Project Finance Officer - INCLUDE project job at SNV

Company Description

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. In Uganda SNV operates through a decentralised approach with a country office in Kampala and regional offices in Fort Portal, Rukungiri, Jinja and Lira. SNV implements donor-funded activities across more than 100 districts in Uganda, ensuring broad and diverse impact.

Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on our operations in Uganda and SNV visit our website: www.snv.org

Project information

INCLUDE is a 5-year Livestock project. The project aims to improve resilient livelihoods for smallholder livestock farmers in Busoga (Jinja), Rwenzori (Fort portal) and Kigezi (Rukungiri). The project targets 75,000 smallholder farms (SHF) in these four subregions. The project will adopt a farming systems approach integrating livestock and crops, having livestock (dairy cattle, sheep, and goats) as an intervention entry point.

To address the above the project applies the Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP) approach. The PIP approach is an innovative way of transforming small-scale subsistence farm households into more productive and sustainable farms. Changing farmers’ mindsets by motivating them to transform their reality through conscious collective action is at the core of the PIP approach. The project also supports the ongoing school milk program and be supportive to policy actors to developed and implement inclusive and responsive livestock policies and practices.

Job Purpose

The Project Finance Officer is part of INCLUDE project staff. Supports in budget management, financial planning and analysis, financial and donor reporting, partner and staff capacity strengthening, and project risk management. The role will assist in budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, commitment tracking, financial statements, audit readiness.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management: Prepares and supervises the preparation of financial analysis regarding Advances, based on organization and donors’ procedures. Ensures that books of accounts are maintained checks, receipts, vouchers, and other financial documents are kept properly and that they are safeguarded against misuse. Review petty cash payments and ensure timely replenishment.
• Budget Management: support annual budgeting and revisions; forecasting and reforecasting; budget-versus-actual analysis; variance analysis and corrective action plans; expenditure/depletion monitoring; commitment tracking; cost allocation; cash-flow planning; partner budget oversight; donor budget compliance; budget modifications/reallocations; pipeline and funding-gap analysis.
• Financial Reporting: Support monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting; donor financial reports; statutory and corporate financial statements; project closure reports; reconciliations; revenue recognition; receivables and payables; foreign-exchange gains/losses; audit schedules; IPSAS or applicable accounting-framework compliance; data quality and integrity; ERP reporting; and timely follow-up of audit findings.
• Capacity Building: finance capacity assessments; structured training plans; coaching and mentoring; partner financial-management strengthening; training on donor rules and procedures; budgeting and forecasting skills; internal-control awareness; fraud prevention; development of SOPs, tools and templates; post-training assessments; and monitoring whether capacity-building interventions result in improved performance.
• Risk Management: enterprise and project financial-risk assessments; risk registers; fraud and corruption risk; partner fiduciary risk; tax and statutory compliance; and periodic monitoring of risks.
• Data Entry: Verification of Invoices in line with the approved Concept Notes, Terms of References and Contracts. Data entry of financial transaction in the SBD after detailed review of financial documents of payments. Updating the payment information in SBD in a weekly basis.
• Filling /Maintain Proper Documentation: Ensure all financial documents are labelled, stamped with “PAID” marks, and make sure all transactions have been properly identified ((or invoices voucher; and for journals transactions number). Arrange all financial documents for internal as well as external auditors up on request.
• Compliance and Internal Controls: Ensure compliance with organizational financial policies, procedures, and donor regulations. Implement and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud. Coordinate with auditors during internal and external audits
• Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with program managers and other departments to provide financial guidance and support. Liaise with external stakeholders, including banks, vendors, and donors, to resolve financial issues and ensure smooth operations.
• Staff Management: Supervises and supports the Finance Officer and the Accounts Clerk. Orients, trains, and coaches the Finance Officer and Accounts Analyst. Completes all performance management activities including performance planning, monitoring, and annual performance appraisals.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Partial/ Full professional course (ACCA/ CPA/ CIMA) is an added advantage
• A minimum of 5 years’ related experience in financial management, preferably in a field office or non-profit organization.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices.
• Proficiency in financial software and MS Office applications.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Additional Information

