Finance Manager at Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA)

Reference No: GRA - RFM/MAG/23/20/003
Location: Borno (Maiduguri) & Abuja (FCT)

Job Summary

• The Finance Manager will control and manage the implementation of the accounting systems in GRA’s head office, collect and process GRA’s financial data in order to provide management, donors, grantors, creditors, and others with timely, accurate and understandable information.
• The incumbent will perform routine financial management of all financial transactions, bank reconciliations, cash management and generation of reports for management decision-making and reporting.
• The position holder will oversee all the expenses, treasury management, accounting, controls & compliance aspects of GRA projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day financial management and accounting for GRA projects; maintains and manage financial accounts in coordination with the Executive Director;
• Assist in establishing, maintaining, and updating organizational financial policies and procedures to guide the work of project staff and management;
• Prepare and track project budgets and budget projections; reviews expense reports, vouchers and payment requests, including proper back-up documentation to ensure compliance with established GRA systems and donor’s requirements;
• Work with the Executive Director and Program Manager to develop annual budgets, projections, financial plans, costing estimates and monthly cash forecasting;
• Maintain regular communication with the senior management team at HQ by providing relevant and timely financial information for planning and decision-making purposes;
• Ensure timely payments to staff, consultants, and vendors;
• Work closely with operations to implement monthly payroll accurately and on time, keep accurate and updated records and conducts regular reviews of staffing financial information;
• Oversee payments to vendors and contractors, consultants and other relevant parties and ensure that proper documentation is present;
• Tracks all tax withholding information that is readily updated and available to project leadership;
• Ensure employees’ Travel Expense Reports (TERs) and Travel Advances (TAs) are submitted on time and reconciled properly;
• Maintain complete, accurate and timely financial records; prepares and submit monthly financial reports as directed by the Executive Director in timely manner; and supporting documents are filed appropriately in hard and soft copies;
• Maintain and oversee internal controls; prepares estimates of monthly cash requirements for HQ; coordinate with the Program Manager in the field office; manage project bank account, reconciles monthly accounts and bank statements; submits receipts and invoices;
• Participate in regular meetings (phone, Skype etc.) with field office Program & Operations staff to discuss financial items;
• Supervise and support the team on the preparation of budgets, fund requests and follow up the settlements of funds transferred;
• Ensure field vouchers are prepared accurately, supporting documents are in place, and all transactions are coded in accordance of chart of accounts and project charge code(s);
• When applicable, assist with an internal or external audit activity;
• Establish processes and systems to manage, disburse and oversee small grants, as required;
• Overall relation with banks, including opening and closing accounts, negotiation of conditions;
• Train GRA staff on detailed financial guidelines and requirements in order to implement activities and execute budgets accordingly;
• Informing supervisors of any issues / problems that may arise in their job performance;
• Perform any other responsibilities as may be directed by the Supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree (minimum), or a Master’s degree (desirable), in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, or other relevant fields.
• At least 5 years of working experience with at least 3 years’ experience at a senior level in the Finance department of a reputable NGO.
• Experience directly managing finance staff persons;
• Knowledge of Finance & Accounting packages like QuickBooks.
• High level of computer literacy especially knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proven problem identification and resolution experience with budgeting, forecasting, banking, tax authorities, foreign currency transactions, and other related issues.
• Proven experience in managing expenditure within budget.
• Must be dynamic, persuasive, self-motivated, and able to demonstrate high initiative.
• Personal competencies – like teamwork, communication skills, analytical skills, networking, and partnership skills.

General Information:

• GRA encourages applications from qualified and experienced women.
• GRA is an accountability-driven organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for human rights, for diversity / gender, and for non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for GRA jobs.
• GRA does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, testing, interviewing, etc.). GRA does not concern itself with information related to bank accounts.