Finance Assistant at Norwegian Church Aid ('NCA')

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

• The role focuses on processing financial transactions, maintaining accurate records, and supporting monthly reconciliations. It includes assisting with partner financial reviews and capacity building while ensuring compliance with accounting standards. The post holder will also help with audit preparations and proper archiving of financial documents, with occasional travel for field payments.

JOB ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Bookkeeping & Accounting:

• Process cash payments/receipts and ensure proper documentation and authorization of all financial transactions.
• Update/reconcile monthly cash journal and cash count to ensure timely and secure funds transfers to the Safe account balance.
• Initiate payment vouchers and bank instruction letters, subject to review by the Senior Finance Officer and/or Finance Manager.
• Extract monthly payments and prepare Withholding Tax (WHT) remittances.
• Prepare monthly time registration overview and follow up on staff time bookings.
• Travel to field areas as needed for supplier payments, salaries, and other cash-related payments.
• Properly stamp, file, and scan financial documents in handling systems of accounting vouchers, contracts, and required supporting documents.
• Ensure archiving of accounting documents is completed monthly.
• Assist in preparing audit requirements for statutory or project audits.

Partner Coordination and Capacity Building:

• Assist in partner verification of financial reports/transactions, documenting review observations, and following up on training for identified needs.
• Participate in regular assessments and capacity building for partners.

Additional Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to carry out additional duties within the reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Essential Criteria:

• Commitment to Financial Integrity: Strong dedication to upholding financial integrity, accountability, and compliance with donor requirements and internal policies.
• Adherence to NCA Values: Commitment to NCA’s core values and principles, including timely reporting, adherence to the NCA Code of Conduct, and ensuring compliance with Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) standards.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify financial discrepancies and provide effective solutions to enhance financial processes.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to work and communicate effectively in culturally diverse settings, understanding local financial practices and engaging with community partners.
• Financial Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial reports clearly and train non-financial staff on financial processes.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial software (e.g., Maconomy), and other relevant tools for effective financial analysis and reporting.
• Fieldwork Readiness: Willingness to travel to field sites to engage with financial operations and provide support to project teams, particularly in humanitarian contexts.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certification: ICAN or any relevant professional certification will be considered an added advantage.

Experience:

• INGO Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience working with an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), ideally in a humanitarian or emergency setting.
• Team Collaboration: Experience working within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to financial planning and reporting efforts.
• Policy Compliance: Ability to enforce compliance with financial control procedures and policies, ensuring the integrity of financial operations.
• Capacity Building: Experience in training staff or partners in financial management practices to enhance organizational capacity.