compliance with contract requirements; Review and process invoices and in-field fee payments in accordance with Creative accounting procedures and contract policies; 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 financial procedures manual; Provide financial management and systems training for project staff; Maintain a database of accounting documents, in both electronic and hard copy; Consolidate accounting data into a monthly return to be forwarded to Headquarters in paper and electronic copies; Prepare the requisite financial documents and vouchers; Draft quarterly and annual financial reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information and forward to F&C for review and approval by the Controller; Coordinate with USAID regarding the management of U.S.

dollars and local currencies; Ensure monthly field expense reports; Travel to field offices when necessary; and Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Skills & Qualifications: M.S. degree in accounting or financial management desired; B.S. degree with at least eight (8) years of experience required; Previous financial management of a donor-funded project in Cote d’Ivoire; 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 French and English.

Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Position contingent upon donor funding.