Pathfinder Overview

Pathfinder International is a global leader in sexual and reproductive health. We place reproductive health care at the center of all that we do - believing that it is not only a fundamental human right, but is critical for expanding life opportunities for women, families, communities, and nations, and paving the way for transformations in environmental stewardship, decreases in population pressures, and innovations in poverty reduction. Pathfinder provides women, men, and adolescents with a range of quality health services— from contraception and maternal care to HIV prevention and AIDS care and treatment. Pathfinder strives to strengthen access to family planning, advocate for sound reproductive health policies, and, through all of our work, improve the rights and lives of the people we serve.

Project Overview

The Building Healthy Families Activity (BHFA) aims to expand access to and utilization of essential health care in Pakistan, including quality family planning (FP) and maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services, in order to improve health outcomes for some of its most vulnerable populations.

BHFA will operate in Pakistan’s Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, addressing environmental and health barriers to the uptake of integrated Family Planning/ Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (MNCH) services.

Job Summary

Pathfinder International-Pakistan is seeking a Finance Officer for its five-year USAID funded Building Health Families Activity (BHFA) project. BHFA aims to expand access to and utilization of essential health care in Pakistan, including quality family planning (FP) and maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services, to improve health and population outcomes for some of its most vulnerable populations. 

Under the supervision of the Finance Advisor, this position will be based in Islamabad and serve as the primary support for the finance functions of BHFA's offices in Pakistan. He/She will ensure that all field financial activities are managed and administered according to Pathfinder and donor regulations and policies. He/She will assist with financial capacity building and development provided to field offices. Focuses on accounting, financial reporting, and compliance with Pathfinder policies and donor regulations. Strives for operational excellence that enables Pathfinder to continue to grow; evaluate, develop and implement operational best practices in areas including budgeting, financial reporting and compliance, and training. Builds constructive and effective relationships with team members and clients.

Key Job Outcomes

Monitoring, Tracking and Reporting

• Tracks key indicators and the processing of monthly Project office reporting, including the receipt, review, recording, reconciliation, and consolidation of all income, expenses, and balance sheet items.
• Reviews monthly project spending performance for accuracy, allowability, availability of project funds, adequate supporting documentation, and proper authorization.
• Assists with monitoring all matters that may affect the financial integrity of BHFA or the organization and assists in investigations in response to allegations of improper conduct.

Compliance

• Assists with ensuring standard financial systems and controls are established and maintained to provide appropriate level of controls over the organization's resources.
• Assists with the development and implementation of effective tools, systems, policies, and procedures that ensure consistent compliance.
• Ensures compliance with GAAP, Pathfinder, and donor policies.
• Reviews monthly spending performance of BHFA field offices to ensure compliance with Pathfinder and donor policies.

Process and Tools Continuous Improvement

• Assists with the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures in a continuous effort to improve field financial reporting and compliance.

Audit Preparation

• Collects and organizes information from departments in preparation for the annual external audit and/or program-specific audit.

Award Administration

• Records award and account numbers and availability of project funds.
• Prepares donor-required invoices and financial reports in accordance with award terms and conditions.
• Supports the design, implementation, management and monitoring of award and sub-award systems and workflow processes and procedures.

Taxation / Local Labor Laws

• Have strong knowledge of Pakistan local taxes and Government obligations in terms of Withholding taxes and GST.

Budgeting

• Assists in the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget, financial forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Prepares budgets and modifications for cost proposals in compliance with the requirements of RFPs, RFAs or other solicitations.
• Serves as a budgetary liaison with partners and provides guidance and technical assistance to assist partners to complete necessary budget forms in a timely manner.

Financial Capacity Building and Development

• Assists with training country/project finance staff on all Pathfinder financial policies and procedures.

Project Management and Participation

• Coordinates, manages, or participates on cross-functional project teams.

Accounting Systems and software

• Experience in operations of accounting softwares, having strong knowledge of GL’s Transitions list, Vendor creation and tracking, MER report generation.

Required Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Management, or related field, or equivalent, or a combination of education and experience that yields the required competencies.
• 6 years of professional experience working in finance, financial monitoring, policies, and administration.
• Work experience within the INGO/ Development sector.

Preferred Education & Work Experience

• USAID experience in a similar position.
• Experience in International Financial Management and Accounting in an organization of at least $50M in revenue with multiple international offices.
• Experience with Serenic/Microsoft Dynamics NAV financial systems.
• Experience with government grants and contracts management.

Minimally Required Job-Specific Competencies

• Agency and Donor Rules and Regulations: Foundational knowledge of USAID, and other governmental and nongovernmental agencies' rules and regulations.
• Financial Accounting Systems Implementation: Foundational knowledge of financial accounting systems implementation at a project or program management level.
• Financial Systems: Foundational knowledge of operations, financial management, organization, and planning, as well as operational knowledge of major accounting, reporting and finance functions. Proven ability to work with others to prepare budgets.
• Financial Reporting: Ability to prepare and develop required financial reports.
• PC Tools: Foundational knowledge of finance and accounting software applications to include systems, data and spreadsheets.
• Audit Process: Foundational knowledge of the audit system, process and tools.
• Compliance: Foundational knowledge of compliance standards and guidelines.
• Communication: Advanced oral and written communication skills using different forms of media. Ability to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers.

Minimally Required Organizational Competencies

• Analysis and Sound Judgement: Advanced analytical and troubleshooting skills. Ability to make sound judgments. Ability to improve processes, promote excellence and demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness.
• Software Applications: Foundational knowledge of MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
• Languages: Proven ability to write and speak using local language and English language.
• Influencing and Customer Service Skills: Proven ability to influence using diplomacy skills with key stakeholders. In-depth demonstrated customer service skills.
• Organization, Planning and Multi-tasking: Advanced organizational and planning skills, project planning and management skills. Proven ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and multi-task with minimal supervision. Proven ability to coordinate activities.

Other Information

• Travel required (10% or less).
• Ability to use cellular and office phones, laptop, or desktop computer.
• This job description format focuses on the main duties of the position and is not intended to list every potential task or assignment.
• Duties can and will change to meet the changing priorities of the department and organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Statement

Pathfinder International provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Safeguarding and Protection Statement

Pathfinder is committed to the safeguarding and protection of the people we serve and our staff. We have zero tolerance for any type of behavior that inflicts harm on children, young people, adults, our staff, and partners including sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, and exploitation. We do everything possible to ensure that we recruit only those who are suitable to work with us. We expect that everyone we hire will abide by our safeguarding and related policies and will report any suspected or known violations. This job is subject to a range of vetting checks as legally permitted in the country where they are being hired. By applying, the job applicant acknowledges they understand our intent to verify suitability to work with us.