Program Finance Accountant at United States International University - USIU Africa

Job summary:

USIU-Africa seeks a qualified candidate for the full-time Project Finance Accountant position to strengthen employment pathways for youth. The project seeks to develop and implement high-quality, industry-endorsed training directly connected to youth employment opportunities in high-priority sectors.

The role will support and ensure that the project complies with all USAID rules and regulations and satisfies all USAID and USIU-Africa financial reporting requirements on a timely basis. The position would report to the Program Finance and Administration Director.

Key Responsibilities/Tasks/Duties:

Accounting:

• Maintain project accounts and track all transactions to ensure that they are processed on a timely basis to allow for cash based approach in project accounting.
• Liaise with the USIU Accounting department, Project Finance Lead and the Chief of Party (COP) to process project cost allocations appropriately and troubleshoot issues that may arise.
• Project bank account reconciliations on monthly basis and ensure approvals of the reconciled accounts.
• Reconcile project accounts and provide support documents for all financial transactions into monthly accounting packages to the home office.
• Review all project expenses and ensure no disallowable costs in the project.
• Produce accurate and timely monthly financial reports.
• Maintain all project accounting records and.
• Process journals for approved staff travel expense reports.
• Assist with monthly financial statements preparation and preparation of audit schedules.
• Seek VAT refunds: DA1 forms processing; application for tax exemption, distribution to project partners, tracking the filing and submission of the form back to USAID.
• Maintain accurate EPY project assets/ inventory register..

Budget Management & Procurement:

• Process monthly accounts for status updates on budget burn rate.
• Work with the Project Finance Lead to process project monthly activity forecasts to USAID and input pending expenses into the budget tracking tool.
• Prepare monthly cash forecasts for the Finance Lead and COP’s review and approval.
• Compliance checks in procuring goods and services for the project, ensuring compliance with USIU and USAID policies.
• Review invoices and contract requests for project services against budget allocations
• Monitor vendor invoices and disburse payments upon approval of the COP and Project Finance Lead.

Requirements:

• 4 years of experience in finance and accounting.
• Prior accounting experience in a USG-funded project is mandatory.
• Microsoft Office suite proficiency and the ability to operate spreadsheets.
• Proactive problem-solving, decision-making and good judgment skills.
• Ability and commitment to manage confidential information.
• Attention to detail and ability to effectively and efficiently perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with leaders, colleagues, service providers and beneficiaries.
• Professional and mature demeanor and conduct.