Finance and Administration Officer at Community Engagement & Social Development Initiative (CESDI)

Project: Lake Chad Inclusive Economic and Social Recovery Project (RESILAC*2)

Location: Damaturu, Yobe State, Northeast Nigeria

Contract Duration: 23 Months (Fixed Term)

Reports To: Finance Manager / Project Manager

Funding Partner: Action Against Hunger (ACF) / CARE International

Position Summary

The Finance and Administration Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management and administrative operations of the RESILAC*2 project at the state level. The post-holder will ensure adherence to organizational financial policies, donor financial compliance requirements, and sound administrative practices to support effective project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day financial transactions, including processing payments, maintaining the project cash book, and managing petty cash.
• Prepare and submit accurate monthly financial reports and cash requests to the Finance Manager and ACF/CARE as required.
• Ensure all financial transactions are properly documented with complete and accurate supporting documents in line with ACF/CARE and donor requirements.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ledgers for the project and support monthly bank reconciliations.
• Process payroll, staff travel advances, and expense retirements in accordance with organizational policies.
• Support preparation of project budgets, budget revisions, and donor financial reports.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and flag variances to management.
• Ensure compliance with Nigerian tax laws, withholding tax requirements, and statutory deductions.
• Manage administrative functions including office operations, asset management, logistics, and procurement processes.
• Maintain a project asset register and ensure proper custody and tracking of organizational assets.
• Provide administrative support for meetings, workshops, trainings, and project events.
• Support audit processes by preparing documentation and responding to audit queries.
• Ensure filing systems (physical and electronic) are maintained for financial and administrative records.
• Liaise with vendors, suppliers, and service providers in line with procurement policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional certifications (ICAN, ACCA, or equivalent) are an added advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years of finance and administration experience, preferably with an NGO or INGO.
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles, financial management, and budget monitoring.
• Experience with donor-funded project financial management (EU, AFD, UN agencies, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, SAGE, SUN, or similar) and Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with Nigerian statutory requirements including tax and pension regulations.
• Experience working in Northeast Nigeria or similar environments is an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• High attention to detail, accuracy, and integrity.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet reporting deadlines.
• Commitment to transparency and accountability in financial management.