SENIOR FINANCE OFFICER

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to human development, committed to sustainably improving living conditions by providing integrated and contextually appropriate solutions. Established with a mission to address interconnected development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. This diverse expertise allows the organization to tackle complex issues effectively. FHI 360 operates in multiple countries, focusing on delivering impactful programs that enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Finance Officer will report to the Finance and Operations Director and will be responsible for managing all financial activities of the project in the Lualaba province. This role involves coordinating and overseeing financial and accounting functions, ensuring rigorous budget management, compliance with donor requirements, and high-quality financial reporting. The Senior Finance Officer will provide financial analyses and strategic support to management to inform decision-making and optimize project performance. Key functions include managing project budgets, preparing detailed financial reports on time, monitoring expenditures, and implementing effective financial control mechanisms. The officer will also support and guide project teams in financial matters and contribute to audit preparations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Finance Officer's primary responsibilities include:

• Financial Supervision and Analysis: Supporting the preparation of the annual work plan and project budget, ensuring proper allocation of resources to planned activities. Regularly analyzing expenditure trends to identify potential financial risks or cost optimization opportunities. Monitoring staff time allocation to ensure compliance with the approved budget and reporting any discrepancies to the Finance and Operations Director. Documenting complex issues and drafting clear, reasoned conclusions; collaborating with management to plan, negotiate, and coordinate the presentation of analyses and recommendations.
• Financial Tracking and Reporting: Establishing and updating a financial tracking system to effectively monitor project expenditures and resource allocation. Coordinating monthly fund requests based on the approved budget and cash flow forecasts to ensure resource availability for activity implementation. Reviewing and analyzing monthly financial reports concerning budgets, actual data, and forecasts, providing recommendations and consulting management on financial projects and compliance issues. Examining purchase orders and associated documentation for validation by the Finance and Operations Director before issuance. Preparing and submitting accurate monthly financial reports on time, including detailed expenditure tracking against the approved budget, audit reviews, and internal assessments. Regularly monitoring budget execution and conducting variance analyses to identify discrepancies and propose appropriate corrective measures. Collaborating with junior finance colleagues on tasks such as receiving supplier invoices, verifying compliance of supporting documents before payment, preparing payments for suppliers and partners while ensuring adherence to FHI 360 procedures, recording project financial transactions in the GFAS accounting software, archiving project accounting and financial documents, participating in monthly accounting closures, preparing balance sheet account reconciliations, and developing monthly cash flow forecasts while supervising the petty cash in Kolwezi.
• Financial Compliance and Grant Management: Developing, implementing, and maintaining financial policies, standards, and procedures in compliance with FHI 360 policies and U.S. government regulations. Advising project teams on donor requirements, financial policies, and compliance issues, ensuring their understanding of financial tools and systems. Serving as the focal point for audit preparations and ensuring project and Kolwezi office compliance with donor requirements and national regulations by preparing necessary documents and reports for external audits. Collaborating with the grants team to ensure timely submission, review, and approval of financial reports while supporting the financial tracking and management of sub-grants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree (BAC+3) in accounting, management, finance, or a related field. They should have 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience in finance and accounting. Previous work experience with U.S. government-funded programs, preferably in integrated health programs or epidemic response, is highly desirable. Experience working in a national and/or international NGO in a similar role is a significant advantage. Candidates should also have prior experience in managing project implementation partners and significant experience using computerized financial information systems. Strong communication skills and proficiency in both written and spoken French and English are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a minimum of a Bachelor's degree (BAC+3) in accounting, management, finance, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management and compliance in a project setting.

Experience:
The position requires 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience in finance and accounting. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with U.S. government-funded programs, particularly in health-related initiatives, and experience in a similar role within an NGO is highly valued. Familiarity with managing project partners and using financial information systems is also important.

Languages:
Proficiency in French and English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages is considered a plus, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
FHI 360 offers a competitive salary range for this role, estimated between USD 28,300 and 40,000 annually for gross salary (including basic and allowances) for national local hires. The organization considers various factors when determining salary offers, including relevant years of experience, education, internal equity, market pay, and budget constraints. For internal candidates, salary placement will adhere to FHI 360’s promotional increase guidelines. This job posting outlines the main duties of the position but does not prescribe or restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. FHI 360 reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing discrimination based on various characteristics. All candidates are encouraged to submit their application materials, including a cover letter, updated CV, and references, along with copies of diplomas and employment certificates. The recruitment process includes appropriate screening checks, and FHI 360 is dedicated to safeguarding against abuse and harassment in its work environments.