Finance Specialist

The Finance Specialist will be based in Tangiers, Morocco. S/he will ensure the financial and contractual compliance of project activities with the Government of Morocco, EDC, and USAID regulations. S/he will be responsible for recording costs and day to day general accounting, accounts receivables/payables, payroll and assuring all backup documentation is audit ready The Finance Specialist will report to the Chief of Party.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain financial management and accounting control systems for program expenditures.
• Record all project transactions in QuickBooks, utilizing the correct charge codes and monitoring alignment to the budget.
• Prepare and submit to HQ wire requests together with a monthly report on projected cash needs.
• Provide COP/HQ updates on the status of fund requests and work with Finance and Contracts (F&C) in HQ to ensure the timely transfer of funds. Maintain and closely monitor accurate cashbooks for all the bank accounts ensuring that the project is liquid all the time, and before payments are released.
• Prepare and submit to HQ monthly bank reconciliation and all month-end reports for review.
• Review and certify, and maintain, that all supporting documentation for an invoice or any payment is complete, accurate, and in full compliance with local laws, as well as USAID and EDC policies and procedures before issuing check or wire and processing the payment.
• Prepare the requisite financial documents and vouchers.
• Ensure all vouchers, supporting financial documentation, HR files, and other project related documents are scanned and digitally archived monthly per EDC file retention policies.
• Maintain financial files, including but not limited to expense reports and bank account reconciliations to Home Office, payroll, accumulated leave, and tax withholding records, bank account and petty cash balances, travel and other advances, inventory list, and financial reports to EDC staff, USAID, or the Government of Morocco, and all project related correspondence.
• Monitor advances to employees and ensure timely liquidation.
• Manage personnel files and payroll of office staff and Country Handbook updates.
• Ensure leave balances, tax withholdings, and other government contributions are recorded accurately and paid on time; escalate to the COP all unresolved matters.
• Maintain contractual files.
• Keep track of accruals and commitments and provide up-to-date reports as needed.
• Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting and review of project expenses.
• Participate in budget planning and realignments as required.
• Establish and maintain sound and transparent accounting and fiscal control procedures; be able to detect and swiftly deal with any issues of fraud and/or corruption.
• Contribute to the development of high-quality work plans, quarterly and annual reports, financial reports, and any other reports required by HQ and/or USAID.
• Manage and assist with internal and external auditors in the review of project financial management, ensure that management responses and corrective actions are implemented in a timely manner.
• Ensure adherence to systems and controls, make recommendations for improvements / adjustments.
• Perform additional tasks at the direction of the Chief of Party and/or her/his designee.

Requirements

The candidate for the position of Finance Specialist shall have at a minimum the following qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree and technical certification required in Accounting and/or Financial Management.
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field preferred;

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in a relevant field, with at least 3 years’ experience in accounting or financial management;
• Previous experience working with international organizations, particularly USAID or US-funded organizations, required;
• Proficiency in the QuickBooks accounting system is preferred.
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations on financial management preferred, and knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), budgeting and fiscal control principles preferred;
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing budgets
• Relevant skills in automated accounting software systems and database spreadsheets;
• Demonstrated capacity to supervise a complex financial management or general ledger system;
• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated track record of working effectively in a teamwork environment;

Language:

• Proficiency in English, Arabic, and French languages is required