Financial Controller

The re-design and implementation of the Market Development Component for the Zimbabwe Livelihoods and Food Security Programme (LFSP) Phase 2 seeks to improve markets that are most active and relevant to smallholder farmers in 10 targeted districts. The component will support farmers by first identifying the underlying causes of the non-performance of markets and then work in close partnership with local actors to invest in providing tailor made and lasting solutions for economic activities benefitting poor farmers.

The programme is due to start on February 1st 2019 and run for 2 years and 2 months.

This position reports to the Fund and Operations Manager and Team Leader. The tasks and responsibilities assigned to the Financial Controller will include:

1. Financial Management
   * Assist in the establishment and maintenance of accurate forecasting and accounting systems that comply with current DFID funding mechanisms
   * Assist in the development and updating of the Financial Procedures Manual in accordance with DFID procedures and follow the Financial Procedures in the implementation of all LFSP activities
   * Maintain transaction vouchers and forward them for authorization
   * Ensure the production, data capture, filing (hard and soft copies) and storage of all LFSP financial records and reports
   * Inspect asset register and verify changes
2. Financial Reporting
   * Provide the Fund and Operations Manager with information on project-specific financial issues as requested
   * Compile financial feedback and timely and accurate reports for all grantees detailing any financial issues raised by each organization in agreed formats on a monthly basis for submission to donors
   * Manage cash flow and prepare cash inflow request for submission to HQ
   * Provide analysis and advice on the key issues linked to value for money, cost containment, sharing and documentation whilst achieving programme objectives and tracking of various operational planning details e.g. Assets; LOE balances; Reimbursable balances etc
   * Prepare payments and process for approval in line with the LFSP budget including suppliers and consultants’ payments
   * Processing of payroll for long term personnel
   * Act as custodian for project petty cash
   * Record transactions in books of accounts (Cashbook) on a weekly basis for submission to Palladium Accounts Payable team
   * Prepare bank reconciliation statements
3. Invoicing
   * Review timesheets and other supporting documents for invoicing
   * Prepare the draft DFlD invoice, submitted monthly
4. Grantee Management
   * Working with other LFSP team members,
   * Assist in contracting of grantees
   * Assist in receiving of disbursement requests from grantees, review supporting documentation and prepare for forwarding for payment processing
   * Assist in receiving expenditure reports submitted by grantees timeously
   * Assist in regular field visits to examine compliance of grantee systems to ensure timely and accurate financial and programme reporting
   * Assist in the consolidation grantee compliance issues within LFSP into a compliance report
   * Compile reports for each support visit or activity
   * Compile periodic financial feedback and reports for all grantees detailing any financial issues per organisation
   * Maintain a database of all payments made to grantees and ensure payments do not exceed budgets
   * Assist the Fund and Operations Manager in providing necessary training, capacity building and information to grantees to enable them to comply with the financial accounting, reporting, procurement, and other compliance practices
5. Programme Reporting, Audit and Analysis
   * Assist in the updating of indicators according to the LFSP logical framework
   * Assist in drafting monthly, semi-annual and annual financial reports and monthly feedback of all grantees detailing any key issues relating to the financial performance of each organisation
   * Lead in the preparation and completion of financial audits as required
   * Assist in the provision of data to enable research and analysis within the LFSP
6. Gender & Social Inclusion:
   * Actively support the programme’s approach to Gender and Social Inclusion
7. Other Duties
   * Line manage the Finance Assistant and Operations intern
   * Other duties as assigned by the Fund and Operations Manager, Deputy Team Leader and Team Leader.
8. Skills and Experience Required
   * Extensive experience overseeing finance & accounting aspects of international aid programmes (preferably for DFID).
   * Experience managing financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, expenditure, controls and analysis within donor funded projects.
   * Previous experience working and delivering results in Zimbabwe.
   * Experience in implementing and managing financial control mechanisms
   * Excellent oral/written communication skills in English.
   * Demonstrated interpersonal and skills and experience working in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
   * Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
   * Extensive experience overseeing finance & accounting aspects of international aid programmes (preferably for DFID).
   * Experience managing financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, expenditure, controls and analysis within donor funded projects.
   * Experience in implementing and managing financial control mechanisms
   * Excellent oral/written communication skills in English.
   * Demonstrated interpersonal and skills and experience working in collaboration with multiple stakeholders
   * Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
9. Education:
   * A qualified accountant with postgraduate degree in accounting, finance or related field.