Finance Officer

Background: 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 15 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. 

Project Description:  Creative Associates seeks a Finance Officer for the USAID-funded West Bank and Gaza (WBG) Basic Education Activity, which will strengthen education services for Palestinian children of KG 1 through Grade 6 that enable them to thrive and reach their full developmental potential. Under the Basic Education Activity, USAID seeks to work with the private sector, non-formal, non-governmental, community-based, UN, and civil society partners to strengthen early childhood and primary educational opportunities through high quality early childhood education services and supplemental support structures to strengthen foundational pre-primary and primary education for children in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Specific areas of focus anticipated include strengthening foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, social emotional learning (SEL)/soft skills, building teacher and student resilience capabilities and assets, and strengthening pathways between non-formal to formal education.

Position Summary: The Finance Officer will assist the Senior Finance Manager in developing and managing the project’s financial systems. S/he will work under the supervision of the Senior Finance Manager and will support her/him in all matters related to financial management, financial reporting, and subcontracting. S/he will also assist the Senior Finance Manager in ensuring sufficient funds are available for effective and efficient implementation of project activities. S/he will be responsible for proper tax withholding, timely reporting to the Government and other stakeholders. Assist the Senior Finance Manager in the review of Grants budgets and conducting Pre-award assessments of potential grantees.

Reporting & Supervision: The Finance Officer reports to the Senior Finance Manager.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for daily accounting and financial management functions of the main and provincial offices, and ensures they are performed in compliance with internal and client’s policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the verification of procurement and grants documentation and to ensure that those are compliant with internal and client’s financial management guidelines.
• Ensure that all accounting data is updated, reconciled, and fully supported with backup docs.
• Review and process staff payroll, allowances, per-diems, and other reimbursements.
• Assist in conducting pre-award assessment of potential grantees before the award.
• Assist in finalization of monthly and other periodic financial reports to Home Office.
• Assist in review of budgets submitted by the grantees for the grants.
• Prepare budget versus actual analysis and report the variances to the Senior Finance Manager monthly. 
• Produce segregated financial records, such as expenses for specific location or grant.
• Ensure proper tax withholding and timely reporting to the government and other stakeholders.
• Track and reconcile advances issued to staff and report any pending issues to the Senior Finance Manager.
• Travel to satellite office, managing responsibilities at both the Ramallah and Gaza offices.
• Undertake other tasks that may from time to time be necessary and assigned by the Senior Finance Manager.

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Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in accounting or finance
• At least 4 years of experience in accounting and finance work is required.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. is required.
• Prior experience using accounting software and web-based financial management systems preferred.
• Strong analytical skills are 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.
• Strong knowledge of USAID rules and regulations
• Experience working in a conflict environment is a plus.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required.