Bookkeeper at Chemonics International

Purpose

• The Bookkeeper, as a member of the finance and accounting team, will work with the project and home offices to ensure that the financial accounting operations and field transactions are in compliance with standard accounting practices and follow Chemonics and USAID policies, procedures, and regulations, and local laws. S/he will ensure the highest levels of honesty, integrity, openness, and transparency in bookkeeping and financial reporting. The Bookkeeper will also ensure that professional and sound relationships with banks, auditors, and other appropriate vendors are fostered and maintained throughout the project.
• At all times, the Bookkeeper shall adhere to and act according to Chemonics’ Standards of Business Conduct Living Our Values as well as comply with USAID and US Government rules and regulations, Chemonics’ policies and procedures, and local laws.

Reporting:

• The Bookkeeper reports to the accountant.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
The Bookkeeper is responsible for helping the accountant execute all financial aspects of the project. The Bookkeeper's responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Collects and records information related to project financial documents.
• Records expenditures in ABACUS, the project’s financial management system
• Prepares the cash/bank reconciliation at the end of each month to close the month’s books.
• Tracks sub ledger balances, including receivable accounts for individual staff, such as outstanding travel advances, vehicle mileage, and personal telephone use.
• Prepares invoices for accounts receivable on a monthly basis.
• Maintains proper financial data and financial files to ensure the maintenance of proper accounting documentation.
• Assists the Accountant with financial reporting and analysis.
• Processes expense reports, completes bank reconciliations and drafts financial projections.
• Enter accounting transactions into accounting software; provide a primary review of transactions as required.
• Review procurement and other transactions to ensure all supporting documentation is attached and approvals are sufficient.
• Contribute to the bank reconciliation process as a primary reviewer.
• Prepare monthly wire transfer requests through a thorough analysis of projected project expenditures.
• Support the Accountant in invoice management by reviewing and monitoring monthly invoices.
• Ensure that all financial transactions and practices adhere to USAID and Chemonics’ regulations.
• Review accounting files to ensure that appropriate backup documentation exists for all transactions, including procurement requests, timesheets, approvals, bids, invoices, and receipts.
• Assist with maintaining the project's electronic and hardcopy filing system for finance files.
• Other duties as assigned

Duration:

• This is a long-term assignment. The expected duration is at least one year. The position is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Preferred Skills / Qualifications

• Degree / Diploma in Business Management, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
• At least two years of relevant bookkeeping, financial management and/or accounting experience in Nigeria, required
• Ability to work in a professional and cordial manner with fellow staff members, visitors, the public, and partner institutions including international and local NGOs, and governmental entities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple work assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and exercise good, professional judgment that reflects positively on the image and communicates the established program message of the project.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with USAID regulations and control systems or other donor funded systems preferred.
• Ability to effectively use computer software including financial management applications and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Excel spreadsheet applications.
• Fluency in written and oral English is required.