Finance and Operations Associate

Position based in Accra, Ghana 

 

Company description 

 

Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA) is a sourcing company that provides international apparel brands with ethical, cost-competitive and quality manufacturing solutions in West Africa. Our vision is to demonstrate that ethical manufacturing can and should be done at industrial scale, not just associated with luxury products. Based in Ghana, EAA has a dynamic team bringing decades of experience from around the world in product development, quality assurance, account management, social impact, operations and finance. 

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EAA is working to unlock the tremendous potential of the West Africa apparel industry, supporting African-owned factories to grow exports to our clients in the US and the UK. EAA focuses on developing factories in a lean, sustainable, and ethical way that sets the standard for garment manufacturing in a West African context. We work closely with government and development agencies to develop an ecosystem for industrial growth. By 2030 we aim to create 10,000 worthwhile jobs in the apparel sector in West Africa. This is an exciting time to join EAA. 

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Position overview

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This person will assist the Finance and Operations Manager to manage all the financial transactions and operations of Ethical Apparel Africa. More specifically, they will support the development of budgets, transactions monitoring, preparation of financial reports, operations support leading cost improvement strategies for the company. This is the perfect role for someone looking to broaden and challenge their experience by developing the apparel industry in West Africa in a fast-paced environment. The following shall constitute the “Responsibilities”:

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Financial management & analysis

• Assist in the preparation of accounts payable and receivable files, processing and payments

• Support the Finance and Operations Manager to prepare statements of financial position

• Should able to prepare Trial balance and General Ledger for Financial statement

• Monitor cash flow and cash management

• Accurately record New Fixed Assets and maintain an up to date Fixed Asset Register

• Assist Finance Manager with preparing annual and mid-year budgets by identifying critical areas during the pre-budget process and working on preliminary calculations.

• Alert the Finance and Operations Manager of any opportunities and risks which could impact budgeted figures. 

• Assist and liaise with the auditor to produce an annual financial statement. 

• Manage all petty cash disbursements and ensure its controls.

• Assist to ensure the procurement process is smooth and follows protocols. 

• [Growth opportunity]: Through training provided by the Finance and Operations Manager, become proficient in the Company’s online accounting system (Xero) and gradually take on reconciliation, bookkeeping, order profitability analysis, and invoicing accountability

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Financial reconciliation

• Support in reconciliation of Accounts payable and receivable

• Conduct weekly and monthly bank reconciliations

• Assist in preparing financial statements including revenue & expenditure, performance to budget/ variance, key expenditure tracking and cash flow. 

• Assist in reconciliation of bank accounts,  accounts clearing and journals to be completed on a monthly basis.

• Assist the Finance and Operations Manager to reconcile accruals and prepayment balances in the statement of financial position at least once a month.

• Support to ensure monthly reconciliations are completed on general ledger accounting including the accuracy of bank reconciliations and coding of financial transactions to appropriate accounts.

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Payroll

• Assist the Finance and Operations Manager in payroll preparation 

• Assist in the preparation of bank transfers of salaries including writing of salary advice before the Finance and Operations Manager signs off to the bank. 

• Prepare all statutory requirements for payments

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Audit & Reports

• Assist in conducting audits of all assets of the company. 

• Assist the Finance and Operations Manager with all monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.

 

Operations

• Assist in reviewing all invoices, expense claims, and receipts to ensure payments and purchases are done. 

• Support to manage all insurance, immigration, accommodation, flight and other requirements for local and expatriates

• Assist to prepare detailed forecasted budgets for all operational expenses like electricity bill, water bill, telephone, internet, etc.

• Perform any other duties that may be assigned.

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Team support

• Support the Finance & Operations Manager in the onboarding of new team members including orientation to Accra and to team systems

• Contribute to the development of an entrepreneurial, passionate, high energy, can-do culture within EAA

• Act as a resource for team members to resolve challenges and constantly endeavor to strengthen morale and team spirit

• Support the Finance and Operations Manager in organizing internal team programs and activities

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Qualifications & Attributes

 

• At least 5 years’ experience in finance, accounting and business administration management

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft office especially Excel (accounting systems experience is a plus)

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the business and an entrepreneurial attitude

• Exceptional cross cultural communication and presentation skills

• Ability to take initiative, problem-solving, and make decisions within job scope and beyond. 

• Passion for working in a company with a social mission and building local capacity

• Evidence of  the following characteristics: humble, self-aware, resilient, adaptable, poised, proactive, persistent, resourceful, able to work under pressure and respect deadlines, strong at building relationships and resolving problems, an active listener, a team player who is fun to work with, and full of integrity

 

Benefits

 

• Salary remuneration in line with experience

• Health insurance

• 25 days’ annual leave

• Dynamic working environment with an opportunity to rapidly gain experience and contribute to the shaping of a new frontier of industry

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How to apply 

 

• Start date - ASAP

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

• Please send a resume and specific cover letter for the position to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com with the subject line “Fin Ops Ass 24 ”

• Only complete applications with accurate reference will be considered and only the most qualified candidates will be short-listed for interview

• We are an equal opportunity employer, recruiting talents from all over the world, both women and men from Ghana are highly encouraged to apply.

 

For more information: www.ethicalapparelafrica.com 

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