Finance Officer - Yemen

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for international Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Preparing accurate and timely financial reports in line with USAID and Creative’s financial regulations .

Providing and interpreting financial information from Microsoft Dynamics SL and other project source documents .

Ensuring that monthly projections are collated from various components for cash requests and burn rate .

Developing external relationships with appropriate contacts, e.g. bankers and statutory organizations such as the Tax Office and social security officials.

M entoring and coaching colleagues on policies, procedures, financial regulations etc.

Keeping abreast of changes in financial regulations and legislation and communicating implications to management as needed .

Maintaining collaborative professional relationships with managerial staff and colleagues in other departments (particularly Procurement) to support activity clearance, implementation, and overall program delivery .

Applying internationally accepted principles and procedures to analyze financial information .

Ensuring appropriate accounting control and procedures in all financial operations .

Monitoring of cash balances, prepare advance account reconciliations and bank reconciliations and respond to inquiries from HQ.

Monitoring cash balances on dynamics and bank, ensuring that drawdowns from USD to the project’s account in Yemen are done timely as soon as a confirmed exchange rate is received from the bank .

Reviewing local expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with USAID and Creative’s financial practice before reimbursement .

Coordinating with program and administrative staff to ensure that transactions are properly planned, recorded, and coded .

Prepare payroll, send pay slips, and make all statutory deductions to the relevant authorities.

Coordinate with the bank for information regarding exchange rates , bank balances, wire transfer etc.

Interpret financial reports and produce burn rate analyses for management decision making and communicate information in a way that demonstrates a n understanding of development assistance work, project priorities and strategy, values, and practices.

Participating in preparation of spontaneous work plan activities and budget for instant intervention in areas that need urgent attention .

Ensure staff have good understanding of policies and procedures and that knowledge is reflected in the day-to-day financial transactions – avail staff with all relevant policies and procedures, provide on job trainings, as necessary provide feedbacks on irregularities, etc.…

Initiate and implement planning and reporting practices for staff under Finance Manager supervision.

Support, as needed, in capacity building work of grantees .

Qualifications

Minimum of B achelor’s degree or its equivalent in accounting or finance

4 years of general experience with at least 2+ years of experience in accounting and finance work is required. If supervising staff, plus 1+ years of supervisory experience.

Proficiency in using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. is required.

Experience with computerized accounting systems is required.

Strong analytical skills are required.

Multi-tasking with a positive attitude is required.

Ability to establish and maintain effective, sustainable relationships with project staff and bank officials, as well as the development community is required.

Prior experience with international organizations or international-funded projects is highly desirable.

Experience working in a conflict environment is a plus.

Flexibility and ability to work in a busy environment.  

Fluency in both English and Arabic (spoken and written ) is highly desired, medium level required.

Demonstrated reliability regarding attendance and work performance.

Good communication and interpersonal skills to deal with a diverse staff.

Courteous and professional demeanor with experience providing service.

Attention to detail s and ability to follow up on tasks to completion.