Finance Assistant (FA) at Africare

Summary:

The Finance Assistant works under the supervision of the State Project Officer and Senior Finance Officer in the Country office by assisting in the maintenance and tracking of all Africare/Nigeria expenditure, leave and other financial or project related matters. Depending on availability of donor funds; however, Africare appointments are for 12 months only, renewable annually

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the State Project Officer and the Senior Finance Officer, the FA will be responsible for the following finance duties:

• Maintains the accounting system for the projects, ensuring timely and accurate posting of all vouchers, preparation and submission of reports.
• Raising of payment request, payment vouchers and preparing checks for signature in accordance with Africare policies.
• Preparation of staff salaries and remittance of salary deductions to relevant authorities.
• Supports the project staff in developing budgets, and contributes input on administrative costs to be included in the budget.
• Generates financial reports for managers on a monthly basis for review and tracking expenditures against budget.
• Authorizes expenditures (not approval which is provided by managers) based on a review of the budget to determine if allowed and funds availability, and policies of Africare and the Donor. Alerts the managers when expenditures cannot go forward and advises on best approach to meet needs.
• Ensures timely submission of funds requests to Country office.
• Carries out banking activities, tracking balances and maintaining adequate levels to meet project and office needs.
• Advises the Program staff on cost-effective use of funds and cost policies of Africare and the donors.
• Ensuring that all batches are properly copied, filed and stored.
• Prepare and review of travel authorization and calculate per diem for in-country travels.
• Monitor staff account receivables as they relate to project activities (Travel advance, workshop advance, advances for purchase of Air tickets, stationery etc.)
• Review of travel, workshop and other advances retirement
• Preparation of bank reconciliation statements for the monthly financial reports.
• Reporting all abnormalities or non-compliance with Africare Accounting procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the Superior Officer.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field with relevant experience.
• At least two year of experience in working in finance with a company, government agency or INGO. 
• Experience with an international NGO is preferred.
• Demonstrated developing activity budgets
• Understanding of office procedures and operations, including standard banking, procurement, and maintenance needed.
• Strong organizational, verbal and written communication skills with proficiency (reading, writing, speaking and comprehension) in English 
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, Internet applications; Microsoft office suite highly desirable
• Knowledge of good Accounting package eg Quickbooks will be an advantage.
• Ability to carry out independent work with initiative, creativity and good judgment without close supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff and clients