Finance Assistant at International Alert

Reports to    Finance Manager

Management Responsibility    N/A

Contract Duration     10 months

Job Purpose
The Finance Assistant will be based in Abuja and will support the Finance Manager in the effective management of International Alert’s financial operations. The role will assist with day-to-day financial transactions, financial documentation and record-keeping, processing payments and retirements, budget monitoring, and the preparation of financial reports and supporting schedules. The Finance Assistant will also help ensure that financial transactions and processes comply with International Alert’s internal policies, procedures, and donor requirements
Duties and Responsibilities
•Review payment requests and supporting documents for completeness and proper authorization.

•Prepare payment vouchers, maintain cashbooks, and update transaction records daily on the cash book.

•Ensure timely retirement and reconciliation of staff advances.

•Support the monthly financial closure and contribute to the preparation of financial reports for internal and donor use.

• Assist with payment reviews and uploads

• Assist with petty cash management and reconciliation where required

• Support the day to day running of the office and maintenance of office equipment and assets register.

• He/she will support procurement process

• Perform any other finance-related duties assigned by the line manager

Grant, Finance and Compliance

Monitor expenditure and support accurate forecasting and value-for-money.
Ensure compliance with donor requirements and International Alert policies.
Maintain complete and auditable project documentation.
Operations and Administrative Support
Support procurement processes, including obtaining quotations, preparing bid analysis, and ensuring compliance with Alert procurement procedures.
Maintain proper filing and archiving of all finance and procurement documents (electronic and hard copies).
Assist in logistical arrangements for meetings, travel, and workshops as requested.
Provide basic administrative support to the Country Office and project teams when needed.
Compliance and Audit Support
Ensure all financial documentation is audit-ready and properly stored.
Support internal and external audit processes by preparing and providing requested documentation.
Adhere to International Alert’s safeguarding, anti-fraud, and data protection policies in all financial transactions.
Reporting Line

The Finance Assistant will report directly to the Country Finance Manager with dotted lines to the Senior Admin and Operations Officer 

Travel requirements

The role is based in Abuja, with little or no field travel

Person Specification

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field from a recognised institution
• Atleast 3 years of professional experience in finance or accounting, preferably with an NGO or international organization.
• Candidates with ICAN certification will be at advantage
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in Dynamics, Microsoft Navision, SAGA, QuickBooks or similar accounting software.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recordkeeping.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and ability to handle sensitive financial information
• Knowledge of donor financial management requirements (e.g. FCDO, EU, USAID).
• Experience working with peacebuilding, governance, or development organizations.
• Basic understanding of procurement processes and administrative procedures.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.
• Commitment to teamwork, transparency, and accountability.
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of diversity in the workplace.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience managing EU-funded projects, including compliance, reporting and audit requirements.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.
• Commitment to teamwork, transparency, and accountability.
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of diversity in the workplace.

International Alert is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from diverse backgrounds.