Senior Finance Officer at Mercy Corps

Location: Potiskum, Yobe, Nigeria – with 20% travel
Position Status: Full-time

Program / Department Summary

• Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on humanitarian assistance, economic development, and conflict mitigation. With the ongoing insurgency in Northeast Nigeria causing the displacement of millions of individuals, Mercy Corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs.
• As the crisis has persisted, Mercy Corps’ strategy has also expanded to address the root causes of the conflict and seek to build the long term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on governance, the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, youth empowerment, and local conflict management.

General Position Summary

• The Senior Finance Officer under the direction of the Field Manager and support of the Finance department in Abuja will assist in the processing and recording of payment transactions in a timely and accurate manner as well as provide financial review and support to the programs.
• This position requires travel within the Yobe for support to programs as well as Abuja for coordination on finances.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage the finance assistants in maintaining a balanced petty cash float, processing payments and recording in the financial system.
• Review employee expense reports, cash advance requests and travel approval requests within financial review authority for accuracy, completeness and compliance.
• Review procurement documentation within financial review authority for accuracy, completeness and compliance.
• Review payment requests within financial review authority for accuracy, completeness and compliance.
• Ensure all expenses are within assigned project budgets.
• Prepare checks or wire transfer requests based on fully approved documents and present to approved check-signers for review and signature.
• Prepare bank payment vouchers and ensure that all bank transactions are documented appropriately.
• Record payment vouchers daily in Field Connection on Navigator, ensuring the information in Navigator is as accurate as possible, including dimensions and expense details.
• Prepare timely and accurate month end reconciliations, ensuring all entries on the bank statement are accounted for, and follow up for completeness in a timely manner.
• Manage the bank accounts and banking relationship in the field and communicate with Abuja as needed.
• Maintain a balanced bank account balance and submit funds transfer requests to Abuja based on policy.
• Prepare monthly cash flow projections for program needs in coordination with program and operations and submit to Abuja.
• Maintain an efficient filing system such that files are updated, complete and safeguarded
• Assist in budget preparation and management activities as the need arises.
• Prepare a monthly package of documentation for shipping to Abuja for safeguarding.
• Respond to staff requests for information regarding invoices and their program budgets in a proactive and timely manner. Escalate to Finance Manager if necessary.
• Identify and resolve invoicing issues, accounting discrepancies and other financial related issues.
• Liaise with statutory bodies and make statutory remittance to relevant bodies
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Do This:

• Supervisory responsibility: None
• Reports directly to: Field Manager and Finance Manager
• Works directly with: Finance, Program and Operation Teams.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Five or more years of bookkeeping, accounting and finance.
• Experience in the development sector is preferred.
• A degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel are a must
• Accuracy in the processing of cash transactions, mathematical aptitude and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written English skills
• Management of staff is high of an added value
• Fluency in Hausa language is needed

Additional Information

• Commitment to achieve results in a timely manner
• Trustworthiness and integrity
• Committed to humanitarian and development values and principles
• Strong people-management skills
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills
• Strong communication skills
• Cultural sensitivity
• Gender equity and protection-sensitive
• Creative solutions to problems

Success Factors

• Must be able to work independently and show initiative. Strong leadership, communication, and management skills are essential.
• Understanding of humanitarian principles and their application to program implementation is required.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and coach a diverse team. Must be able to problem solve and multi-task on a range of administrative and programmatic issues.
• The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required.
• The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions:

• The position is based in Potiskum, Yobe State and it requires up to 20 % travel to field offices in and around Potiskum.