Key Competencies

• Accuracy: The ability to work accurate and diligent, with an eye for detail aimed at preventing mistakes.
• Controlling progress: The ability to control the progress of employees’ processes, tasks, activities and of one’s own work and responsibilities.
• Problem analysis: The ability to detect problems, recognise important information and link various data to trace potential causes and look for relevant details.
• Integrity: Adherence to the standards, values and rules of conduct associated with one’s position and the culture in which one operates. Being incorruptible.
• Result orientation: The ability to take direct action in order to attain or exceed objectives.

• Financial Management: Prepares and supervises the preparation of financial analysis regarding Advances, based on organization and donors’ procedures. Ensures that books of accounts are maintained checks, receipts, vouchers, and other financial documents are kept properly and that they are safeguarded against misuse. Review petty cash payments and ensure timely replenishment.
• Budget Management: support annual budgeting and revisions; forecasting and reforecasting; budget-versus-actual analysis; variance analysis and corrective action plans; expenditure/depletion monitoring; commitment tracking; cost allocation; cash-flow planning; partner budget oversight; donor budget compliance; budget modifications/reallocations; pipeline and funding-gap analysis.
• Financial Reporting: Support monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting; donor financial reports; statutory and corporate financial statements; project closure reports; reconciliations; revenue recognition; receivables and payables; foreign-exchange gains/losses; audit schedules; IPSAS or applicable accounting-framework compliance; data quality and integrity; ERP reporting; and timely follow-up of audit findings.
• Capacity Building: finance capacity assessments; structured training plans; coaching and mentoring; partner financial-management strengthening; training on donor rules and procedures; budgeting and forecasting skills; internal-control awareness; fraud prevention; development of SOPs, tools and templates; post-training assessments; and monitoring whether capacity-building interventions result in improved performance.
• Risk Management: enterprise and project financial-risk assessments; risk registers; fraud and corruption risk; partner fiduciary risk; tax and statutory compliance; and periodic monitoring of risks.
• Data Entry: Verification of Invoices in line with the approved Concept Notes, Terms of References and Contracts. Data entry of financial transaction in the SBD after detailed review of financial documents of payments. Updating the payment information in SBD in a weekly basis.
• Filling /Maintain Proper Documentation: Ensure all financial documents are labelled, stamped with “PAID” marks, and make sure all transactions have been properly identified ((or invoices voucher; and for journals transactions number). Arrange all financial documents for internal as well as external auditors up on request.
• Compliance and Internal Controls: Ensure compliance with organizational financial policies, procedures, and donor regulations. Implement and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud. Coordinate with auditors during internal and external audits
• Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with program managers and other departments to provide financial guidance and support. Liaise with external stakeholders, including banks, vendors, and donors, to resolve financial issues and ensure smooth operations.
• Staff Management: Supervises and supports the Finance Officer and the Accounts Clerk. Orients, trains, and coaches the Finance Officer and Accounts Analyst. Completes all performance management activities including performance planning, monitoring, and annual performance appraisals.

• Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices.
• Proficiency in financial software and MS Office applications.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Accuracy: The ability to work accurate and diligent, with an eye for detail aimed at preventing mistakes.
• Controlling progress: The ability to control the progress of employees’ processes, tasks, activities and of one’s own work and responsibilities.
• Problem analysis: The ability to detect problems, recognise important information and link various data to trace potential causes and look for relevant details.
• Integrity: Adherence to the standards, values and rules of conduct associated with one’s position and the culture in which one operates. Being incorruptible.
• Result orientation: The ability to take direct action in order to attain or exceed objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Partial/ Full professional course (ACCA/ CPA/ CIMA) is an added advantage