Головний/а бухгалтер/ка / Chief Accountant

Cowater International is looking for Chief Accountant based in Kyiv for U-RESTORE project. 

U-RESTORE is a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Cowater International in partnership with Ukrainian civil society and academic institutions. The project seeks to improve the resilience of communities, and particularly women and groups in vulnerable situations, in 12 hromadas across two oblasts in government-controlled areas of Ukraine by fostering a collaborative and transparent local recovery process. U-RESTORE will increase the effectiveness of national ministries and hromadas in coordinating and managing gender-responsive and inclusive recovery, while strengthening Ukrainian civil society to better influence recovery and hold government accountable. The Project will work with civil society organizations, especially those representing women and groups in vulnerable situations, to influence recovery decision-making in hromadas and foster inclusive and transparent governance. It will also implement social infrastructure reconstruction and small-scale economic development projects responding to priority community needs. 

Description of Position: Under the supervision of the Deputy Team Leader – Operations, and in close collaboration with the Finance Officer, the Chief Accountant will ensure effective accounting and financial management for the U‑RESTORE Project. The Chief Accountant will take a core role in establishing and maintaining robust financial and accounting systems; ensuring full compliance with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Cowater International financial policies and Ukrainian legislation; supporting budgeting processes and financial reporting; leading payroll and accounting operations; managing project bank accounts; and monitoring expenditures related to project sub‑contractors and recovery initiatives across 12 hromadas in two oblasts. 

Responsibilities: 

1) Accounting and Financial Management 

• Lead the implementation and maintenance of effective accounting systems and internal controls within a multi‑partner, multi‑site project environment. 
• Lead day‑to‑day accounting ensuring properly and timely recording in strict compliance with donor’s and Cowater regulations and Ukrainian legislation. 
• Reviewing employees’ timesheets and travel reports for completeness, correctness and compliance with donor’s and Cowater regulations as well as with the Ukrainian law and tax rules  
• Ensure effective cooperation with the bank following the cost-efficiency approach, bank account operation, initiation of payments, currency exchange, monitoring balances, reconciliations, ensuring proper authorization and documentation. 
• Lead the Project payroll process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with internal policies and local legislation. 
• Review payment packages to local consultants, vendors/suppliers, partners, etc. in strict compliance with donor’s and Cowater regulations and Ukrainian legislation 
• Oversee petty cash operations, ensuring accuracy, proper documentation, and adherence to financial procedures. 
• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports and supporting documentation for Cowater Headquarters, in accordance with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) requirements. 
• Maintain financial files, documentation, and audit trails in a complete, well‑organized, and fully compliant manner. 
• Support the DTLO with budgeting and regular projections, audit requests when required. 
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including variance analysis and supporting schedules. 
• Ensure effective communication with the representatives of GDIP, bank, other related counterparties. 

2) Budgeting & Financial Planning Support 

• Actively participate in developing annual workplan budgets and activity-based budgets in collaboration with technical and operational teams. 
• Providing support for expenditure forecasting and help ensure alignment with approved budgets and project timelines. 
• Provide routine financial and payroll analysis to support cost-effective decision-making. 

3) Donor Compliance & Risk Management 

• Ensure that all accounting and financial operations comply with Global Affairs Canada financial regulations, Cowater policies, and Ukrainian tax and legal requirements. 
• Maintain accurate and compliant accounting and financial documentation for audit and reporting purposes. 
• Support the preparation and facilitation of internal and external audits. 
• Contribute to implementing corrective actions related to financial risks or compliance findings. 

4) Sub-Contractor & Partner Financial Support 

• Review financial reports, advance requests, invoices, and supporting documentation submitted by sub‑contractors or partners to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with contractual and donor requirements. 
• Provide financial guidance and capacity-building support to subcontractors, as needed, to improve the quality of their financial reporting and adherence to project requirements. 
• Assist in monitoring partners’ financial performance, including budget utilization and timely submission of financial documents. 
• Conduct basic financial checks and follow-up on outstanding issues with subcontractors. 

5) Coordination & Internal Collaboration 

• Work collaboratively with administration, procurement, M&E, technical teams, HR, and logistics to support integrated project delivery. 
• Provide financial input into procurement requests, contract preparation, and activity planning. 
• Participate in internal meetings and provide financial updates when required.

Requirements:

Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with minimum 10 years in accounting, or 
• Master’s Degree in Accounting with minimum 7 years in accounting. 

Experience: 

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in payroll and accounting, financial operations, including at least 2-3 years of experience in donor-funded international development projects. 
• Experience with preparing payroll, financial reports, managing day-to-day accounting operations, petty cash operations, bank account operation and reconciliation and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational standards. 
• Familiarity with sub‑contractor or partner financial reporting processes is an asset. 
• Experience in projects related to recovery, reconstruction, or community development is an asset. 
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion principles. 

Skills: 

• Advanced professional proficiency in Ukrainian and intermediate level of English (written and verbal) is required. 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, or similar). 
• Excellent knowledge of Ukrainian tax and accounting regulations. 
• Strong financial reporting skills. 
• Previous experience in leading payroll processes in the international technical assistance project. 
• Commitment to human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion principles. 

Employment Conditions: 

This is national position for Ukrainians already living in or based in Kyiv. 

Application Process 

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as the interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis during the application period. For your application to be considered, please send it to [email protected] mentioning Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position, salary expectation in the title of the email.

Deadline for applications: April 23, 2026.

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, individuals from diverse backgrounds and diverse identities to apply.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

About Us 

Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company founded in 1985. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada and with corporate hubs in Montreal, Canada, Brussels, Belgium, and London UK. Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017. 

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.