Finance Assistant at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Job Summary

JRS is recruiting for the position of Finance Assistant to be based in Sokoto State for a European Commission Directorate for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) funded project to be implemented in the state. The Finance Assistant will provide effective/efficient financial and accounting support to JRS Nigeria office in Sokoto state and report to the state Project Director with technical support from the ECHO project Finance Officer to manage various financial and accounting systems, processes and procedures while adhering to all financial policies, Donor and Govt  regulations as well as maintain good accounting practices/standards and internal controls.

Key Responsibilities of the position

Role/Mission

• Provide effective/efficient financial and accounting support to JRS Nigeria office in Sokoto state.
• Support in budget preparation, monitoring and reporting - ensure all expenditures are made accordingly to budget provisions, prepare periodic budget vs expenditures report (BVA) etc. 
• Conduct proper reviews of all payment requests/bills/claims etc, and process payments promptly - ensure cost reasonableness, allowability and allocability etc.
• Ensure relevant approvals (by Project Directors, Country Director, Donor etc) for all procurements/purchases and payments for the projects and for the state office. 
• Ensure timely and accurate posting of all financial transactions into the accounting software (Microsoft Navision etc) and maintain all financial records for project(s) and for the organization at the state office.
• Management of Payables and Receivables - maintain relevant trackers, ensure timely advance retirement  in accordance to JRS Nigeria policy, closely track and keep payables current etc. for the state office. 
• Maintain proper filing of all financial transaction documents - scanning/saving supporting documents in designated files/SharePoint, ensuring security of all financial records etc.
• Make accurate and timely financial reports submission - Donor report, accounts, state office reports etc.
• Petty cash management in the state office - Expenditures forecast, its reconciliation, voucher compilation and upload, replenishment request etc. 
• Support with training of staff on proper use of finance forms/templates and use of appropriate account codes.
• Assist with audit preparation/reviews and implementation of audit recommendations as directed. 
• Promote PSEA and safeguarding standards within JRS and amongst the beneficiaries it serves.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Conduct Pre-Bank Reconciliation exercise/checks to ensure all transactions are properly posted and coded in the correct book of account before the month-end closure. 
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and other periodic accounts reconciliations within set timeline. 
• Support in the deduction/remittance of WHT, SD, PAYE, NHF, NSITF etc - submit proof of payment to the authorities, collections of receipts for payment and file all payments made. 
• Maintain accurate and updated records of relevant trackers and templates in the state office. 
• Ensure Timely and effective close of the books of accounts on monthly and  basis.
• Ensure Compliance with organizationalpolicies, processes and procedures and adhere to Donor and Govt regulations. 
• Maintain good internal controls in the state office in accordance to JRS Nigeria  policy.

Required Profile 

 Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree required in Accounting, Finance or any relevant field

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working 
• Accuracy and timeliness to assigned responsibilities.
• Strong analytical, budgeting, and financial reporting skills.
• Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity.
• Have a knowledge of a local language including Hausa.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and time management skills
• Good communication skills.
• Proven computer proficiency in Microsoft office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
• Experience in ECHO funded projects will be an added  advantage.

Qualities  

• Adhere to JRS values and abide by the code of conduct and other policies.
• Proven work experience in multicultural and stressful environments.
• Trustworthiness, integrity, and accountability.
• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to details.
• Ability to adapt to working conditions and tasks that may change with the reality of the field.
• Demonstrate initiative, responsiveness and personal discipline.
• This position is localized, therefore, preference will be given to qualified indigenes of Sokoto State.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process. 

Assessments may be conducted on-site.

JRS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic group, or disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

JRS will not request any monetary payment from applicants at any stage of its recruitment process. Any request in this direction should immediately be reported as it is contrary to our values and practices.