Chemonics International Inc.
Finance Specialist | Lilongwe, Malawi | 2023
Summary:
Chemonics seeks a Finance Specialist to support the Global Health Supply Chain Program – Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) project in Malawi. GHSC-PSM project in Malawi supports the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and USAID’s family planning and reproductive health program. The project has three primary objectives: global commodity procurement and logistics, systems strengthening to support in-country supply chain management, and global collaboration via strategic engagement to improve long-term availability of health commodities.
The Finance Specialist is responsible for assisting in the managing the financial and accounting operations of the GHSC-PSM project office in Malawi, ensuring that all transactions are in compliance with USAID regulations and the contract signed by USAID and Chemonics. The Finance Specialist will work closely with the project’s Finance Manager to ensure smooth financial operations, accurate budgeting and forecasting, and timely invoicing. This is a long-term position that will be based in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Responsibilities
Collaborate closely with the Finance Manager, Country Director, Operations and Finance Director, and the Chemonics home office PMU and finance department on financial management issues.
Ensure the program’s practices abide by US government accepted accounting procedures, USAID procedures, Chemonics policy, and Malawian law.
Assume responsibility for cash and bank transactions, including receiving payment requests/invoices, preparing payment vouchers, and managing and ensuring timely payment of invoices by the project.
Complete daily financial entries into the ABACUS system and prepare coding sheets and corresponding supporting documentation.
Prepare documentation for all payment transactions, including but not limited to vouchers, checks and transfer forms, and ensure that appropriate documentation and approvals are obtained.
Make accurate recording in financial management software of per diem expense reports, requests for payments, vendor invoices, wire transfer requests, and similar financial tasks.
Liaise with local bank, reconcile monthly bank statements, and verify all deposits and withdrawals.
Process monthly payroll on a timely basis each month, in accordance with local labor law.
Manage the processing of VAT exemption and reimbursement.
Submit the monthly wire transfer payment request on time and with the required backup documents.
Maintain filing system for all the financial documents. Ensure that all vouchers are in order, properly completed, stamped as paid, and that all bank slips/copy of checks are attached.
Follow up on account receivables, payables and VAT refund accounts.
Support the Finance Manager and Operations and Finance Director in ensuring proper financial controls are maintained and appropriate systems are in place.
Explain generally accepted accounting principles, and USAID and Chemonics regulations to staff and consultants as necessary.
Ensure finance and compliance files, are ready for scanning, boxing, and shipping for project transition. Support the project office staff in reviewing and understanding the “Preparing and Shipping Project Office Files” guidance.
Assist with archiving and shipping of all finance and compliance files.
Work directly with the Operations team in-country to ensure that files are scanned and saved in SharePoint according to the Project File Index.
Perform additional tasks as related to project closeout and transition planning, as required by the Operations and Finance Director and/or other project leadership.
Perform additional tasks as required by the Operations and Finance Director and/or other project leadership.
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a relevant field
A minimum of 8 years’ experience of general accounting experience
At least 5 years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management of complex USAID or other donor-funded projects in the field of international development
Experience supporting closeout and/or transition planning of complex USAID or other donor-funded projects in the field of international development.
Prior experience closing out projects or conducting operational or financial audits for donor-funded projects preferred.
Strong understanding of USAID financial rules and regulations and Malawian tax laws
Qualification from a recognized accountancy association or similar strongly preferred.
Ability to work in a team and independently with minimal supervision.
Good interpersonal skills, honesty, and commitment to excellence
Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
Strong organizational and work prioritization skills, attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to achieve results in dynamic environment.
Ability to solve complex problems and work as a team to find solutions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Access, Word, and Excel.
Fluency in English required.
Application instructions
Method Of Application
Please send a cover letter, a full detailed Curriculum Vitae or Resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to [email protected]
Please submit your application as soon as possible, as candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis. This application will close on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Please include “Finance Specialist” in the subject line. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact finalists.
Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.