Finance Assistant at Mercy Corps

Location  Benue  Application Link

Location  Kebbi Application Link

Essential Job Responsibilities

Program Management

• Maintain custody of the office cash fund and make daily payments of approved transactions
• Prepare cash payment vouchers and ensure that all cash transactions are fully and properly documented
• Ensure that cash count and safeguarding of cash is performed in compliance with Country Cash Management Policy
• Maintain the cash advance tracker daily, follow up on advances due for clearance, and ensure advance reconciliation with the general ledger records
• Review expense reports (travel expense reports and operational expense reports) for accuracy and document completeness and ensure that expense reports are fully authorized prior to payment processing
• Prepare checks or wire transfer requests based on fully approved documents and present to approved check-signers for review and signature.
• Prepare bank payment vouchers and ensure that all bank transactions are properly and fully documented.
• Record cash and bank payment vouchers daily into accounting system while ensuring accuracy of all entries by following entry procedures, and by referencing coding against standard chart of accounts and coded budgets.
• Prepare photocopies of vouchers and other supporting documents as required for the monthly reporting package to HQ Finance.
• Assist in account maintenance and reconciliations as part of month end closeout process
• File all cash and bank vouchers and maintain voucher filing system such that files are properly labeled, updated, complete and safeguarded.
• Assist with addressing audit related requests
• Ensure compliance with MC policies, donor rules and regulations and compliance with local laws
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not to jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

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.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly to: Finance Officer

Works Directly with: Mercy Corps Program, Operations and Finance teams

Knowledge and Experience

• Two or more years of bookkeeping, banking or cashiering experience.
• A degree in accounting or a relevant business field is desirable.
• Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel.
• Prior experience with computerized general ledger software is an advantage
• Accuracy in the processing of cash transactions, mathematical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written English skills.

Success Factors

A clear understanding of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.  A high level of personal integrity, honesty and transparency in all cash handling is absolutely 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.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better.

Masters or better.