Senior Finance and Administration Officer

Position: Senior Finance and Administration Officer

Location: Kampala, Uganda

Language: English and Swahili, local languages an asset

Supervisor: Scholars for Social Change Project Manager

Position Type: Full-time, 1-year contract with possibility of renewal

Job requirement: Must be eligible to work in Uganda

Salary Range: USh 104,450,000

Travel: Local travel

THE OPPORTUNITY

Crossroads International is seeking a self-starting, detail-oriented Senior Finance and Administration Officer for the exciting advancement of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars for Social Change (SSC) Project in Uganda. Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Senior Finance and Administration Officer plays a strategic role in the overall financial management of the SSC project. The incumbent will provide day-to-day financial support and expertise to the project, in support of the project's mission, vision and objectives, holding responsibility for financial management; compliance with the funding agreement signed with the Mastercard Foundation; compliance with Crossroads procedures, IT systems and support; administration; facilities and procurement. The ideal candidate is passionate about the rights of women and girls, is committed to high performance and sharing their expertise to support the mission, vision and results of the project and is captivated by the opportunity to make change for youth.

The Scholars for Social Change Project aims to leverage on-the-job training to match Mastercard Foundation Alumni with career pathways and fellowship opportunities that leverage their transformative leadership as well as technical skills. The on-the-job training, along with preplacement and postplacement components of the fellowship program, will support the development of practical skills to adequately equip scholars to seek employment and advocate for gender equity as well as teaching them skills to develop business relationships and maintain professional development skills.

The SSC project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, provides 50 graduate alumni of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program (70% young women), between 22 and 35 years of age, with two-year fellowship opportunities primarily in Uganda, linked to their field of study and experience within Crossroads’ deep-rooted network of local development partners.

The ideal candidate will be personally aligned with Crossroads’ vision of ONE WORLD where poverty is eliminated, equality prevails, and the rights of women and girls are fulfilled.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

1. Financial Management

• Ensure sound financial management of the project in the field in accordance with the Funding agreement signed with the Mastercard Foundation, under the supervision of the Project Manager and in collaboration with the Senior Manager, Program Quality and Impact in Canada
• Coordinate and produce timely project financial reports under the supervision of the Project Manager
• Prepare, with the Project Manager and Finance and Program departments in Canada, the project's annual budget planning, as well as quarterly forecasts, based on the analysis of actual and historical financial data, for internal and external reporting requirements
• Ensure the implementation of appropriate accounting and control systems, in accordance with Canadian accounting standards and Mastercard Foundation guidelines on eligible costs
• Develop a project financial management and procedures manual (standards and procedures) in collaboration with the Project Manager, and ensure its application
• Develop and establish appropriate accounting and financial control tools, and ensure their dissemination, compliance and application within the project
• Monitor cash flow, daily operations, and monthly reconciliation, reporting variances and expected results
• Ensure financial integrity and maintain internal controls for project accounting and ledger maintenance
• Carry out monitoring of actual versus budgeted expenditures and variance analysis versus previous year
• Prepare requests for transfer of funds to the project bank account, under the supervision of the Project Manager
• Ensure regular communication and collaboration with Crossroads Canada's finance department
• Monitor all expenses and ensure that they are fully and accurately documented and authorized in the accounting software
• Actively participate in annual internal and external audits when necessary and timely

2. Administrative Management

• Ensure the application of and compliance with Crossroads International's internal procedures in Uganda
• Ensure the proper functioning of accounts payable, payroll and benefits, and make recommendations for their improvement
• Ensure respect for time requirements, such as through the completion of timesheets for staff and scholars
• Establish payroll in compliance with tax, social and contractual legislation in Uganda in collaboration with the Project Manager
• Ensure that the project has adequate liability, property and travel insurance coverage
• Prepare and monitor supplier files in preparation for financial audit review
• Ensure proper processing, control and follow-up of monthly, quarterly and annual contributions/statements
• Manage, authorize and record all Ugandan Scholar expenses
• Coordinate the fulfilment of IT needs with the IT support team in Canada, as required

