Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd. (Cardno) is currently seeking an experience Fiscal Agent Manager for an anticipated Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) funded project in Malawi.

The Fiscal Agent Manager will be responsible for the financial management of the Millennium Challenge Account – Malawi (MCA-Malawi) Compact funds and will train and support MCA-Malawi with its fiscal accountability responsibilities including grants management and financial reporting. The Fiscal Agent Manager will provide professional services for fiscal management and funds control such as budgeting, financial management, internal controls, accounting, cash disbursements, financial reporting and account reconciliation to ensure the proper, efficient, effective and transparent use of the funds to be provided under the Program. Specific responsibilities include:

Administer financial management of MCC Funding to implement the Program efficiently and effectively

Design and implement a single chart of accounts and financial reporting templates for the entire Program

Establish and implement internal control mechanisms which provide reasonable assurance of accomplishing objectives, in terms of reliability of financial reporting, compliance with laws and regulations, and effectiveness and efficiency of operations

Set-up automated budgeting, commitment and accounting system, and maintain and monitor these systems on daily basis

Prepare, implement and manage the grants management system to ensure that grants are effectively disbursed and utilized to achieve the desired objectives

Assist MCA-Malawi in designing and implementing a Fiscal Accountability Plan

Take all necessary actions to prepare or assist in putting together any documents, budgets, plans, reports, disbursement requests, or certifications as may be required by MCA-Malawi
 
Assist MCA-Malawi in developing Detailed Financial Plans for the Program on a rolling quarterly basis

Transfer knowledge and skills to MCA-Malawi on the financial and grants management systems and internal controls used by the Fiscal Agent office

Provide advice on the financial activities of the Program including reviewing contracts related to procurement of goods, infrastructure works and services

Protect the financial management activity from fraud, waste and abuse

Respond promptly and fairly to complaints about the timeliness of payments

Cooperate and collaborate with MCA-Malawi, MCC, Implementing Entities and the Procurement Agent, and provide inputs wherever required

Assume other operational, functional, and contractual obligations and responsibilities as is customary in performing the duties of a fiscal agent.

Minimum 15 years of experience as a Finance Manager, Controller or Chief Accountant or in a similar senior position responsible for accounting, budgeting, financial management and reporting

Significant experience in setting up financial management operations

Extensive experience and proficiency in the use of automated commitment, budgeting and accounting software applications

Education or training in business, economics, finance, accounting, or related field

Accounting certifications like ACCA, CA or CPA or Masters in Finance

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office – Outlook, Excel, Word, Project and PowerPoint
Knowledge and experience of grants management, contract management and procurement procedures would be an advantage

Proven leadership qualities and experience

Excellent communication skills and ability to work with high level of government officials and business executives

Previous working experience with international donors or development agencies

Fluent in English – reading, writing and speaking

Experience working in similar countries