Company Profile

The Association of African Universities (AAU), an international non-governmental organization (NGO) with headquarters in Accra, Ghana was set up in November 1967 by universities in Africa to promote cooperation among themselves and between them and the international academic community.

Job Description

Organisational Unit: Finance Department
Grade: P2-P3

Purpose of Post:
This vacancy is a senior management position. The incumbent, who will report to the Secretary-General and be responsible for the efficient and cost effective management of the finance and accounts at the Secretariat of the Association of African Universities, will be responsible for the following tasks:

Main Responsibilities:

• Financial planning and control, including the preparation and submission of timely and accurate financial accounting reports;
• Proper management of donor funds in strict adherence to the donor grant agreements;
• Managing the cash flow, including the preparation of regular cash flow forecasts and ensuring timely submission of funding requests to donors;
• Preparation of the annual budget, annual report and long term financial projections for review and approval by the AAU Executive Board;
• Delineating, in accordance with the AAU Finance Policy, a Financial Strategy with guidelines for implementation;
• Timely and accurate completion of internal and external financial audits;
• Compliance with national statutory requirements;
• Ensuring safe custody of fixed assets by maintaining an accurate asset register and appropriate level of asset insurance;
• Ensuring effective procurement of goods and services,
• Ensuring effective advice is sought on legal matters;
• Active participation in the strategic management of the AAU as a member of the senior management team; and
• Providing financial analysis and appropriate advice to Management, the Board and donors on all decisions with a significant financial implication

• The AAU offers an attractive remuneration package calculated and paid in US dollars
• The candidate will be entitled to an annual leave of twenty-one (21) working days
• Other attractive benefits include a monthly post-adjustment allowance and rent subsidy 

Required Skills or Experience

Profile:

• Possession of an internationally recognised professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CPA, Diplome d' Expertise Comptable or equivalent);
• At least seven years relevant post-qualification experience working in a non-governmental organisation, public sector agency, university or multinational organisation;
• Knowledge of computerised accounting systems; including accounting software packages (Peach Tree, ACCPAC etc)
• Knowledge of procurement procedures, especially donor related;
• Proven experience of funding and reporting requirements of donor agencies or multilateral partners;
• Proficiency in English, preferably with a working knowledge of another of the official languages of the AAU (French or Arabic)

• A Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Commerce, or Accounting, or Financial Management, or Business Administration from a recognise university;
• At least 5 years experience heading an accounting unit in the public or private sector;
• Knowledge of financial issues in the African tertiary education environment;
• Post Graduate degree in finance, accounting or business administration;
• Computer Skills;
• Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Project, Internet skills