3. Goods, Services, and Supply Management

• Continue the set up of the project office in Uganda through the real estate search and establishment of a rental contract
• Ensure the effective and economical procurement of required project goods
• Ensure sound supply management
• Manage the fuel and maintenance of the project vehicle
• Communicate with suppliers on Crossroads accounts and/or payments, as required
• Approve requisitions for all purchases of equipment, project materials and software, and maintain inventory list
• Maintain financial records for fixed assets, including recording the depreciation of fixed assets
• Implement appropriate controls to protect project assets

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO CROSSROADS

• University degree in a relevant field (finance, accounting, project management, business administration) or equivalent experience
• At least five (5) years' relevant finance experience, including 3 years on projects or programs in a developing country, or as part of an international cooperation project
• Demonstrated skills in project financial management
• Excellent organizational skills, initiative, thoroughness and resourcefulness
• Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate on complex financial issues
• Proficiency in technologies, including SharePoint, Microsoft Office Suite and financial systems
• Knowledge of the development sector, particularly in the field of entrepreneurship and human resources management is an asset
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Swahili
• Knowledge of a local language is an asset

WHAT WE OFFER

• An equitable, inclusive, collaborative work environment where you have the opportunity to make an impact daily.
• Enthusiastic encouragement to develop both personally and professionally, taking advantage of a range of learning and development opportunities available to our staff. 
• An excellent, competitive benefits plan for you and your dependents.
• Standard vacation and sick leave entitlements and 3 days of professional development leave.
• Annual cost of living increases, pending Board approval, and salary equity reviews every three years.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND ESSENTIAL QUALITIES

• Share Crossroads’ values and ethical standards, particularly:
• A commitment to preventing, mitigating and responding to sexual violence,
• A commitment to gender equality, and
• A commitment to anti-racism
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders and contribute to an inclusive organizational culture.
• Commitment to promoting gender equality and advancing the rights of women and girls in unique organizational roles and through organizational initiatives.

THE ORGANIZATION

Crossroads International, a leader in international cooperation, has been fighting inequality for more than 60 years. We do this by bringing people together for a common cause, to create lasting solutions to overcome poverty and advance women’s rights. Crossroads works in some of the world’s poorest nations in sub-Saharan Africa.  We work with local partner organizations to create decent jobs and to empower women to become leaders and live free from violence.  Every year, we engage hundreds of experienced volunteers and staff North and South who apply their expertise locally to address global issues.  We invest in local partners who are best positioned to meet the needs of their communities.  With local partners, we develop co-operatives and collective enterprises that generate income and advance the autonomy of youth, women and the rural poor. We pilot innovative approaches to reducing violence against women and girls and advancing women’s rights. Together we are leveraging knowledge, expertise and dollars to create a more just and equitable world. Crossroads is a registered charity, supported by Global Affairs Canada, other government and non-government funders, and many individual donors around the world.

Crossroads is committed to the fundamentals and values of access and equity. Crossroads continuously works to promote an equitable culture of inclusivity and transparency. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee at Crossroads involves staff from various teams and regions within the organization, and committee members hold fresh perspectives essential for fostering meaningful dialogue and driving impactful change.

Crossroads is also committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct and advancing anti-racism. To that end, the organization is a signatory to Cooperation Canada’s Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct and the Anti-Racism Framework for Canada’s International cooperation sector. 

OUR VISION
ONE WORLD where poverty is eliminated, equality prevails, and the rights of women and girls are fulfilled.

How to apply: 

All applications will be received and Reviewed through Brightermonday Portal by Clicking on the 'Apply Here' section

Crossroads is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are strongly committed to diversity in the workforce and uphold our duty by inviting and encouraging applications from women, and others from all backgrounds and identities.