Finance Manager Full Time NEW

RTI International (RTI) is both a global research institute and a leading international development organization based out of North Carolina. At RTI, you will find work you believe in, tackling some of the most complex global challenges of our time. Our mission is to impact the wellbeing of 1 billion people by 2030 through science-based solutions in climate, education, health, and equity. Our staff promote meaningful change around the world helping people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you. Join us in our commitment to teamwork, belonging, and the passion to change the world.

• RTI’s International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. RTI leverages its experience in designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to build resilience and prosperity and promote economic growth and security around the world.   

Project Description. 

The purpose of the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture activity is to increase access to healthy diets, particularly for women and children, by improving competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of the Ethiopian food and agriculture system.  The project scope targets private sector partnerships engaged in a market systems approach to strengthening the Ethiopian food system. The project collaborates with the Ministry of Agriculture and many other agencies and USAID programs to leverage resources and achieve impact at scale. 

Position Description. 

RTI is seeking a Finance Manager for the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity. The Finance Manager will be responsible for supporting the Finance Director to ensure appropriate systems are in place for timely and cost-effective disbursement, accounting, budgeting, and reporting of project funds in compliance with local and USAID regulations.

This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will report to the Finance Director.   

What You’ll Do

Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:  

• Manage advances and payable aging within the allowable time frame through prudent budgeting and closely monitoring of activities of requestors.  

• Manage compliance issues and ensure that all financial transactions are in conformity with the RTI and USAID Policies and Procedures.  

• Ensure timely submission of expense reports, bank reconciliations and wire transfer requests to RTI corporate headquarters.    

• Reconcile petty cash fund on a monthly basis.     

• Prepare quarterly accruals for in-country project expenses.  

• Implement and monitor cost effective and efficient systems and procedures.   

• Ensure that all financial vouchers are complete, accurate, and compliant with local Ethiopian government regulations, USAID guidelines, and RTI policies. 

• Review all supporting documentation for expenses, invoices, and payments to verify accuracy and compliance. 

• Review all financial transactions and ensure they are accurately entered into QuickBooks on a timely basis in accordance with accounting standards and organizational policies. 

• Prepare monthly payroll for all RTI ETA employees. Ensure that salary income tax, 2% withholding tax, and pension contributions are correctly calculated and deducted. 

• Ensure and review timely payment and reporting of taxes and contributions to the respective government authorities. 

• Track and reconcile VAT refunds, ensuring that they are up to date and properly documented. Ensure that VAT refund applications are processed on a monthly basis. 

• Assist in month-end financial reconciliation, ensuring that all financial records are accurate and complete. 

• Conduct training sessions for the wider team to improve their understanding of financial processes, policies, and procedures. 

• Compile accurate financial data from all departments to prepare the monthly cash requests. Ensure that cash flow requirements are accurately assessed and aligned with organizational needs. 

• Ensure inventory is regularly updated and maintained in compliance with project requirements. 

• Assist in the preparation for year-end closing, including the preparation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards reports. 

• Ensure that all year-end processes are completed accurately and in accordance with accounting standards. 

• During audits, assist in the communication with auditors and provide all necessary documentation and information required for the audit process. Ensure smooth coordination and prompt response to auditors’ requests. 

•  Supervise assigned staff and mentor other members of the finance department. 

What You’ll Need

• Master’s degree in business, accounting, or related field and 6 years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting finance activities on a USAID-funded project and knowledge of USAID rules and regulations. 

• Prior experience working in a similar role and capacity on RTI and USAID projects preferred.  

Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Proven ability to manage financial operations, lead teams, and ensure compliance with financial regulations and policies. 

• Knowledge of institutional accounting and budgeting practices, preferably those used by USAID. 

• Experience in payroll processing and knowledge of applicable rules of the local labor code. 

• Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.    

• Ability to resolve problem situations is a tactful and effective communicator, both orally and in writing, ability to deal with persons of diverse cultures.  

• Ability to understand and interpret policies and procedures as well as the ability to apply them with consistency in a variety of circumstances.  

• Ability to monitor progress of a project against milestones or deadlines double-checks the accuracy of information to discover weakness or missing data and strive for high quality performance.  

• Experience working with QuickBooks is preferred. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.    

• Professional fluency in English (both spoken and written) and strong command of Amharic is required, additional local language is a plus.  

• Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions at times.