CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

Médecins Sans Frontières, founded in 1971, is an international medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters or exclusion from health care. Our teams are made up of tens of thousands of medical professionals, logistics, administrative and various other professions, all guided by our medical ethics and our principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality.

MSF WaCA, created in 2019, is the first MSF headquarters in Africa, and responds to the desire to reinvent the MSF movement after 50 years of humanitarian actions in the world, for more access to care, more reactivity and proactivity for greater medical coverage of affected populations in the world.

Why join us?

You are preparing to become a member of the MSF family, with over 50 years of emergency medical action that earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.

We are an inclusive organization that considers social and professional well-being a right for all and provides an environment that takes into account the diversity of each member.

MSF WaCA claims an African anchorage that considers the local expertise with which it contributes in the implementation of its activities and makes each member, a key actor of the new dynamics of the humanitarian action in the world.

We Are Looking for: CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

Department: FINANCE

Direct Manager: Director of Finance

Functional Manager: Director of Finance

Working %: 100%

Position Based in: Abidjan, HQ

Mobility: All WaCA’s Interventions Zones

Type of Contract: Fixed-Term Renewable

Position to be filled: As Soon As Possible

Objectives

Reporting to the Finance Director, the person in charge of the Accounting Unit guarantees the reliability of the organization’s financial statements, and defines the financial and accounting policies, management processes and accounting controls required at head office and in the field to ensure the entity’s accountability.

This unit comprises two areas: the Field Accounting Area and the General Accounting Area. He/she works closely with the Operational Finance Unit within the Finance Department and maintains working links with the heads of other MSF WACA departments. He/she also works closely with the accounting managers of MSF’s other operational sections and the international finance team.

Main responsibilities

Coordinates, prepares and submits reports on the organization’s financial situation (annual audit, statutory accounts and consolidated accounts) and ensures their timely publication.

Oversees the consolidation of MSF WaCA accounts into local and international financial statements.

Ensures the quality and timeliness of MSF WaCA’s monthly and annual accounting and analytical closures.

Leads the annual audit and conducts field visits with the auditors as part of the annual audit. Maintains relations with other MSF WaCA departments and other MSF entities.

Participates in financial management platforms and international projects within MSF.

Ensures the accounting of grants from MSF sections and public institutions or foundations.. Integrates all funding into the consolidated accounts.

Financial Planning

Participates in defining the Finance Department’s strategic plans with the Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director and unit managers, based on the organization’s strategic plan, operational policy and the department’s future challenges.

Ensures that the unit’s HR and financial planning is in line with the Finance Department’s strategy. Ensures that action plans are implemented, and objectives met, with regular monitoring and review of unit planning.

Identifies areas for improvement in existing processes to ensure continuous improvement of the accounting organization.

Monitors targets set through performance indicators and evaluates deviations.

Monitors cash flow and liquidity to support operational needs and financial sustainability.

Financial and Accounting Policies and Procedures

Defines and ensures the implementation of financial and accounting strategies and policies to ensure compliance with accounting principles and standards, as well as the quality of financial information and guarantee the principles of transparency and accountability.

Ensures that the organization has the necessary policies and procedures in place, in line with internal control and audit recommendations.

Liaises with the organization’s tax advisors. Ensures compliance with legal obligations in financial matters.

Aligned with the Internal Control Unit, establishes and maintains the internal control system to safeguard the integrity of financial data and prevent fraud or error.

Establishes and maintains internal controls to safeguard the integrity of financial data and prevent fraud or errors. Conducts periodic reviews to assess the effectiveness of internal controls and identify areas for improvement.

Accounting Unit Management

Is responsible for the smooth running and development of the unit.

Participates in the recruitment process for unit members; supervises, guides and coaches unit members. Ensures the smooth flow of information.

Ensures that policies, processes and tools correspond and meet the needs of the unit in order to achieve set objectives.

Coordinates the accounting team to carry out planning, monitor and evaluate performance, and contribute to skills development.

Other

Participates in projects to improve operational efficiency by optimizing financial processes and/or adopting new technologies or information systems.

Functionally responsible for accounting information management tools and involved in new developments.

Job requirements

Education

Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. Professional certification such as ACCA, CPA or equivalent preferred.

Competencies
Leadership skills to inspire and motivate a team and drive organizational change.

Analytical skills to interpret financial data, identify trends, and make strategic recommendations.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting and analysis.

Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse environment, with sensitivity to cultural differences and local context.

Professional experience required

Minimum 7 years of experience in accounting or finance roles, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership position.

Familiarity with Ivoirian and International GAAP, SYCEBNL and other relevant regulatory frameworks in West and Central Africa.

Experience in an accounting or audit firm is an added advantage.

Languages Skills

• Working proficiency in English and French

Computer Skills

• MS Office suite (mainly MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint)

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MSF offers equal recruitment and development opportunities without any form of discrimination based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, geographical origin, physical disability or any other discriminatory ground.
Female candidates who meet the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.
N.B.: This job description provides a framework for the main responsibilities and primary activities of the position. It is not exhaustive. Therefore, the responsibilities and activities of the position may differ from those described in this job description due to organizational and operational needs.

Deadline: 12th July 2024 18:00 GMT
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.