Job Description

REPORTS TO:  Senior Finance Officer  Ethiopia                        

DURATION: One year, with possibility of renewal based on performance & available budget

BBC Media Action

BBC Media Action uses media and communications to reduce poverty and as a force for positive social change. To achieve this, the BBC Media Action partners with civil society, local media and governments to:

• Produce creative programmes in multi-media formats, based on robust research, which inform and engage audiences around key development issues.
• Strengthen the media sector through building professional capacity and infrastructure.

BBC Media Action delivers a portfolio of media projects in Ethiopia. It seeks to expand this portfolio of work, but also ensure that existing projects are delivered to time, to budget and to the highest standards, and in accordance with BBC editorial values as well as BBC Media Action methodologies.

Overall Purpose of Job

Responsible for the preparation of financial reporting and accounting duties and support the Senior Finance Officer in management and oversight of all financial functions of BBC Media Action Ethiopia in compliance with BBC Media Action Finance, HR, Procurement and Logistic policies and procedures as well as Donor and Government requirements. Responsible for ensuring financial policy and procedures are known and understood by all employees and support non-finance team members in budgeting, reforecasting, coding and other technical issues.

Main Duties:

Accounting 

• Analyze transactions and code them correctly as per BBC Chart of Accounts and CSO requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date accounting records that are relevant, reliable, objective and understandable.
• Post entries to the accounting software in a timely manner.
• Ensure a backup and retention procedure is in place and followed for all accounting records/data/document.
• Perform all accounts including ensuring that cash, payables and receivables are reconciled on a timely basis
• Ensure that differences or discrepancies are brought to the attention of the Senior Finance Officer and follow up that appropriate action is taken.
• Ensure that petty cash procedures are strictly followed and well managed
• Prepare financial reports, documents, registers and other data to respond to auditors’ queries
• Check spending against effective use of resources and ensure that the best value for money is being achieved.
• Ensure that all operational and staff advances are settled timely.

Cash and Bank Transactions

• Process bank and cash transactions.
• Follow internal control procedures that are applicable for cash disbursements, receipts and transfers
• Liaise with bank officials to resolve problems or facilitate improved service.
• Perform all bank account reconciliations on a timely basis
• Ensure that differences or discrepancies are brought to the attention of the of Senior Finance Officer and follow up that appropriate action is taken.
• Ensure that valid cash receipts/invoices are collected from the payee for all payments
• Reconcile all payments to the actual cash balances daily, conduct weekly cash count and full reconciliation at month end;
• Handle and manage the petty cash.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Reporting

• Prepare periodic cash forecasts and submit them to Senior Finance Officer
• Monitor cash usage and requirements and advise Senior Finance Officer of any possible unusual activity or requirements
• Assist in consolidating project and operational budgets and contribute to reporting as required in line with donor and head office requirements and guidelines. 

Payroll

• Process monthly payroll on time.
• Ensure enough cash is available at the bank for payroll payments.
• Prepare the necessary accounting entries including salary allocations and payroll related deductions including taxes
• Serve as primary liaison for staff and other external partners (banks and government office) for any payroll related issues
• Liaison with local government to ensure compliance with tax regulations, pension payment and other requirements.

Procurement

• Review all procurement transactions to ensure adequate supporting documentation, accuracy of amounts and control over payments.
• Maintain a system to track commitments and outstanding contract amounts.

Audits

• Ensure audit preparedness from all units prior to external and internal audits
• Avail in time and in desired format audit requirements to ensure that audit timetables and guidelines are adhered to.
• Compliance with Statutory Obligations
• Check and ensure that all monthly tax payments, statutory & regulatory deductions and other returns are accurate, complete as well as remitted in a timely manner.
• Ensure timely preparation of tax returns and other forms to tax authorities for review by Senior Finance Officer prior to submission
• Liaison with local government to ensure compliance with tax regulations, pension payment and other requirements.
• Ensure full financial compliance with donor, government, legal and BBC Media Action requirements.
• Ensure expenditure is incurred and reported in line with contractual agreements.
• Responsible for keeping up to date with changes in local laws and donor requirements as they affect BBC Media Action financial operations; advise senior management of these regularly and suggest approaches to ensure continued compliance.
• Ensure BBC Media Action staff adhere to internal policies and procedures, particularly around cash, advances, banking and assets.
• Ensure timely and proper filing, maintenance and custody of accounts records & documents in defined area of work for ease of reference and retrieval

Safeguarding

• Complying at all times with BBC Media Action’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy and ensuring that all freelancers and external suppliers are aware of their responsibilities under these policies. Reporting any related concerns as soon as they become apparent.  

Job Requirements

Required skills, knowledge and experience                

• BA Degree in Accounting and/or Finance,
• At least 3 years working experience in a similar role,
• Good interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships with internal and external partners,
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels within the organisation,
• Excellent IT skills with experience of operating computer-based financial management systems. Competent to advanced level in Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with Computerized Accounting System is an advantage.
• Willingness and ability to take the initiative not only in identifying problems but also in suggesting and implementing agreed solutions.
• An eye for detail and a concern for accuracy, together with the ability to keep sight of the broad picture.
• Fluency in English and Amharic.

Key competencies:

The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

• Analytical Thinking – able to simplify complex problems, processes or projects into component parts, explore and evaluate them systematically. Able to identify causal relationships, and construct frameworks, for problem-solving and/or development.
• Decision Making – is ready and able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decision made.
• Planning and Organisation – is able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.
• Resilience – can maintain personal effectiveness by managing own emotions in the face of pressure, setbacks or when dealing with provocative situations. Can demonstrate an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.
• Communication – the ability to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.
• Managing relationships – able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people.
• Self-Development – Is able to identify and apply opportunities for learning and development.
• Developing Others – able to recognise potential (managerial, professional, artistic or otherwise). Willing to foster the development of potential in others. Creates a climate in which potential can be realized.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the above requirements should ONLY send cover letter and CV with three names of reference to info@et.bbcmediaaction.org  before OR on February 11, 2021. 

Note:

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties.

The BBC is an equal opportunity employer.