Country Finance Officer

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation that applies practical know-how to make a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty. We use our extensive and long-term in-country presence to apply and adapt our top-notch expertise in agriculture, energy and WASH to local contexts. SNV has an annual turnover of €130 millions, over 1,600 staff in more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation that uses project financing to implement our mission. This requires us to work efficiently and to invest in operational excellence.

SNV currently aims more explicitly for systems change during project preparation and implementation - by strengthening institutions and kick-starting markets that help many more to escape poverty beyond our projects. We continue to position ourselves as a premium organisation, with decentralised management. Our Global Support Unit (70 staff) backstops our teams around the world.

For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org

SNV has been working in Ghana since 1992 and currently has offices in Accra, Tamale and Nandom, while working directly and through local partners within the sixteen (16) regions of Ghana.

Overview and Background

SNV is hiring the Country Finance Officer to support the country’s finance function. Reporting to the Country Finance Manager, the Country Finance officer will focus on correct and exhaustive country and project finance, reported in a timely manner.
This officer will be responsible for project finances ranging from  project set-up, planning, monitoring, controlling and reporting. The Country Finance Officer checks, executes, consolidates and reports on financial and non-financial data in the country and checks financial project administration.

Ensures the stability and transparency of the overall country finances, in order to be compliant to SNV’s corporate financial guidelines and procedures as well as donor requirements, accounting and reporting regulations.

The position is based in Tamale, Ghana

Under the overall guidance of the Country Finance Manager, the officer will be responsible for below:

• Support with the preparation of project budgets.
• Provide the Country Finance Manager with project financials for the Country Annual Plan and Mid-Year Review.
• Familiarization with the project budget, the translation to the relevant project documents as per the project management procedures, all donor requirements, reporting dates, formats and SNV internal reporting requirements.
• Support the project manager in preparing budget revisions compliant with SNV and donor procedures and guidelines.
• Monitor project contracts and contribute to efficient planning and time management of the members of the project, including staff, partners and consultants.
• Ensure financial transactions are recorded according to the Project Administration Memo (PAM), project management procedures and SNV Financial procedures into the financial system.
• Review and check data, time and costs booked to the project are according to the project management and financial procedures, check periodically (weekly and monthly) together with the Project Manager and correct errors where necessary.
• With the support of the project manager and other project staff, prepare timely, complete and accurate financial reports to the donor according to donor guidelines and compliant with the project management and financial procedures.
• Provide monthly reports, including cash flow forecasts, budgetary controls and up to date overview of the financial project status to the Project Manager, Project Director, Country Finance Manager and Country Management, explain deviations and propose corrective measures.
• Provide monthly cost and performance updates to project team.
• With the support of the Project Manager and other project staff, prepare monthly financial planning and forecast for the current year and for the entire project duration.
• Organize, document and archive relevant documentation, keep files complete and up to date and maintain quality and accessibility of archive and files, conform to administrative and filing procedures.
• Ensure all supporting documents for donor reporting are made available according to donor requirements and as per project management procedures.
• Support internal and external audit exercises.
• Timely prepare donor invoices in conjunction with Project Manager and Project Director.

• A degree in accounting/finance qualifications.
• A master’s degree in the related field will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant working experience in an international project organization.
• A minimum of five (5) relevant working experience in financial accounting of which 2-3 years in project accounting/control systems.
• Demonstrated work experience and knowledge of fund management, donor regulations and compliance issues related to management of donor funding and financial reporting for donors such as USAID, GIZ and other known donor organizations.
• Experience with financial systems
• Experience with SAP (SAP by Design) is an added advantage
• Experience of working in a multicultural environment

Other required core competences will include:

• High level of integrity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills
• Proactive and able to work effectively with minimal supervision
• Excellent organizational skills and paying attention to detail
• Able to prioritize tasks and manage multiple activities
• Able to meet tight deadlines under pressure.

Application and Selection Process

Application Guidelines: Please read these carefully. Failure to comply will adversely affect your application.

• This is a national employment.
• Initial contract will be for two-years with possibility of extension. Salary is competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a competitive secondary benefit package.
• SNV offers a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal and global network of experts. 

If you believe that your credentials meet the above profile, we invite you to apply by submitting through upload applications in English in the form of a one-page letter and current CV outlining experience, qualifications and three reference contacts, not later than 5:00pm, January 30th, 2025.

• Expected Start Date: March 2025.
• This position is open to internal and external applicants.
• Only those applicants whose work experience and education meet the mandatory requisites above, would be considered for the position.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.