Accounting & Finance Associate, Sri Lanka

Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments, we develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.

We are non-governmental, non-religious and work with many local NGOs and community based organizations to implement our programs. We currently work in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Zambia – countries with a desperate lack of resources to educate their children. Since our inception, Room to Read’s worldwide team has impacted over 7.8 million children by constructing more than 1,600 schools, establishing over 15,000 libraries, publishing 874 new children’s book titles in 27 local languages, and reaching over 20,000 girls through our Girls’ Education program.

Room to Read has an annual budget of approximately US$43.7 million and our global staff numbers over 600. Our global headquarters is located in San Francisco, and we have smaller fundraising offices in Delhi, New York, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, Sydney, and Tokyo. We have an Asia Regional Office located in New Delhi and program offices in Colombo, Dar es Salaam, Dhaka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Lusaka, New Delhi, Pretoria, Phnom Penh, and Vientiane.

Position Overview:

The Accounting and Finance Associate position will assist Room to Read’s management team in carrying out all accounting and finance initiatives. The position will provide general help as and when required by members of Room to Read Sri Lanka. The Accounting and Finance Associate position will assist and report to the Accounting & Finance Manager. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work along with Accounting & Finance Associates (AFA) to maintain the books of accounts for Room to Read Sri Lanka using accounting software.
• Assist Accounting and Finance Manager (AFM) in supervising financial administration of Room to Read Sri Lanka thereby, ensuring daily processing of financial transaction,
• Review and ensure compliance with Room to Read’s Finance & Accounting Policy Manual (FAPM), the also ensure authenticity of the bills, vouchers and all other relevant documents with the support of AFA for both the main office and field offices prior to the payment and document all the necessary papers and documents together with vouchers
• Review and ensure all the payments processes are completed timely, subject to required compliances.
• Under the guidance of the AFM, complete the monthly financial entries with the support of AFA for RTR Sri Lanka and submit all financial reports to RO/GO.
• Assist AFM in timely preparation and submission of the monthly financial reports and budget variances to the Country Management Team. prescribed format
• Assist the AFM in supporting the Annual Audit of the Global Office.
• Assist the AFM in timely completion of Budgets and forecasts.
• Work closely with Internal/External Auditors during the course of auditing.
• Coordinate with bank’s officials for RTR related matters as and when required
• Complete the Monthly cash forecast under the guidance of the AFM.
• Arrange funds release to partner organizations in coordination with AFM.
• Ensure that partners accounts are maintained properly and all time accurate
• Provide onsite support and Monitor Implementing Partners’ accounts.
• Perform Random Field audits for Room to Read funded projects/partners.
• Work closely with AFM in partners’ capacity building activities in relation to financial management.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field (accounting, management, etc.)
• A minimum of three years of professional experience in a financial management position
• Cognizant of Accounting Principles and Practices.
• Cognizant of general administration regulations.
• Knowledgeable about the local tax and other laws.
• Good knowledge and understanding of education issues in Sri Lanka., Strong planning, supervising, and  budget skills
• Ability to travel frequently to provinces throughout the country
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
• Proven track record of achieving results

Preferred:

• Preferred 1-3 years related accounting experience, preferably in an INGO
• Preferred professionally qualified (ICASL/CIMA or ACCA) advanced degree in finance related field

To be successful as a member of the Room to Read team, you will also:

• Have a passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact an up-and-coming non-profit organization
• Be an innovative and creative thinker; you’re not afraid to try something new and inspire others to do so
• Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
• Have a strong work ethic and require minimal direction
• Work well independently as well as part of a team
• Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment

Compensation:

The salary range for this position will be determined based upon the experience of the candidate hired. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, and rapidly growing organization that is changing the world through the lifelong gift of education.

Application Procedure:

Please e mail your cover letter with a detailed CV together with the names & contact details of 03 non-related referees to lk.hiring@roomtoread.org or through post, to Country Director, Room to Read Sri Lanka, No.38, Dr. E. A Cooray Mawatha, Colombo 06. Please mention the post applied on the subject line of the e mail or top left side of the envelope. Only shortlistedcandidates will be notified. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer committed to identify and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse background.