Project Description
Deloitte Consulting is the implementing partner for the USAID Nepal Hydropower Development Project (NHDP) in Nepal. The NHDP will focus to expand access to modern, high quality hydropower services for the citizens of Nepal and to realize the potential for Nepal’s hydropower exports in South Asia. The project will accomplish this by facilitating private sector investment in hydropower resources in Nepal in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. The project will also support the restructuring of the electricity sector to create viable, efficient national power services and promote expanded electricity trade between India and Nepal.

Finance Officer- will be responsible for project accounting and financial administration of the project. This includes but is not limited to advising on local tax laws, administering payroll, facilitating payment to vendors, detailed record-keeping, and entry into standard project accounting systems.  He/she will assist with budget monitoring, and finding more efficient ways of conducting processes. Overall, the Kathmandu office will support about 15 project staff members.  He/she should also be willing to perform administrative duties as required, such as maintaining HR and finance files, photocopying and scanning documentation and teaming with the Office Administrator.  

The position reports directly to the Director of Finance, Accounting and Compliance (DFAC).

Responsibilities: 

• Financial Accounting and Administration
• Manage and monitor all local financial transactions in adherence with standard established field financial management processes and procedures, and chart of accounts
• Maintain compliance with USAID rules and regulations
• Track local operating budgets, recurring costs, accruals and pipeline
• Conduct periodic cost analysis (budget vs. actual, recommendations on cost-savings etc.)
• File and track project purchase requests and supporting documentation
• Facilitate request for payments and disbursements under the project
• Perform daily entry of transactions into standard project accounting tool
• Perform monthly reconciliation of local bank accounts
• Monitor cash flow, foreign exchange and request adjustments as appropriate
• Administer and account for all petty cash transactions in accordance with project policy
• Review subcontractor and vendor invoices and expenditure backup documentation
• Lead audit response for internal audits and support audit response for external audits
• Ensure that project is compliance with all national and project tax regulations and procedures
• Archive all financial records and backup documentation daily/monthly on the server and ensure they are readily available for audits
• Provide input into monthly, quarterly and annual project and client financial reporting
• Support annual audit or tax filing requirements, as appropriate, with local government
• Maintain established internal controls and instill discipline in other project teammates
• Assist with evaluating local procurement and vendor selections in accordance with USAID rules and regulations
• Assist with developing job aids, training materials or other reference documents to ensure expense compliance on the project
• Take initiative to advise project management on improved processes and procedures, better internal control mechanisms, or risk mitigation techniques
• Escalate issues as appropriate to protect the project and to ensure compliance and ethical conduct on all financial, operational, and administrative matters
• Share challenges, best practices and lessons learned with project leadership and global network of colleagues

HR and Payroll Administration

• Prepare monthly payroll in accordance with local labor laws and project policies
• Advise on and appropriately log tax withholdings and remittances to local authorities
• Assist the project leadership team with establishing project salary scale and conducting market research if and when appropriate
• Assist the project leadership team with preparing rate approval documentation
• Assist the project leadership team in the sourcing and hiring of local resources (including due diligence, verification of employment and salary history, etc.)  
• Assist the DFAC to facilitate the annual local staff performance review process 
• Ensure that payroll is properly handled and supported by properly filled timesheets, contracts, vacation balance etc.

Other Administrative Duties

• Occasionally answer phones, take messages, and re-direct calls as needed
• Assist with photocopying, printing, filing as needed, primariy as related to financial and HR record-keeping
• Assist with inventory management and monitoring of office supplies, transport expenses, etc.
• Assist with monitoring security and communications with local team
• Provide backup of critical tasks for Office Administrator/Procurement Officer in the event of leave or sick time

Qualifications:

• Fluent in written and spoken Nepali and English
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant discipline
• Minimum of 3 years in similar role supporting donor projects in development work (USAID experience in is preferred)
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices, financial reporting standards
• Proficiency with USG rules and regulations a plus
• Team player, willing to take direction from project management and work with others
• Demonstrated track record in ethics, integrity and maintain confidentiality with sensitive data and nformation
• Exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Sound computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office® applications, particularly Excel and Word; Experience with MS Access or Project a plus.
• IT knowledge and proficiency a plus
• Experience with Quickbooks or other standard Accounting packages a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills and Writing skills
• Flexible and adaptive personality
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
• Self-starter, willing to take initiative, remain accountable,take ownership of work product and escalate issues as appropriate
• Dedicated to professional development, improvement and open to receiving constructive feedback
• Willing and open to receive training on standard processes and procedures

 Qualified candidates should upload their resume (not to exceed 3 pages) and cover letter (optional) to the portal.  This position is open only to Local Nationals.