Finance and Admin Officer

POSITION TITLE: Finance and Admin Officer LOCATION: Lilongwe, Malawi DEPARTMENT: Agriculture, Resilience, and Water PROJECT: USDA Market Transitions to Enable New Growth Opportunities (MTENGO) REPORTS TO: Finance Manager POSITION SUMMARY: The Market Transitions to Enable New Growth Opportunities (MTENGO) project is a five year, USDA-funded project implemented by Winrock International in the Northern and Central regions of Malawi. MTENGO uses a farmer-first approach grounded in market incentives to increase resource-efficient, reliable production from Malawian agriculture in the face of climate unpredictability. MTENGO’s approach will enable farmers to: Diversify and achieve stable returns from their farming portfolio through climate smart farming by responding to market demands with diversified production; Increase access to water for productive purposes through improved water management practices; Make ecosystem services work for farmers by improving farmer access to, and collective management of, water, soil, and forest products; and Increase access to markets and finance so farmers can make climate smart investments. The Finance and Admin Officer will be responsible for accounting activities including financial reports, bank reconciliations, general ledger entries, auditing field office vouchers, and other general accounting functions. He/she will also ensure field-based adherence to donor and Winrock financial policies and procedures, regulations, controls, and reporting systems. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Finance Role Support the Finance Manager to ensure prompt payment and proper coding on QuickBooks, follow-up on the status of invoices and tracking payments. Verify accuracy of all invoices and ensure proper allocation and classification of expenditures to funding source and expense categories. Manage data entry in the Quickbooks Accounting Software on day-to-day basis; prepares journal, receipts, and disbursement vouchers, and accumulates documents in support of the voucher and seeks proper approvals. Processes and tracks travel advance and advance settlement in compliance with travel policy Ensure full compliance with USDA and Winrock policies and procedures, and local laws. Responsible for filing finance records and ensuring compliance with Winrock document and file retention policy. Processes government remittances within set due dates such as withholding taxes from compensation and other services, and statutory social contributions per local law. Records monthly accruals such staff vacation leaves, severance and amortization of prepayments. Ensure proper cash handling for project petty cash account. Assist the Finance Manager to ensure strong internal controls are maintained in the finance and operations functions. Perform other finance duties and responsibilities as assigned. Support the Grants Manager in grant financial management. QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields. Experience: Two years minimum accounting experience preferably for a USG funded project or in a nonprofit or international development environment Knowledge and experience with financial management and reporting requirements. Knowledge of and familiarity with accounting systems/packages Knowledge and understanding of Malawi tax laws and compliance Ability to use good judgment and professionalism; experience in decision-making Experience with international donor regulations preferred Accuracy and attention to detail Skills: Excellent analytical skills Excellent Microsoft Excel skills and experience with accounting software (QuickBooks preferred) Excellent communication and organization skills are required Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Strong skills in internal controls and accounting standards About Winrock International Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law. At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation. Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization