Job Vacancy at CODE Sierra Leone – Finance and Operations Manager

Good books brought to life by excellent teachers help learners understand and thrive in the world around them. That is the idea behind CODE. CODE takes a comprehensive approach to programming, working with teacher educators, teachers, librarians, writers, and publishers to develop and sustain literate environment. CODE works in partnership with national and local governments, local implementing partners and in-country experts as well as with international experts.

CODE Headquarters (CODE HQ) is looking for a Finance and Operations Manager to support the CODE Sierra Leone office. Reporting to the Country Lead, the Finance and Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that financial management, administration and business systems are effective, efficient and compliant. The position is responsible for accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cash management and supporting operations. The Finance and Operations Manager must also ensure a high level of rigour and integrity to support the projects and core capacity functions of CODE Sierra Leone. In addition, the Finance and Operations Manager will collaborate with other staff at CODE HQ and CODE Sierra Leone to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the office.

Functions/Responsibilities

Finance and Compliance

1. Identify compliance and finance risks and identify ways to mitigate those risks.
2. Implement controls, systems, and procedures in line with directives from head office.
3. Ensure systems are effective in preventing, detecting, and identifying non-compliance with applicable regulations, laws and standards in country.
4. Prepare financial plans and maintain budgets in coordination with other staff and management.
5. Supervise, manage, and maintain transactions, purchase orders, contracts and petty cash.
6. Evaluate eligibility of expenses, ensure adequate supporting documents and proper authorization in compliance with accounting policies and procedures.
7. Oversee proper allocation of expenses and monitor costs against budget.
8. Verify bank reconciliations for all accounts.
9. Reconcile general ledger accounts.
10. Responsible for maintaining an inventory of all assets.
11. Prepare regular financial statements and liaise with headquarters on financial matters.
12. Completion of ad hoc financial information requests.
13. Work closely with the Country Lead and HQ Finance staff in response to external and internal audits.
14. Serve as key resource on technical concerns/challenges.
15. Other accounting /finance and analysis duties as assigned.

Operations

1. Liaise with CODE HQ on administrative matters.
2. Responsible for in-country registration, taxation, reporting requirements and legal matters that affect the organization.
3. Review and improve internal operating systems of the office.
4. Responsible to roll out policies and procedures as directed by headquarters through training and orientation.
5. Serve as focal point for overall office security including Crisis Management Plan.
6. Respond to program requests for assistance on a broad range of topics including regulations, procedures, and personnel matters.
7. Remain current with all regulations, practices, tax laws, reporting requirements and industry trends.
8. Perform other duties as required.

Core Competencies

· Knowledge of internal control procedures.

· Application of institutional financial policies and guidelines.

· Incorporation of financial considerations into processes and procedures.

· Proficiency in computer skills, especially in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word etc.).

· Strong communication skills,

· Strong problem-solving skills.

Qualifications and experience:

· University degree from an accredited academic institution in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.

· Minimum three (3) years of relevant experience in a similar role.

· Demonstrated financial and budgeting skills.

· Demonstrated experience in overseeing office operations, including program startup and closing.

· Strong analytical skills to identify operational risks and ability to solve operational problems.

· Training skills to roll out policies and procedures and ability to convey complex concepts through simplified approaches.

· Experience working for an INGO.

· Effective communication skills with individuals at all levels of the organization

· Ability to adapt to and learn new software.

· Able to work efficiently as a part of a team as well as independently.

· High level of critical and logical thinking, analysis, and/or reasoning to identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts.

· Able to work well under pressure and meet set deadlines.

· Good organizational, time management and prioritizing skills

· Ability to interpret and implement company policies and procedures.

· Attention to detail in all areas of work.

· High level of personal integrity.

· Strong work ethic.