Position Overview:
The Senior Financial Specialist (IFA BPA) plays a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of financial management systems and procedures within the context of Individual Financial Agreement (IFA) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). This position requires an experienced professional with a strong background in financial management, payment processing, accounting, advisory services for foreign counterparts, and compliance with multilateral aid agency financial management procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Management Systems and Procedures:
– Take the lead in designing and implementing effective financial management systems and procedures for the organization.
– Oversee payment processing and the accurate recording of accounting entries, ensuring adherence to compliance, transparency, and efficiency.
– Continuously improve financial processes to enhance accountability and financial control.
– Stay updated on best practices in financial management.
– Identify financial risks and vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to mitigate them.
– Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard financial assets and prevent fraud or mismanagement.
– Collaborate with relevant teams to develop annual budgets, including revenue and expenditure projections.
- Advisory Role for Foreign Country Counterparts:
– Collaborate closely with foreign counterparts located outside of the United States to provide expert guidance on financial management.
– Assist in aligning financial management strategies with the objectives of the IFA BPA(s).
– Cultivate strong relationships and effective communication with foreign counterparts to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Language Proficiency:
– Fluent in English (or French). Separate experts may be proposed for each language based on project requirements.
4. Certification Requirements:
While not mandatory, possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification or an equivalent certification/chartering from another International Federation of Accounts (IFAC)-certified accounting body is desired.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred but not mandatory.
Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience is essential, specifically in setting up and maintaining financial management systems and procedures for an organization. This experience should also include making payments, recording accounting entries, and providing financial advisory services, particularly within the context of multilateral aid agency financial management procedures.
Language Skills: Fluency in English (or French). Proficiency in both languages is a plus.
Certification: Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or an equivalent certification/chartering from an IFAC-certified accounting body is highly desired but not required.
Additional Skills and Abilities:
– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
– Exceptional attention to detail.
– Proficiency in financial software and tools.
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
– Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment.
– Commitment to upholding integrity, transparency, and ethical financial management practices.