The Finance Intern will support accounting management within the Regional Office at Heifer Africa to ensure compliance with the global accounting policies and local requirements. This is a hands-on role that involves providing support in payment processing, invoice verification, audit support, and financial record management. This is a learning opportunity that provides practical exposure to financial controls, compliance, and coordination with cross-functional teams, including Administration and Procurement within a global, multi-country nonprofit environment.
Responsibilities & Deliverables
Payment Processing and Invoice Verification (40%)
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate with the Administration and Procurement teams to verify documentation for vendor payments.
- Support the review of invoices to confirm accuracy, validity, and compliance with organizational requirements.
- Assist the Regional Finance team with payment processing and invoice verification to ensure timely and accurate disbursements.
Learning Outcomes:
- Practical understanding of end-to-end payment processing workflows.
- Ability to verify invoices and supporting documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Improved knowledge of internal financial controls and approval processes.
- Exposure to cross-functional coordination in financial operations.
Audit, Compliance, and Regulatory Support (30%)
Responsibilities:
- Participate in audits and compliance reviews by providing documentation, conducting basic research, and assisting with audit preparations.
- Support compliance with Nigeria laws, regulations, IFRS, and local GAAP in financial documentation and processes.
- Assist in addressing audit queries by retrieving relevant financial records and information.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understanding of audit processes and compliance requirements in a nonprofit organization.
- Exposure to IFRS and local GAAP application in financial operations.
- Improved attention to detail and documentation standards.
- Practical experience supporting internal and external audits.
Financial Records Management and Documentation (20%)
Responsibilities:
- Maintain an efficient filing and retrieval system for financial and accounting records on a weekly basis.
- Ensure financial records are complete, accurate, well-organized, and compliant with regulatory and organizational standards.
- Support the Finance team in maintaining orderly and up-to-date financial documentation.
Learning Outcomes:
- Competence in financial record-keeping and documentation management.
- Understanding the importance of data accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
- Improved organizational and information management skills.
Other Assigned Tasks (10%)
Responsibilities:
- Perform any other finance-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
- Participate in cross-functional initiatives and ad hoc finance projects as required.
Learning Outcomes:
- Exposure to broader finance functions and regional operations.
- Increased adaptability and problem-solving skills in a dynamic work environment.
- Enhanced collaboration and professional development.
Minimum Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Finance or Accounting or a related field.
Most Critical Proficiencies
- A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience including internships or volunteer work in Finance, Accounting, or related fields.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively, tactfully, and diplomatically within a culturally diverse group of people.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret, analyse trends, and draw meaningful insights from both financial and non-financial data.
- Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial documentation.
- Familiarity with invoice processing and payment support is an added advantage.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour in all work-related activities.
- Enthusiasm for learning and willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
Key Behavioral Competencies
- Accountability
- Professional Excellence
- Humility
- Customer Orientation
- Empathy
- Innovation