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Finance Officer - Johannesburg

Freedom House supports the spread of freedom and democracy throughout the world through research, effective advocacy, and programs directly supporting frontline activists. We are a leader in identifying threats to freedom through our highly regarded analytic reports, including Freedom in the World. With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we are supporting the right of every individual to be free.
Position Summary
The Finance Officer will maintain financial and accounting services and provide technical support to sub-grantees in order to fulfill legal, financial and administrative requirements of donors, the host government and Freedom House. He/She will support program activities aimed at strengthening and encouraging civil society organizations to work effectively in promoting democratic governance, rule of law and respect for human rights Southern African region. The Finance Officer will prepare, review and record the transactions in the financial system in order to ensure that FHSA financial records are always maintained in an accurately and up-to-date and assist in maintaining accounts payable and accounts receivable using the accounting software Collaborate with sub-grantees to ensure the compliance with donor’s requirements.
Some Duties and Responsibilities
  • Ensure all financial data and transactions are properly recorded and accurately entered into the Pastel Evolution accounting system
  • Liaise with Program staff to ensure prompt payment, submission of accurate financial information, timely follow-up, and error free record keeping
  • Maintain financial files and records
  • Ensure that security checks are performed (OFAC/ELPS) on vendors and staff
  • Oversee financial and grant compliance component of sub-grant programs including assessment of sub-grant applications, assisting in creation of sub-grant documentation and monitoring of financial reporting
  • Post the approved and paid payment vouchers into the Pastel Evolution Accounting system on the daily basis
  • Provide feedback based on the practical observations dealing with sub-grantees in order to update the Freedom House Sub-Grant Handbook on an annual basis
  • Maintain and reconcile the General Ledger in collaboration with supervisor
  • Ensure exchange rates are received in time and recorded properly and consistently in the accounting system
  • Assist to monitor and reconcile bank and cash books
  • Monitor and follow-up on accounts payable
  • Prepare journal summaries for internal and external needs
  • Monitor and follow-up on accounts payable
  • Prepare cost-sharing reports and V.A.T. reports
  • Review and initiate wire transfers
  • Review payment vouchers prepared by program staff to ensure that the information is complete and accurate and complies with established internal requirements
  • Ensure that banking activities for local currency or FOREX are performed in accordance with SA financial and accounting legal and procedural requirements
  • Assist in budget and draw-down request preparation
  • Ensure that sub-grant financial records and grant correspondence archives are always complete and up to date
  • Ensure compliance of sub-grants activities with programmatic objectives, financial obligations and reporting requirements according to contracts and grant agreements
  • Assist to FH staff to draft the budgets, conduct due-diligence, and assess the potential sub-grantee’s capacity to handle the sub-grants
  • Review the financial reports provided by sub-grantees, report the results promptly, follow-up on the identified issues
  • Communicate with sub-grantees and FH staff efficiently on financial matters related to sub-grant’s implementation
  • Conduct sub-grant financial management training workshops for potential and current sub-grantees in a close collaboration with FHSA SFO
  • Perform back-up cashier’s function when required and authorised
  • Perform banking activities for FOREX, Western Union and Moneygram transfers when required and authorised
  • Prepare and process FOREX transfer requests
  • Scan and fax documents and receipts


Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s degree in business finance, economics, or accounting
  • 5 years of experience in a fast-paced finance or accounting department
  • Knowledge of USAID Financial and Reporting Requirements
  • Ability to analyze financial information efficiently and accurately
  • Ability to effectively write daily correspondence, reports, maintain documentation, and complete required forms
  • Ability to prepare grant proposal documents for submission to both public and private funders desired
  • Practical knowledge of Pastel Evolution accounting software is a plus (the requirement can be substituted by at least 3 years practical knowledge using other internationally recognized accounting software)
  • Advance knowledge Microsoft Excel is required
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English verbally and in writing
  • Ability to utilize necessary office equipment and computers
  • Previous experience in Southern Africa region will be a plus
  • Practical knowledge of FOREX transactions and exchange rate implication is must
  • Knowledge of IFRC or South African Financial Laws is preferred
  • Knowledge of GAAP is a plus
  • Experience in NGO Accounting is a plus
  • Minimum of 3 years grants compliance monitoring experience preferred


Contact Details


Contact:
Shannon Crowe
Email:
recruiting@freedomhouse.org

Application Instructions


Please send a resume, and cover letter with salary requirements to: recruiting@freedomhouse.org or fax to (202) 822-3893, Attention: HR. Dept., referencing: 2011-040 Finance Officer Johannesburg. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
EOE M/F/D/V