Accountants and financial managers
We need experienced accountants and financial managers to establish or develop financial systems for organisations in Africa. While you’ll need good financial expertise, we’re also interested in your ability to give technical advice and train your colleagues in financial best practice.
You’ll be a qualified accountant or equivalent with at least three years experience of managing report and accounting systems. You’ll have excellent IT skills and good communication and interpersonal skills. Experience of grant writing is desirable.
You could be working in countries like The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Tanzania.
Example placements
Financial adviser
Papua New Guinea
Madang Urban Local Level Government (MULLG) is situated in Madang Province on the northern side of the mainland. MULLG is a local government body responsible for delivering a range of public services to the thriving local community. Currently poor financial management is compromising the impact the organisation can have on the local population.
You’ll be using your expertise in financial management and planning to allow for transparency and more effective services. You’ll be training others in good financial practice so that MULLG can make a sustainable difference to the communities that it serves.
What does the role involve?
- Identifying and assessing the financial management needs of MULLG
- Working with members of MULLG to improve budget preparation processes
- Providing training and coaching to the current finance team
- Establishing good practice in financial accounting procedures at MULLG
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll need an accountancy qualification, preferably as a chartered or certified accountant and have at least three years’ accountancy or audit work experience. Previous line management experience is also required, including training others by identifying and facilitating their needs. MULLG is looking for a self-starter, able to evaluate and improve their practice. Creativity, problem solving and looking at the long- term perspective are necessary qualities. You will also be approachable, motivating others to achieve their potential. Good humour and the ability to adapt to the Melanesian laid back working culture is essential.
And the rest...
The mainland of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and its associated archipelagos stretch across a distance of almost 3,000 km between the equator and the southwestern rim of the Pacific Ocean. Although the country only represents one per cent of the world’s surface area, it is home to an estimated five per cent of the world’s biodiversity. The climate is generally hot and humid. You’ll be working in Madang Province, which has many of the countries highest peaks, active volcanoes and is the most linguistically diverse region of Papua New Guinea.
We’ll ask you to commit to 12-24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our support package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
Financial manager
Sierra Leone
There has been remarkable progress in consolidating peace and rebuilding Sierra Leone's infrastructure since the end of the conflict in 2002. However the decade-long civil war has caused extensive damage to social sectors and the majority of Sierra Leoneans lack access to basis social services.
The Council of Churches Sierra Leone (CCSL) was founded in 1924 and today has a membership of 19 churches, operating a wide range of programmes in education and welfare. The organisation is promoting religious tolerance, participation and commitment to rebuilding the country’s civil society. As a volunteer with CCSL you’ll ensure the Council’s sustainability by establishing sound financial systems across all programmes and its head office.
What does the role involve?
- Advising CCSL on all financial matters and developing effective financial management systems
- Managing project funds
- Training finance staff in the organisation on financial control and management systems
- Working with finance staff to prepare annual financial and accounting reports
- Developing and maintaining appropriate monitoring and evaluation processes
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You'll need a degree and at least five years' experience in setting up financial systems, budget planning and managing project funds. Excellent communication and facilitation skills are also essential, as you'll be working in a team and providing training. Patience and a good sense of humour are important for all VSO placements. You’ll need to be flexible, adaptable and happy to travel and stay with council members in rural communities, often with very limited facilities.
And the rest...
You’ll be based in the lively capital Freetown, where you’re never far from a beach. Good facilities such as supermarkets, restaurants, internet cafes, a post office and markets are all available. The climate is tropical with a rainy season from May to October and the dry season for the rest of the year. The country has some of the best beaches in the West Africa and you could visit Outamba-Kilimi National Park on a long weekend and spot diverse wildlife such as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, buffalo, elephants and maybe even lions.
