Finance Manager

Overview:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

The USAID-funded Vietnam Local Capacity Development Project is a five-year activity with the overall goal to support the capacity of and engagement between local governments and organizations and improve linkages with the national government on local priority issues, leading to more transparent and effective policymaking and policy implementation processes, and better delivery of services to Vietnamese citizens, particularly marginalized or underrepresented groups.

**Responsibilities**:
The **Finance Manager** will provide overall financial management and oversight for the project and will also be a liaison with the Home Office to ensure full compliance with regulations and policies about the implementation of effective internal controls.

**Reporting**:This position reports to the Operations Director

**Primary Responsibilities**:

- Establish and maintain financial management and accounting control systems for program expenditures.
- Ensure that the project meets all donor contractual requirements and complies with donor policies and regulations.
- Receive and account for all funds for the project (performing weekly and monthly cash checks).
- Liaise between Creative Associates' field and headquarters offices.
- Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting and review of project expenses.
- Participate in budget planning and realignments as required.
- Track the transfer of funds between headquarters and the field office and manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses, including developing spreadsheet programs for tracking and monitoring all financial project activities, and maintaining spreadsheets with current project expense data.
- Provide Project Director/HQ updates on the status of fund requests and work with Finance and Contracts (F&C) in Washington, DC to ensure the timely transfer of funds.
- Submit wire transfer requests for field offices to F&C for processing.
- Process check requests and wire transfer requests for payments to vendors in compliance with contract requirements.
- Review and process invoices and in-field fee payments in accordance with Creative accounting procedures and contract policies.
- Work closely with field-based subcontractors to ensure budgets, projections, and invoices are completed according to Creative/USAID policies and procedures.
- Manage personnel and payroll office staff and procedures.
- Maintain project financial and contractual files.
- Develop financial procedures manual.
- Provide financial management and systems training for project staff.
- Maintain a database of accounting documents, in both electronic and hard copy.
- Consolidate accounting data into a monthly return to be forwarded to Headquarters in paper and electronic copies.
- Prepare the requisite financial documents and vouchers.
- Draft quarterly and annual financial reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information and forward to F&C for review and approval by the Controller.
- Ensure monthly field expense reports. Travel to field offices when necessary.
- Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

- Bachelors’ degree or professional qualifications in accounting, finance, business, and/or international development. Advanced degree preferred but not required.
- Minimum 6 years of experience supporting finance and administrative activities for USAID-funded programs or donors of similar size and complexity.
- Experience with USAID program finances and budgeting or similar work for other donors.
- Understanding of budget and cost control management.
- Ability to work under pressure and efficiently handle multiple tasks.
- Advanced proficiency in English preferred but not required.