Project Finance Officer

• Location: Ottawa, Ontario (currently remote-working)
• Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
• Status: Permanent, Full-time
• Bargaining Unit Status: Included
• Classification: Band 4
• Language requirements: English & Spanish essential; French desirable
• Eligibility: Local National; must be legally entitled to work in Canada

SUMMARY

The Project Finance Officer (PFO) is responsible for the financial management of a portfolio of Cuso International’s international projects, including contract compliance requirements, in coordination with program staff across all Cuso International offices. The incumbent of the position provides advice and guidance to program staff on financial matters related to projects. As a critical part of the Finance team, this role supports the efficient delivery of Cuso International’s projects around the world.

Job Function:

JOB KEY OBJECTIVES

The Project Finance Officer will work towards the following organizational objectives:

• Provide decision-making advice, analysis and quality information to support the objectives of internal clients
• Implementation and ongoing development of financial policies and programs
• Support the delivery of required project outputs and strong program outcomes

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Financial Management

• Monitor and analyze financial performance for a portfolio of Cuso International’s international projects
• Work in close coordination with the project staff in Cuso International Country Program Offices (CPO) and in Headquarters (HQ) to anticipate project risks and bottlenecks and to overcome these in a timely manner
• Provide internal clients with relevant, credible, timely and insightful information, analysis and related reporting information to support decision making
• Provide accurate and complete internal financial reporting and project performance efficiently
• Support the financial accounting team as required to ensure that accuracy of information being entered and recorded
• Lead and participate in the development and maintenance of financial budgets and projections
• Maintain the project finance section of the Finance intranet site, ensuring that all project and budget related documents are available in a centralized location and accessible by appropriate staff
• Project/Country Project Office (CPO) Financial Compliance
• Prepare and maintain all mandatory donor financial reporting in accordance with contribution agreements and donor documents
  Implement and monitor compliance with organizational and project financial policies, procedures and controls
  Develop and deploy training to assist and educate stakeholders about organizational, project, and Cuso International’s financial policies, procedures and controls, including project implementing partners
  Assist with planning and implementing regular internal audits to ensure compliance with contractual agreements, and Cuso International’s Internal Controls
  Review CPO’s monthly financial documentation and provide recommendations on improving/strengthening adherence to financial policy and procedures
  General
  The Project Finance Officer is expected to work effectively as part of the Cuso International Finance team, and in particular to:
• Participate in Finance departmental and Project Delivery team meetings
  Contribute to process improvement projects as required
  Perform other duties and tasks in non-routine circumstances to support the successful delivery of projects
  To undertake specific additional responsibilities from time-to-time, as may be agreed upon with their Line Manager
  Provide cover to other members of the project finance team as needed
  
  Job Requirement:
  
• University Degree (bachelor’s) or equivalent specialized certification
  Field of education: Commerce or appropriate business degree
  3-5 years of experience in a Finance role working with grants or contribution agreements from donors and contributors
  Experience developing and monitoring project budgets and supporting the review and revision of project budgets
  Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite & other databases
  Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish
  Advanced Microsoft Office Excel skills
  Flexible and solution-orientated with the ability to working in a learning culture focused on knowledge building
  Ability to work effectively in a cross-departmental teams and liaise with various stakeholders
  Proven analytical skills
  Occasional international travel to project locations may be required up to 4 weeks a year
  
  Desirable:
• Experience as a member of a full-cycle finance team
  International work experience
  Proposal development and project costing experience
  Knowledge of project management best practices
  Excellent written and oral communication skills in French and/or Spanish
  Contact Details:

How to apply!

If Cuso International sounds like the kind of organization that you would like to work for and you have the qualifications for this job, we certainly would like to hear from you! Expressions of interest should be sent in English. Your résumé and one-page cover letter should demonstrate how you meet all the essential and any desirable qualifications.

Please click the “Apply to Job” button to submit your application quoting competition PFO2021-09 by 4:30 PM EST March 8, 2021 for bargaining unit members or by 4:30 PM EST March 26, 2021 for external candidates.

Please note that a confirmation email will be generated once you submit your application, but it may be directed to your spam or junk folders of your email inbox.

Accommodations will be provided at all stages of the hiring process; we ask applicants to make their needs known in advance. Thank you for your interest in Cuso International.