Job title : FINANCE OFFICER Reports to : Director of Business Operations Start Date : June 1st 2021 Location : Kigali, Rwanda Job Purpose Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Finance Officer to be responsible for finance functions involving project budget development, fiscal interpretation and analysis, reconciliations, reviews of multiple accounts and transactions, management of pre- and post-award financial reporting, and monitoring compliance with required deliverables for its location in Rwanda, Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa). About Carnegie Mellon University Established out of a partnership between Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the Government of Rwanda, CMU-Africa is addressing the critical shortage of high-quality engineering talent required to accelerate the economic development and digital transformation of Africa—home to the fastest growing workforce in the world. CMU-Africa was established in 2011 and is the only U.S. research university offering its master’s degrees with full-time faculty, staff and operations in Africa. CMU’s presence in Rwanda provides a platform to engage in Africa’s most significant opportunities and challenges across the continent through world-class education and contextually relevant research. Our vision is to educate and empower the next generation of African leaders and innovators by delivering a world-class educational experience. CMU-Africa’s mission is to produce creative and technically strong engineers, who have been trained in the African context, and prepared to make transformative impact in their communities and the world. We are a fast-growing campus with about 150 enrolled students, aiming to grow to 400 in the next couple of years. Our size and exponential growth create a sense of camaraderie and excitement, with strong community ties and a compound sense of accomplishment in our team members, contributing towards mutually beneficial relationships between staff and students. The role As CMU-Africa’s Finance Officer, you will work closely with the Director of Business Operations in the collection, compilation, interpretation and analysis of internal and external financial and organization data in order to support CMU-Africa budgeting and strategic operational decisions. While specific responsibilities will vary, they will include, but will not be limited to, the following: Responsibilities Works with CMU-Africa’s project and program managers to develop resource requirements and justifications, and prepare budgets for research and sponsored project proposals Collaborates with College of Engineering Sponsored Research Administration and Sponsored Projects Accounting to ensure project awards are set up correctly and expenditure coded to the right Oracle strings Reviews project expenditures and prepares periodic financial reports in compliance with funder requirements Serves as an overall technical resource to project and program managers, principal investigators, and other university staff involved in projects. Understands, applies, and advises on CMU policies and procedures for research and sponsored projects Partners with principal investigators, project and program managers, research groups, and other departments to respond to funder inquiries as appropriate Collaborates with College of Engineering Sponsored Research Administration and Sponsored Projects Accounting to ensure timely and accurate project award closeout; submit final reports and compile information and documents needed for audit inquiries. Assists in the development of internal procedures for the processing and management of research and sponsored project proposals, ensuring compliance with university-wide policies and procedures, and promoting customer service to improve efficiencies of departmental process Partners with the human resources and other business operations functions to ensure timely acquisition and / or hiring of research and sponsored project resources Prepares ad-hoc reporting and financial analytics for internal and external distribution as needed. Assists with special projects and surveys to summarize and analyze financial actions and prepare recommendations. Performs related duties as assigned EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Financial Management, or Business Administration Recently qualified professional accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ICPAR, CPA), with a minimum of two years post-qualification experience preferred 3-5 years of experience with public or privately funded grant administration, or project accounting a plus Fluency in both spoken and written English and French a plus SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES Strong accounting skills; knowledge of grant and project accounting a plus Excellent analytical skills, with meticulous attention to detail; keep and maintain accurate and detailed reports and records Highly developed critical thinking skills, with ability to solve complex problems in innovative ways Demonstrable ability to handle multiple concurrent projects in a deadline-driven environment; work under pressure and with frequent interruptions Demonstrable proficiency with accounting software and MS Office (intermediate Excel and Word skills). Experience with Oracle E-BusinessSuite a plus Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English) Demonstrable ability to communicate financial information to non-finance audience, with excellent presentation skills Demonstrable ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports Agile learner with the ability to adapt and thrive in an evolving, diverse environment Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, excellent discretion and maintain confidentiality Demonstrable ability to maintain composure when dealing with difficult situations and/or individuals Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds Job category : Accounting, controlling, finance Industries : Education, trainingResearch and development Employment type : Permanent contract City : / Kigali, Rwanda Experience level : 2 to 5 years Educational level : Bachelor Spoken language : english›fluent Number of Position(s) : 1
