Finance and Compliance Officer - Dikwa at Mercy Corps

General Position Summary

Working in the Finance Department under the direction of the Senior Finance Officer, the Finance & Compliance Officer will assist the Dikwa office to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial and accounting records and will have primary responsibility for managing the monthly accounting cycle and the routine daily accounting tasks and payments. The Finance and Compliance Officer will assist in reviewing and analysing records, reports, and management practices to ensure adequate internal controls are in place to mitigate risks in compliance with laws, regulations, donor requirements and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Assist the Senior Finance Officer to enhance the efficiency of the existing control system and ensure any identified compliance gaps are corrected.
• Enter transactions into the accounting software accurately.
• Ensure the accuracy of all Navigator recorded transactions by following Navigator entry procedures and by referencing coding against standard chart of accounts and coded budgets.
• Performs AAM review of transactions with supporting documentation within the direct purchase threshold matrix.
• Prepare and reconciled the banks and cash accounts.
• Ensure compliance with GAAPs standard accounting practices
• Daily print out of payment vouchers for onward attachment to supporting documents by the archivist
• Ensure proper archiving of all documents.
• Maintain the field AAM file with up-to-date signature specimen
• Give maximum support towards a successful month and year-end process.
• Always imbibe the culture of audit readiness.
• Make sure all income taxes, withholding taxes, VAT and other taxes are withheld and paid accordingly.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to countrywide strategy development.
• Assist in the training of support and program staff on Finance related matters and give any financial operational support needed.
• Submit accurate and timely financial reports to Maiduguri on a weekly and monthly basis and follow up with other departments for any corrective actions required.
• Ensure document safeguarding and proper archiving.
• Prepare Voucher Reconciliation Activities Reports on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Be adaptable and flexible to take new tasks and new assignments as requested from time to time.
• Any other duties assigned by the supervisor or designee.

SECURITY

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by the country leadership.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Supervisory Responsibility: None. 

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Senior Finance Officer

Works Directly With: Finance and Compliance department, program, and operational teams in Norther East Nigeria.

Knowledge and Experience

• Two or more years of accounting or bookkeeping experience, including experience with double-entry accounting
• A degree in accounting or a relevant business field
• Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel
• Familiarity with computerized, double-entry accounting software
• Strong organizational skills as well as attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written English skills
• Fluency in Hausa and local languages is preferred.

Success Factors

A clear understanding of finance, accounting, organizational skills as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. The ability to interact effectively with international and national staff members is required. A demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.

The successful candidate will be capable of multi-tasking, rapid decision-making, have initiative, as well as high emotional intelligence, constructive mentoring skills and proven experience with capacity building. S/he will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level. Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.

The successful candidate will be willing to travel to other deep field locations and LGAs of Northeast Nigeria based on program needs. That will mean sometimes staying and working in stressful environments with very basic living conditions, strictly always following security protocols and sometimes working long and irregular hours).

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.