Project Finance Officer

**Location**: Ottawa, Ontario _(_Montreal and Toronto may be considered at the discretion of Cuso International on an exception basis)_

**Reports to**: Manager, Finance-Program & Compliance

**Position type**: Permanent, Full time

**Bargaining Unit Status**:Included

**Classification**: Band 4

**Salary range**: CA$ 60,539 - $ 73,762 per annum

**Language requirements**: Bilingualism (English & French is essential)

**WHO WE ARE**

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

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 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

**POSITION QUALIFICATIONS**

**Essential**
- 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 French
- 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 Spanish

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