The Role: The Classroom Africa team is now at the stage where a finance support role is required. 
Reporting directly to the Vice President, Management Systems, this person will assist in the financial administration of the Classroom Africa program, both in its current projects and help support the future growth of the program and the team.
Duties will incorporate review and financial administration of current contracts, budgetary reviews, and providing advice/guidance to the team on financial adherence to contracts. 
The Financial Assistant will work closely with the Vice President on budgeting and forward planning for the growth of the program. 
Assisting the VP in financial modeling, cash flow projections and report creation will be key functions of the role. 
The Finance Assistant will support the VP in developing financial reports for submission to the Chief Operating Officer and the Classroom Africa Board of Trustees. 
Based on historical spending, the Finance Assistant will work with the Classroom Africa team to support budget development for new proposals and programs.
The Finance Assistant will be required to work closely with other departments within AWF, including the Treasury, Procurement, Grants and Contracts teams.
In addition to specific Classroom Africa activities, the Finance Assistant may have the opportunity to work with the VP and the rest of the Management Systems Team on building, maintaining and improving overall project managements for use within AWF, potentially including the development of reporting mechanisms for use across the organization.
This role is best suited for a recent Bachelors graduate early in a career, who is interested in financial and program management, strategy, budgeting, and analysis. 
The role will require flexibility, forward thinking, a willingness to learn, and a sense of humor.
The Finance Assistant will gain exposure to various other departments within the organization, including significant exposure to field programs, program implementation, program management systems and M&E.
This new role presents an exciting opportunity to join the Classroom Africa team in its relatively early stages, and participate in the growth of the program and its importance to both AWF and conservation on the continent.
ResponsibilitiesFinancial Management
Monitor all financial transactions for Classroom Africa.
Work with Treasury team to ensure prompt payment of invoices.
Quality check all financial transactions to ensure proper coding and recording.
Program Reporting
Prepare monthly Classroom Africa financial reports including analysis on actual expenditures versus budgets, year-to-date status, and life-of-project reporting per established reporting guideline.
Prepare monthly Classroom Africa financial statements for the program, including revenues vs. expenditures and net cash positions.
Work with VP and COO to support preparation of quarterly financial reports for Classroom Africa Board of Trustees.
Donor Financial Reporting
Work with Grants team to ensure proper set-up of new grants.
Working closely with the Grants team, support development of financial reporting for donors and project-related sponsors.
Contracting and Contract Administration
Assist VP and team on contract development, in coordination with Contracts team.
Monitor all invoices and payments to contractors to ensure compliance to contracts and reconciliation of payments vs budgets.
Data Analysis, Forecasting and Budgeting
With VP and Program Manager, develop quarterly cash flow projections for submission to Treasury team.
Support VP in the development and submission of program financial metrics.
Work with team in budget preparation for new sites and projects.
Develop and run ad-hoc reports as required.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting, Certified Public Accountant designation, or related relevant degree required.
At least two years of work experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, grant financial management, cash management, or related duties.
Knowledge of, and prior experience with, financial management software advantageous; prior experience with Serenic Navigator and/or SQL strongly preferred.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel required; knowledge and proficiency in Jet Reports considered an advantage.
Prior experience within a finance department of a non-governmental organization, non-profit, or other grant-based institution considered advantageous.
Excellent English oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity.  Knowledge of French and/or local languages preferred.
The entrepreneurial drive and passion to maximize the potential of the Classroom Africa program and AWF at large.
Willingness to travel, sometimes to remote locations within Africa.
Demonstrated commitment to conservation in Africa.

Apply via :

www.awf.org