Financial Manager - Liberia Mission

FINANCIAL MANAGER – LIBERIA MISSION

Location: Blacktom Town, Montserrado County, Liberia, West Africa Reports to: Liberia Mission Director Start Date: Fall 2013 Length of Position: 1 year with opportunity to extend

About Us

Franciscan Works is dedicated to the ministry of self-help for children living in poverty in developing countries through education rooted in Gospel values in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. We develop the individual potential of children living in poverty so that they can live as God intended, making full use of their talents and abilities for the common good. Liberia Mission, Inc. (LMI), a program of Franciscan Works, alleviates poverty and promotes transformation by providing quality education, a loving home, and life skills training for children and youth so that they may become capable, responsible, and compassionate citizens and future leaders of Liberia. The St. Anthony of Padua School provides a Catholic education for over 380 students in kindergarten through grade 9. The residential program provides a nurturing home for 107 students who would otherwise have difficulty accessing educational opportunities. The St. Michael the Archangel chapel is a gathering place of worship and spiritual formation for the children, youth, and staff of Liberia Mission, Inc. and the surrounding community.

The Role

The LMI Financial Manager ensures effective and sustainable financial operations and reporting to Franciscan Works and our donors. S/he initiates financial transactions and enters daily financial transactions and receipts into Quickbooks, provides daily reports to Franciscan Works, ensures that expenses meet the budget and successfully develops the operating budget and capital projects. This position also supports key aspects of mission operations, including communications and volunteer support as time allows.

The responsibilities of this position include the following:

Financial (Approximately 70% of this position – though time-allotment will vary by season):

• Manage all day-to-day aspects of the financial operations of Liberia Mission, including bookkeeping, budget tracking, payroll, procurement oversight, bidding/contracting (as needed), payment of bills, providing daily "Balance Sheet" report to Franciscan Works, etc.
• Assist in preparation and oversight of annual budget; produce and review monthly budget reports
• Assist. St. Anthony of Padua School with financial management and budgeting.
• Evaluate financial policies and work with the Liberia Mission Director to improve policies and practices where needed.
• In conjunction with LMI Director, ensure the mission is in compliance with all grant and government ministry reporting.
• Other duties as needed and as determined by the LMI Director as they align with mission needs and the gifts and talents of the person in this position.

Communications (Approximately 15% of this position – though time-allotment will vary by season):

• In conjunction with the Communications Officer, coordinate all Liberia-based aspects of donor communications, including articles by students, staff and volunteers, social media, etc.
• In conjunction with the Communications Officer, coordinate all Liberia-based aspects of the Sponsorship Program, including letter-writing, online communications and student updates, and identify ways to enhance and/or expand the program.

Volunteer support (Approximately 15% of this position – though time-allotment will vary by season):

• Work with the FW volunteer coordinator to evaluate individual and group volunteer applications
• Work in concert with the LMI Director and other relevant staff to identify appropriate volunteer projects/placements that are aligned with LMI program goals and needs
  • Serve as the on-site volunteer coordinator for all individual and group short-term and mid-term volunteers, assisting with pre-trip preparations, on-site orientation, on-site hospitality, coordination and mentorship, and post-trip evaluation.

Who You Are

As LMI's Financial Manager, you desire to serve Liberia Mission through the effective management of all financial aspects of mission operations, as well as by assisting in other aspects of mission life that fit the needs of our youth and staff and align with your unique gifts and talents. Your motivation to work with the beneficiaries and staff of LMI stems from a God-centered call to serve and work alongside people of various cultures in a developing country. You believe that love, compassion, collaboration, effective communication, and community-building are central to the process of working towards LMI's goals of developing Liberia through the education of its youth. You recognize that development work is full of rewarding experiences as well as challenges that require patience, the ability to listen, critical thinking, humility, and creativity in order to grow and move forward. Your resilience, adaptability, and desire to learn enhance your role as Financial Manager.

Your Qualifications

• The ideal candidate has a demonstrated experience or aptitude for financial bookkeeping, is highly motivated and extremely well-organized, and is an energetic self-starter who can work efficiently with very careful attention to detail and with minimal supervision;
• Experience using Quickbooks preferred;
• International experience/experience working and living in the developing world a plus, but not required;
• Fluent in English and able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing;
• Desire to work and live at a Catholic mission;
• Ability to live and work with simple living and office accommodations.

Compensation

This missioner/volunteer position provides a monthly stipend, international health insurance, room and board on site at Liberia Mission, Inc., and vacation time.

How to Apply

If you feel the call to serve at Liberia Mission, Inc. and believe that you have the required skills and competencies for the position, send your resume, a cover letter explaining your interest in this position, and a list of at least three references to Todd Looby at todd@franciscanworks.org. Please, no phone calls. If you have questions regarding the position, please email Todd Looby at the above address. This position is open until filled.

Franciscan Works / Liberia Mission, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.