Location: Laos 

Background:  

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.  

Position Summary: 

Creative Associates seeks a Director of Finance and Operations for an anticipated USAID-funded basic education program in Laos. The Director of Finance and Operations will be responsible for ensuring that project financial and program operational activities are in full compliance with USAID policies and regulations.  S/he will be responsible for ensuring that financial requirements are met, based on Creative and USAID policies and procedures; develop and implement financial procedures in compliance with Creative and USAID policies and procedures; oversee procurement actions, activity execution, subcontracts and consulting agreements consistent with USAID and Creative procedures, and  provide financial training and guidance to program staff and partners. 

Responsibilities:  

• Provide financial and operational oversight, including the development, maintenance and monitoring of the project budget, operations, and procurement systems.   

• Manage financial systems, files, and maintain Creative’s online accounting system.  

• Liaise between Creative Associates' field and headquarters offices regarding all financial matters; provide oversight for all internal and external audit requests, as needed.   

• Lead the development of monthly projections, annual budget, forecasts, pipeline analysis, budget realignment, fund obligation requests and support the development of the annual workplan.  

• Track the transfer of funds between headquarters and the field office and manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses, including tracking and monitoring all financial project activities, and maintain current project expense data.    

• Ensure all financial records are audit ready, establish cost and fiscal controls and enforce stringent international financial and auditing standards to ensure efficiency, accountability and compliance  

• Ensure project liquidity and establish appropriate checks and balances to mitigate financial risks and conflicts of interest. 

• Draft quarterly and annual financial reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information and forward to Finance & Contracts for review and approval by the Controller.   

• Provide Chief of Party with project’s current financial status.    

• Oversee the processing of payment requests including wire transfer requests for payments to vendors in compliance with contract requirements.   

• Review and process invoices and in-field fee payments in accordance with Creative’s financial management and accounting procedures and USAID policies.   

• Direct the formation and implementation of financial, compliance policies and procedures, guiding policy decisions and providing technical expertise.  

• Provide guidance to support teams on compliance requirements of client, local tax, and labor laws. 

• Ensure all procurement processes are fair and transparent, reviewing financial compliance and monitoring subcontract implementation. 

• Provide financial and operational management and systems training for project staff.   

• Travel to field location(s) as necessary and provide oversight to field office financial systems and processes.  

• Responsible for day-to-day management of subcontracts with international vendors.  

• Manage, train, and mentor key team members in the areas of administration, logistics, human resources, procurement, budgeting and finance. 

• Review and approve the financial and operational close-out of program activities, and verify documentation and information is complete. 

Required Qualifications: 

•  Master’s degree in relevant field (finance, accounting, business, etc.); 

• Minimum of eight 10 years of relevant work experience;   

• Experience with financial, operations, logistics and subgrants management  

• Experience with USAID project finances and budgeting (preferred) or similar work for other donors/U.S. Government agencies;  

• Demonstrated capacity to supervise a complex financial management system 

• Experience managing teams; 

• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills; 

• Competent in using computers and financial software; 

• Ability to work under pressure and efficiently handle multiple tasks; 

• Experience in the Asia region; 

• Local nationals are strongly encouraged to apply. 

• Professional fluency in English and Laotian language. 

Position contingent upon donor funding. 

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please. 

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran.