Finance Assistant at Grassroots Lifesaving Outreach (LESGO)

Position Summary

• The Finance Assistant will support the Finance Department in maintaining accurate financial records, processing financial transactions, ensuring compliance with organizational and donor requirements, and providing administrative support to facilitate efficient financial operations.

Key Responsibilities
The Finance Assistant shall support the Finance Department in ensuring effective financial management, compliance, and accurate financial reporting. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in processing payments, reimbursements, and bank transfers in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Prepare payment vouchers and ensure all supporting documentation is complete, accurate, approved, and properly filed.
• Record financial transactions, including payment instructions (PIs), journal entries (GJs), and other accounting entries, in the organization's accounting software.
• Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems, both physical and electronic, ensuring proper finance archiving and regular updates of the finance archive index.
• Assist in preparing monthly bank reconciliations, for both Naira and foreign currency accounts.
• Support the preparation and processing of monthly payroll and related statutory remittances, including PAYE, Pension, NHF, NSITF, Withholding Tax (WHT), VAT, and other applicable statutory deductions.
• Assist in preparing advances and monitor the timely retirement and reconciliation of all advances.
• Support budget monitoring by tracking expenditures against approved budgets and highlighting any variances.
• Ensure compliance with the organization's financial policies, donor regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and applicable Nigerian financial and tax laws.
• Work closely with programme and support departments to ensure financial documentation and voucher redemption processes comply with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Review staff timesheets for completeness and accuracy to support payroll processing and project cost allocation.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of all financial information and records.
• Communicate effectively with internal departments and external stakeholders to support timely financial reporting and donor compliance.
• Contribute to strengthening internal controls by identifying compliance gaps and supporting the implementation of corrective actions.
• Provide administrative and technical support to the Finance Officer as required.
• Perform any other finance-related duties assigned by the Finance Officer or designated supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 2–3 years' relevant experience in finance or accounting, preferably within an NGO, humanitarian, or development organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of donor financial management and compliance requirements is an added advantage.
• Professional certification such as ICAN, ANAN, or evidence of ongoing professional certification will be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in computerized accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial reporting standards, and Nigerian statutory tax and payroll regulations.
• Experience in payroll processing, bank reconciliations, financial reporting, and audit support is desirable.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and accounting software.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Core Values:
Successful candidates must demonstrate commitment to:

• Integrity and accountability
• Professionalism
• Respect and diversity
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Transparency
• Safeguarding, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and Child Protection principles.