Finance Officer (P)

The Finance Officer will support and coordinate the budgetary and financial functions of the Cameroon Country Office and its Sub-Offices. The role includes monitoring financial management, providing technical support to programme/project managers, ensuring compliance with financial policies, and supervising finance staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the RMO/SRMO in monitoring and overseeing the financial management for all activities in the CO including the oversight of financial expenditure and accountability.
• Undertake preliminary financial analysis of programmes/projects implemented in the CO, monitor budget control processes, and follow up on the implementation of effective internal controls and the design and functioning of the financial resources management system.
• Provide technical support to the Programme/Project Managers throughout the programme/project cycle to enable compliance with IOM’s policies and procedures and any donor specific requirements.
• Ensure that accounting data are properly entered into the ERP system, in accordance with IOM’s financial rules, regulations and practices, ensure the maintaining of accurate financial records including electronic and hard copies of all financial supporting documentation.
• Assist the RMO/SRMO in reviewing monthly accounting closure records and returns for accuracy, ensure that these are submitted on a timely manner and completed according to IOM’s Accounting Policies and Procedures.
• Assist in preparation of annual budget for the CO and the budgets for all new programmes/projects.
• Inspect the Payroll versus programme/project budgets by ensuring that salaries are correctly allocated to the respective programmes/projects consistently with IOM's projectization criteria.
• Coordinate and prepare the programme/project financial reports in accordance with IOM and donor regulations, requirements and established procedures.
• Liaise with relevant Units at HQ, Administrative Centres and the Regional Office regarding accounting, financial and administrative activities of the CO; provide technical inputs for reports on the financial situation of the CO.
• Supervise and manage the Finance Unit’s staff. Support the RMO/SRMO in supervision of the CO's administrative management functions, including recruitment, personnel administration, and other related activities, in accordance with IOM’s policies and procedures.
• Assist the RMO/SRMO in forecasting cash flows according to the activities in the CO and ensure daily control of funds disbursed; verify that programme/project funding is received in accordance with donor agreements.
• Make recommendations on procedural improvements and contribute to the training of staff in the areas of accounting, finance and compliance to financial procedures. Facilitate and support capacity building and knowledge sharing in finance/accounting and budget field.
• Provide support to RMO/SRMO in facilitating the financial audit of the programmes/projects in accordance with the donor agreements.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or, University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
• Professional certification as Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will be an advantage.
• Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
• Experience in accounting, financial management and reporting.
• Experience in preparing clear and concise financial and management reports.
• Experience working in and with international institutions.
• Experience with internal control assessment, internal or external audit.
• Previous work experience in the Region is an advantage.
• Previous working experience in emergency operations is an advantage.
• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
• Knowledge of IOM/UN accounting system, software and procedures, Common System regulations, policies and procedures are a distinct advantage.
• Familiarity with financial oversight and public administration is an advantage.
• Knowledge of MS Office products and good computer literacy skills are required.
• Fluency in English is required (oral and written).
• Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

Skills

• Accounting
• Finance Management
• Financial Reporting
• Management Reporting
• Internal Control Assessments
• Audit
• International Public Sector Accounting Standards
• IOM Accounting Systems
• UN Accounting Procedures
• Common System Regulations
• Budget Management
• Financial Oversight
• Public Administration
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Computer Literacy

Languages

English, French, Spanish