The Senior Finance Officer (SFO) is responsible for leading the financial strategy and operations of Out of the Ashes, Inc. in Ethiopia. This includes ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of all financial transactions and reporting. The role entails high-level financial planning, internal controls oversight, and direct support to the Country Director in all finance-related matters.

The SFO plays a key role in managing financial risk, optimizing the use of resources, and providing timely, transparent, and insightful financial information to support strategic decision-making. The incumbent ensures full compliance with Ethiopian financial regulations, International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), donor requirements, and OA Inc.’s internal financial policies and procedures.

Job Description: Senior Finance Officer

Position Title: Senior Finance Officer

Reports to: Country Director

Direct Reports: Admin and Accountant Officer, Purchaser

Duty Station: Ethiopian Country Office

Gender: Female Only

Position Grade: VII

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Management

• Lead the development, implementation, and regular review of financial policies, procedures, and internal control systems.

• Provide strategic financial advice to senior leadership on planning, budgeting, and cash flow.

• Ensure long-term financial sustainability through sound financial forecasting and scenario planning.

• Actively contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organization as part of the Senior Management Team (SMT).

• Develop and update financial policies and procedures in line with best practices and local regulations.

Budgeting and Planning

• Coordinate the development of annual budgets in collaboration with program managers and the Country Director.

• Monitor budget implementation, ensuring alignment with approved plans and funding.

• Prepare and present budget variance reports with clear analysis and recommendations.

• Provide accurate financial projections to the Country Director and headquarters.

• Contribute to the development of project proposals by providing financial input and budgeting expertise.

Financial Operations and Reporting

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including payroll, bank reconciliations, and cash management.

• Prepare quarterly wire requests and submit to the Country Director.

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for OA Ethiopia, OA US, and relevant government bodies.

• Review and approve financial transactions, including petty cash, check payments, and wire transfers.

• Maintain compliance with Ethiopian accounting standards, donor rules, and OA Inc. policies.

• Manage foreign currency transactions and mitigate foreign exchange risks.

• Ensure proper segregation of duties within the finance department to maintain strong internal controls.

• Manage relationships with local banks and ensure efficient banking operations.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure organizational adherence to Ethiopian NGO laws, tax codes, IPSAS, and donor regulations.

• Coordinate internal and external audits, and lead implementation of audit findings and recommendations.

• Conduct routine internal financial reviews and risk assessments.

• Ensure the organization’s financial practices align with the Agency for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) regulations.

• Prepare and submit periodic reports to ACSO and other government agencies as required.

• Facilitate the annual audit process required by ACSO and donors.

• Manage the organization’s registration and permits with government bodies and ensure timely renewals.

• Develop and implement internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance.

• Stay up-to-date on changes in Ethiopian tax legislation and advise on implications.

• Prepare and submit all required tax filings and reports.

• Manage relationships with tax auditors and provide necessary documentation during audits.

• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian tax laws and regulations, including VAT and income tax.

Capacity Building and Team Leadership

• Supervise, coach, train, mentor, and evaluate the performance of staff under direct supervision.

• Conduct performance appraisals and promote staff development through coaching and training.

• Provide organization-wide training on budgeting, financial policy compliance, and cost-effective management.

• Provide financial training and support to non-finance staff to ensure understanding of financial procedures.

Procurement Oversight

• Oversee procurement processes in alignment with organizational and donor policies.

• Ensure financial due diligence and budget availability are confirmed before purchases or contracts are authorized.

• Ensure procurement processes support financial accountability and compliance.

• Manage insurance policies and ensure adequate coverage for the organization’s assets and liabilities. 

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain clear and professional communication with external stakeholders, including donors, banks, government agencies, and the OA US office.

• Represent the finance department in internal and external meetings, providing relevant financial updates and analysis.

• Participate in internal and external meetings as the finance representative.

Job Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Finance, Financial Management, or a related discipline.

• Experience: At least 8 years of progressive experience in financial management, with a minimum of 3 years in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within the NGO or international development sector.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Advanced proficiency in financial software (e.g., Peachtree, QuickBooks), Microsoft Excel, and ERP systems.

• Strong working knowledge of IPSAS and Ethiopian financial regulations.

• Proven ability in financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and internal controls.

• Demonstrated leadership, team-building, and coaching abilities.

• High integrity, ethical standards, and accountability.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

How to Apply:

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