Finance Intern at Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR)

Description and Objectives

• The Finance Intern provides first-level technical financial management and supervision to colleagues, clients and stakeholders of SCIDaR.
• S/he will work directly with the Head of Finance to provide guidance on funding information, budgetary control and management, regulatory compliance, monitoring of expenditures, financial reporting, project accounting and cash management, cost analysis and compliance for all projects across SCIDaR to ensure effective and efficient utilization of resources in line with SCIDaR financial management policies and procedures.

Technical responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Support the Finance Team with data entry and reconciliations, ensuring transactions are posted to the right general ledger accounts;
• Preparation of bank payment schedules, ensuring accuracy and completeness;
• Reconciliation of payment schedules to identify failed payments for reprocessing while informing
• stakeholders of such payments where necessary;
• Preparation of monthly bank reconciliation;
• Work with the Head of Finance to provide, analyze and interpret financial information to aid decision-making;
• Perform the analytical procedure on key financial statement captions.

Audit and Compliance

• Work closely with the Head of Finance to continuously develop and seek out ways to minimize financial risk to the firm;
• Support the Finance Team in the management of process/report reviews by internal and external auditors to ensure a seamless review process and implementation of recommendations;
• Ensure timely remittance of all statutory remittances such as PAYE, Withholding Tax, VAT, Pension, NHF and NSITF;
• Perform financial oversight and procedures to ensure that all program expenses are in line with SCIDaR’s financial policies, procedures, and rules and regulations.

Financial Administration

• Preparation of monthly invoices and billing for all projects across SCIDaR, issuing receipts where applicable for monies received;
• Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions on financial strategies;
• Stay current with emerging trends, compliance requirements, and best practices in the industry;
• Identify areas of improvement and propose corrective actions that meet challenges, and leverage growth opportunities;
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Head of Finance.

Required competencies

Core requirements

• Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR;
• Logical approach to identifying and evaluating issues with strong problem-solving and analytical skills;
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; including
• Internet navigation and various Microsoft Office applications;
• Team player with good interpersonal skills and cross-cultural understanding;
• Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
• A proven track record of working independently to manage the accounts recording and financial reporting
• requirements of an organization and donor-funded projects;
• Results-oriented performer experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Commitment to self-development and expansion of knowledge;

Education and Experience

Academic training:

• Outstanding record of academic achievement with a minimum of a First-Class degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics and any other related field;
• Professional credentialing: Additional professional accounting qualification/certification such as ACCA or ICAN is an added advantage;

Experience:

• 0-2 years experience in accounting or a related field.