Company Profile

Established in 2005, Fairtrade Africa is the umbrella organization representing Fairtrade certified producers in Africa and is a member of Fairtrade International (FI). FTA aims to effectively represent producers within the International Fairtrade system and to contribute to the livelihood improvement of African and Middle Eastern producers by increasing access to markets. Established in 2005, FTA directs policy and strategic development of the organization, including its Secretariat in Nairobi and the four (4) regional offices. FTA works within the Fairtrade system to support over 1,055,000 farmers and workers in over 520 producer organizations spread over 33 countries to access better prices, decent working conditions, and fairer terms of trade

Fairtrade Africa is owned by its members, who are African producer organizations certified against international Fairtrade Standards producing traditional export commodities such as coffee, cocoa, tea, cut flowers, cane sugar, wine, cotton, bananas, mango, pineapples and non-traditional commodities including shea butter, rooibos tea, vegetables and fresh and dry fruits. Fairtrade Africa is made up of both Small Producer Organizations (SPOs) and Hired Labour Organizations (HLO). In HLOs, the focus is on supporting companies that employ hired labour to supply better working conditions for their workers while in SPOs the focus is on members who are smallholders who run their farms mainly using their own and their family labour.

Fairtrade Africa’s interventions are guided by the Fairtrade Theory of Change which visually expresses how these ultimately lead to global Fairtrade Goals. You can read more about FTA at www.fairtradeafrica.net

Job Description

WE ARE HIRING:Finance and Administration Officer

ABOUT THE JOB
To assist in the execution of FTA’s financial policy manual and HR & Administration, systems, policies and procedure, supporting key functions, including the timely and accurate processing of financial, accounting, HR and administration data.

LOCATION: Accra, Ghana

REPORTING LINES:

• Post holder reports to: Regional Operation Manager
• Staff reporting to this post: YES

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: Yes

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Finance Support 

• Prepare and maintain cash controls, reconciliation of bank statements, process invoices and maintain purchase order systems in accordance with the FTA financial policies. 
• Develop procedures and oversee controls in issuing procurement contracts and processing of all payments and cheques. 
• Ensure local tax laws and regulations are adhered to, by withholding, remitting and paying all taxes due and in due time
• Ensure transactions are recorded and entered into the computerized accounting system in an accurate, timely and transparent manner
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and yearly financial statements 
• Prepare for and assist with the regional annual audits 
• Maintain the office petty cash and staff imprest systems
• Assist with preparation and consolidation of the regional budgets

Administration and Logistics Support 

• Maintain an up-to-date office asset register and coordinate office equipment maintenance and repairs to ensure equipment are in good working conditions
• Ensuring timely payment of utility bills (water, electricity, internet,) 
• Arrange all travels (national, regional and international), transfers and accommodation bookings for the HoR and members of the Board, staff and assist during their stay.
• In liaison with the programming team organize and arrange producer visits for the HoR and other visitors.
• Support the region with procurement of goods and services (Air Ticket, Hotels, Visibility materials etc)
• Ensure availability of meeting rooms, external venues, equipment, materials and catering arrangements for regional board and partner meetings as required

Human Resources Support

• Support the HR & Administration Manager in field recruitment exercises by organizing interviews, interview folders, and sending out regret letters
• Liaise with the HR and Administration Manager and the Head of Region to ensure timely renewal processes for contracts.
• Coordinate the on-boarding of incoming local staff and prepare their induction programmes 
• Monitor, track and update the leave database in coordination with line managers.
• Update and ensure staff medical, all other insurances records are up to date.
• Create and maintain employee files, ensure that all records are up to-date.

Required Skills or Experience

Qualifications

• A degree in Business Administration  
• Certified accountancy qualification

Experience and Knowledge

• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar position developing and monitoring budgets
• Knowledge of the local taxation laws and general accounting convention
• Knowledge of accounting software 

Skills

• Excellent numeracy skills and attention to detail
• MS Office applications especially Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Strong financial management and accounting skills 
• Data entry and records maintenance skills
• Book keeping and accounting skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Good MS Office skills particularly MS Excel
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to work with different accounting packages
• Good customer services skill