Regional Accounting Manager, Africa

The Need

International Justice Mission (IJM) is seeking a talented accounting manager to provide accounting oversight of field offices in Africa by developing and training staff, ensuring appropriate internal controls of the field offices in Africa and liaising closely with the United States (US) headquarters. We are looking for someone passionate for this mission and passionate about using their financial skills and experience to ensure stewardship and accountability. This position is a key member of a global team of high caliber professional finance staff. This position is based in Africa and reports to the International Finance Officer who is based at IJM headquarters in the US.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop accounting staff

• Assist in recruiting field office finance staff including reviewing CV's, interviewing and providing input as to the final decision;
• Provide input on job descriptions;
• Train and provide orientation to new field office finance staff;
• Provide ongoing technical and management leadership and mentoring to field office accountants through weekly phone calls and office visits; and
• Assist field office accountants in creating and monitoring a development plan in collaboration with Field Office Directors.

Training

• Provide training to field office accountants and other staff on needed areas including policies & procedures, stewardship, grant compliance, QuickBooks, audit compliance, etc. Training will be provided both on-site and virtually.

Monitoring/Audits

• Visit each field office at least twice per year and perform accounting reviews of internal controls, finance roles and responsibilities, reviewing transactions for compliance, testing petty cash and assessing field office accounting staff;
• Perform formal review of field office monthly reports as part of global review rotation (coordinated with HQ) and prepare monthly report cards based on results of review for submission to regional, field office and finance leadership;
• Review QuickBooks transactions weekly;
• Coordinate and provide oversight to process for external audits of field offices required as part of country registration and as part of organizational annual audit; and
• Provide assistance in fraud investigations and participate in overall strategy to avoid fraud.

Field Office accounting

• Provide technical support through regular email, chat and phone interaction with field office on specific areas including accounting, policies & procedures, QuickBooks and grant compliance;
• Act as backup for field office accounting staff during extended absences or vacancies;
• Assist Field Office Directors in registration and compliance with tax requirements for country; and
• Assist in establishing new field offices including setting up QuickBooks, bank accounts, internal controls and hiring and training staff.

HQ Liaison

• Act as liaison between HQ and field offices regarding key finance areas including policy & procedure development, training material & strategy development, compliance/risk management, staff development, registration & taxes and banking;
• Provide input on key strategies to continue growth and expansion of organization including development of a global financial system, audit/monitoring strategy and improving monthly close;
• Participate in weekly phone calls with International Finance Officer; and
• Participate in periodic regional and global meetings.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent;
• CPA or equivalent preferred;
• A minimum of four years accounting experience preferably for an NGO. Accounting experience should include hands on accounting as well as financial analysis, budget preparation and compliance;
• Thorough understanding of GAAP, such as debits and credits, cash versus accrual accounting and financial statement preparation;
• Experience with accounting software preferably QuickBooks;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook (or equivalent);
• Experience handling registration and tax requirements in Africa;
• Exceptional ability in written and spoken English; and
• Experience leading and training staff in cross-cultural settings.

Critical Qualities

• Mature orthodox Christian faith as defined by the Apostles' Creed;
• Highest level of integrity and honestly;
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information;
• Meticulous attention to detail;
• Strong initiative with creative problem solving skills;
• Effective organizer, planner and implementer; and
• Willingness and interest in traveling. 

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The Mission

International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.