Finance Associate at Management Sciences For Health - MSH

Job ID: 13-10600
Location: Nigeria
Slot: 8 Openings
Group/Office: PDG (Program Delivery Group)
Dept/Unit: PDGGEN - Program Delivery Group
Project/Program: A000 - None Specified
Reports To: Accountant.

Overview

• PMI-S is a five-year PMI/USAID flagship malaria project implemented through a consortium led by MSH. The project is supporting the Government of Nigeria through its agencies at the federal, state, LGA and community levels to reduce under-five and maternal mortality by delivering quality services for management of malaria, its complications, and prevention. PMI-S project focuses on strengthening the capacity of the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) for the implementation of the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2014-2020.
• PMI-S will target eight states of Nigeria, namely: Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross-River, Ebonyi, Nassarawa, Oyo, Plateau and Zamfara.
• Under the overall supervision of the Field Finance and Operations Manager, the Finance Associate is responsible for assisting the Senior Accountant/Finance Manager with safeguarding the assets (financial and physical) of MSH and ultimately the U.S. Government or other donor against fraud, loss or misuse.
• The Finance Associate is responsible for ensuring that any money expended in the field is done in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, MSH policy, and any cost principles imposed by the donor agency. 
• The Finance Associate is aware of and adheres to MSH’s procurement integrity standards in all activities.

Specific Responsibilities

• Prepare payment vouchers
• Properly code all transactions
• Payment of expenses, including per diem and transport to participants during activities in the field
• Prepare and control advances
• Assure balances of unused portions of advances are deposited into the MSH account
• Prepare deposit slips for cash to be deposited into the bank account
• Reconcile advances, including review of receipts, coding of expenses on the general voucher and entering into QuickBooks
• Maintain accounting files
• Follow up on outstanding advances and assure timely reconciliation
• Control consumption of project (petrol, electricity, water, telephone)
• Participate in the improvement of the accounting system and the system of internal control
• Create all financial reports as requested by supervisor
• Preparation of forms for payments of taxes and social security
• Other tasks as requested by supervisor

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of University Degree or HND in Accounting or any equivalent certification
• Minimum of 1year experience in accounting
• Knowledge of US Government funded programs, regulations and requirements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel spreadsheets
• Ability to use basic accounting software (i.e. QuickBooks) or comparable software
• Demonstrate good judgment and sound financial "common sense"
• Verbal and written language skills in English required including speaking, writing, understanding, reading and the ability to conduct business in English
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with a service-oriented outlook
• Advanced reporting skills
• Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic mail along with data entry experience)
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work independently, prioritizes tasks and meets deadlines
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to work in a team with extensive knowledge and experience with U.S. government projects.
• Understanding of the tenets of cash control and asset management, and must be able to complete timely and accurate account reconciliations
• Ability to follow MSH and donor policies and procedures for procurement and documentation, and ensure adequate accounting documentation for a proper audit trail.