Job Summary

Background: The work involves the effective management of the Project accounting function with Finance staff reporting directly to the Director of Admin & Finance. Funding is secured from European Union and the post-holder will need to become familiar with complex reporting and accounting requirements of this Funder. There is no core funding so overhead recovery and cost control is vital to the organization. The Project reporting and support is provided both within the Admin & Finance Division by the Finance section and across EEA by project administrators based within research Team. The post holder will need to ensure this support is both fit for purpose given increased donor reporting and accountability and the optimum use of internal resources, and therefore needs to work closely with non-financially qualified colleagues to ensure a coherent work flow.

position Summary: The Project Accountant undertakes the following main categories of work: Set up and maintenance of project specific accounts in accounting system; preparation of project reports and schedules; review of proposals and contracts; assistance with the overall financial management of the organization; provide financial technical assistance to other accountants of the organization; liaison with auditors and donors. The main project reporting responsibility is to adapt a standard project reporting and budgeting templates to the specific attributes of the project.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain financial records for various projects ensuring adequate audit trail and supporting data are in place.
• Compile and prepare budget and work plan figures for proposals and existing projects within project teams.
• Analyze financial reports (including some invoices) and staff travel claims to ensure compliance with EEA, CSOA requirements and donor policies and contracts’ terms.
• Ensure reports, invoices and requests for advances are accurate and complete; record disbursements of the financial reports (currency conversion where necessary) and follow up on overseas transfers.
• Prepare project financial reports and other reports, as required — reconcile same with accounting system and donor reporting requirements.
• Provide ongoing, consistent support and capacity building on financial matters to EEA Finance staff.
• Review complex partner contracts, contribution agreements and sub-contractor agreements.
• Participate in preparations and support for EEA annual audit and project audits.
• Assist with the closing of projects.
• Ensure that all financial documents are properly stored and archived for referencing and verification during external audits
• Participate in project, staff meetings and other ad hoc committees.
• The main project reporting responsibility is to adapt a standard project reporting and budgeting templates to the specific attributes of each project.

This would involve,

• Configuring the donor budget templates and uploading these into the system.
• Configuring the project reporting template so it can be used to manage the financial elements of the project i.e. be able to report in a donor format; in the donor currency; report EEA and partner spend and illustrate the key financial exposures on the project i.e. foreign exchange, co-funding, budgetary constraints etc.
• Introduce partner reporting templates into a project and on completion having this information uploaded onto the accounting system.
• Being able to interpret the reports generated, illustrating the key controls in the report and potential financial exposures on the project.
• Other relevant duties as assigned, including backup for data entry.

Job Requirement

• Qualifications: BA/MA degree in Accounting and finance from a recognized University.
• Experience: At least 6/4 years of work experience after graduation. Relevant Accounts experience including some experience in: Budgeting, sales ledger spread sheet development and use to advanced standard, database use and programming to a basic level, using computerized accounting packages preferably Peachtree Accounts.

Skills: The position holder is expected to have the following essential skills:

Ability to interpret financial information, excellent communication skills demonstrated by the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and concisely to non-financial staff

• Understanding of charity finances/IPSAS.
• Ability to work to deadlines, to use own initiative and also to work as part of a team
• Ability to manage own workload and priorities
• Attention to detail
• Quick learner, adaptable and flexible
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience of European Union (EU) projects environment is preferable
• Vision Excel
• Work in the voluntary or charity sector
• An interest in economic and social issues

Place of work: Addis Ababa, around CMC for both positions.

Salary: As per the salary scale of EEA which is attractive with additional benefits. It is also negotiable depending on the professional profile and expertise of the applicant.

How to Apply

Date of application: Within 10 working days from the date of appearance in relevant newspapers.

Female applicants are highly encouraged.

Interested applicants who meet the above requirements can summit non-returnable copies of educational and other supporting documents along with their CVs to the following address.

Ethiopian Economics Association P.O. Box 34282, Addis Ababa Or in person to EEA Head office which is located to Yeka Sub City, Woreda 11, CMC Road, (‘ALTAD’ area), adjacent to St. Michael Church or email: woubshet.amerga@eea-et.com