Introduction MFA-NSO/SCU unit:

The Lao Microfinance Association (LMFA) started its operations informally in 2007 with a group of microfinance practitioners and got its permanent license from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) by middle of August 2018. LMFA works under the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL), Financial Institutions Supervision Department (FISD). LMFA recently established a dedicated unit to technically support NSOs (Network Support Organisations), that are microfinance institutions (MFIs) working in rural areas of Lao PDR ensuring the access to finance for poor people through the development of village banks. The unit currently supports 7 NSOs located in 6 provinces which cover more than 800 villages and over 180.000 clients. Despite the wide outreach, the NSO unit aims at welcoming more NSOs operating in the country in the future.

The unit will consist of 3 to 4 permanent staff dedicated to support the NSOs: one unit manager and 2 to 3 technical staff dedicated to specific areas. One of these areas will be especially oriented toward the capacity development and financial literacy (FL) with the specific goal of improving trainings and FL activities both in the NSOs and VBs in order to enhance the quality of their services and increase financial inclusion.

Job purpose:

We are looking for an experienced Financial Controller, or Monitor, to undertake all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget and forecasts preparation, as well as development of internal control policies and procedures. Finance Controller responsibilities will also include financial risk management.

Responsibilities:

The applicant will work in the NSO unit with an international team, focusing on data analysis and risk management. He/she will gather the data from the NSO and its village banks on a monthly, quarterly, and annual base. Prepare the consolidated data report, and prepare, analyze data of the NSOs and VBs’ activities and give recommendations in order to improve risk management and intern control to the managers Besides the NSO unit, he/she might be requested to support other departments within LMFA for the same type of activities.

Tasks:

• Gather, monthly NSO and village bank data, prepare consolidated data to monitor the achievement of the targets agreed in the MOU and to enable the regular development of the risk management;
• Monthly risk management follow-up with NSOs’ managers (video call) using internal tools like dashboard and the early warning indicators file (EWI);
• Research technical accounting issues for compliance;
• Monitor all accounting operations including Billing, Cost Accounting, Inventory Accounting and Revenue Recognition. Regularly cross-check the data from the village banks in the provinces (using the new MIS) to find discrepancies;
• Responsible for analyzing key NSO & VB data and prepare monthly reports for the NSO unit;
• Prepare, present and analyze the data and its forecast during technical meetings;
• Coordinate and cross-checking if the annual budget (business plan) developed by the NSOs is in line with targets, report variances and prepare financial forecasts;
• Responsible for the standardization of the Sustainability Scorecard and its use (e.g. benchmark for BOD bonus payment);
• Monitor that each NSO carries out the annual external-audit and support in planning and coordinating extraordinary auditing mission in case of need;
• Support the internal control officers/committee of the NSOs in their capacity development (e.g. bookkeeping, basic accounting, reporting);
• Regularly monitor the NSO unit activity plan to ensure quality and a proper follow-up of all programmed activities;
• Support in administrative tasks if necessary;
• Support other departments of LMFA with the above-mentioned tasks in case it is required;
• Participate in trainings to develop own personal skills in relevant fields;
• Other tasks which are necessary for the implementation of the NSO unit and which have been delegated by the unit manager;

• Translate technical documents as required from English into Lao and vice versa;

Requirements (education/qualification, professional experience):

• University/Master’s degree preferably in finance, economics, business administration or related areas
• At least 2 years of working experience the financial sector
• 2 years of experience as a Financial Controller or similar role will be an advantage
• Outstanding knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
• Experience with creating and analyze financial statements and general ledgers
• Good understanding of accounting software
• Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on company’s success
• Critical thinker and problem-solving skills
• Team player
• Good time-management skills
• Good communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Good negotiation skills
• Good written and oral communication skills in Lao and English
• High comfort and tolerance to manage stress and role demands
• Strong interpersonal skills and the proven ability to provide leadership to a team and to work in an international team environment
• Additional work experience in the financial inclusion or with international organizations will be an advantage
• Good IT skills
• Be able to travel to the target provinces
• Well organized and independent work style
• Team player and good communication skills
• Willingness to perform well, and to show a high level of commitment
• Be able to communicate in other ethnic dialects will be an advantage
• Good knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity (can work with local people)

Working place:

Vientiane with the possibility to travel to the provinces

Starting date:

As soon as possible

Application:

To apply send a cover letter, CV with 3 professional references, and salary history, in English to:

Lao Microfinance Association (LMFA)

Unit 14, Amone Village, Saysettha District, P.O. Box: 4030, Vientiane Capital, Lao P D R

Email: mfa@laomfa.org , Web: www.laomfa.org   Office Tel: 020 99626456, 030 9481265, 021 226019

Only shortlisted will be notified.  Application closing date is 31.08.2021.