Finance Associate at Christian Aid

About the role

Reporting in to the Senior Programme Finance Specialist, the Finance Associate supports effective financial management and compliance for a proposed donor‑funded humanitarian project, ensuring accurate financial reporting, timely payments, and strong financial controls.

The role plays a critical part in safeguarding donor funds, supporting project implementation teams with budget monitoring, partner financial oversight, and ensuring compliance with Christian Aid policies, donor requirements, and statutory regulations.

The post-holder will also contribute to capacity strengthening of implementing partners by providing hands‑on financial management support and learning opportunities.

Some of the main areas of responsibility for the role of Finance Associate include:

• Support day‑to‑day financial management of the ECHO funded project, ensuring expenditures are accurately recorded and coded.
• Prepare and submit monthly financial reports, expenditure analyses, and cash forecasts for assigned projects.
• Monitor project budgets and flag variances, underspend, or risks to the Senior Finance Coordinator and Project Manager.
• Review payment vouchers and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with Christian Aid financial policies and payment checklists.
• Process supplier, partner, and staff payments in line with agreed timelines and approval workflows.
• Support financial management of project implementation partners, including budget reviews, financial reporting, and compliance checks.
• Support partners with financial management processes and provide on‑the‑job capacity strengthening where gaps are identified.
• Manage staff travel advances and float registers; ensure timely liquidation and follow‑up on outstanding advances.
• Maintain accurate physical and electronic filing of all financial documents in line with CA filing standards.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules and providing requested documentation.
• Ensure financial practices align with donor requirements, Christian Aid policies, and Nigerian regulatory frameworks.
• Perform other finance duties as assigned by the line manager.

About you

Who we are looking for

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in NGO or donor‑funded project finance.
• Practical experience managing donor‑funded project finances (ECHO or similar donors preferred).
• Strong understanding of internal controls, financial reporting, and audit processes.
• Experience supporting financial management of partners or field offices.
• Good knowledge of Nigerian statutory requirements (PAYE, WHT, pension, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Excel and accounting/ERP systems (Preferably SUN).

Desirable:

• Experience working with humanitarian or emergency response programmes.
• Experience supporting partners in capacity strengthening.
• Familiarity with INGO financial systems.
• Experience providing remote financial support to field offices.