Project Finance Officer

Job Description

Project Finance Officer CNFA HQ - Washington D.C.

The Project Finance Officer (PFO) will provide support and guidance to CNFA’s programs by working with the HQ Program Team and in-country management team, particularly, the Finance and Operations staff with tasks related to accounting, banking, budgeting, procurements and financial management to ensure full compliance with rules and regulations of financial processes, financial records and reports and audit follow up, and implementation of the effective internal control framework.

The PFO must develop professional relationships with project personnel to ensure responsiveness to local needs and recognition of USAID’s local standard practices, especially with regard to procurements, travel and local employment standards.

The PFO must read and understand CNFA’s Power of Attorney provided and the CNFA’s Delegation of Authorities issued and follow-on delegations as periodically required.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure updated, clear concise written accounting and procurement procedures manuals;
• Facilitate timely, accurate month-end closing, cash requests and cash reconciliations;
• Support the month-end closing processes to ensure organized, complete, properly approved packages are delivered to CNFA Home Office in accordance with the month-end closing schedule provided by the CNFA Controller and review for completeness and accuracy all month-end accounting information;
• Maintain control over the project filing systems to ensure complete and organized accounting files, especially with regard to original procurement documents and personnel salary files;
• Ensure organized and complete accounting file documentation is maintained by the field office and Headquarters and develop procedures for the systematic transfer of all original documentation to Headquarters;
• Employ financial oversight and control mechanisms and procedures to ensure that all program expenses are in accordance with CNFA financial policies, procedures and rules and regulations;
• Review and provide support for the financial aspects of contract execution of local and international sub-implementing partners;
• Develop and periodically update Project Policies and Procedures guidelines for procurement, accounting and budgeting;
• Ensure the smooth implementation of project accounting activities, including (but not limited to): timely and accurate bank reconciliations, invoicing, monitoring of expenditure levels against budget and funding obligations, financial projections and submission of monthly financial reports to CNFA HQ;
• Provide the field finance teams with information and guidance on program financial performance;
• Regularly prepare and present financial reports, analysis, and recommendations concerning relevant financial issues;
• Review partner spending in relation to budgets, and develop monthly budget pipelines for CNFA and partner expenditures;
• Verify accuracy and compliance of expenses and expense reporting;
• Provide assistance with internal or external audit requirements;
• Review all procurement actions, including procurements under grants, to ensure full and open competition to the greatest extent possible, strong internal controls with appropriate segregation of duties, adequate documentation to support solicitation, selection and best-value decisions, and full compliance with USAID regulations;
• Identify and recommend improvements that could streamline implementation processes in the areas of accounting, finance and budgeting;
• Promote compliance with relevant USAID regulations and CNFA policies/procedures; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics or Finance field;
• 3+ years of experience backstopping USAID programs;
• Experience with USAID budgets;
• Understanding of US Government rules and regulations;
• Proficiency in Excel software required;
• A high degree of integrity, accountability, energy and flexibility;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work in fast-paced environment;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously; and
• U.S. Work authorization required.

Interested applicants should submit their CV and Cover Letter to jobs@cnfa.org with the subject line: “Project Finance Officer”. We are looking to fill this position immediately and will be interviewing qualified candidates on a rolling basis.

Please be advised that employment is contingent on your permanent and legal entitlement to work in the U.S. CNFA does not sponsor work visas.

About the Organization

Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), an international development organization, specializes in designing sustainable, market-led agricultural initiatives. They build strong local and global partnerships, incorporate innovative approaches into their programs, and foster inclusive development to offer enhanced opportunities to under-served groups. Since 1985, CNFA has managed more than $510 million in donor-funded agriculture development programs and has worked in 42 countries across the world in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia.

Their staff is dedicated to improving lives around the world. This strong concern carries over to the way CNFA manages its employee relations. Not only do they value their employees, but they recognize that satisfied people supporting their organization is the key to implementing their work.

CNFA has grown to nearly 40 employees in Washington, DC and 180 worldwide. They empower staff to take on new initiatives, nurture each individual’s goals, skills and interests.