Finance Officer  at Elim CVTC, Nigeria

OJU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE.

Project background

Elim Christian Vocational Training Centre, Igede started in 1988 as a Centre Based Institution for children and adults with disabilities which later became a comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation programme in 1990.  It is a Christian based interdenominational organisation situated in the rural area of Igede headquartered in Oju LGA of Benue State, Nigeria.

Elim is a registered Organization with Cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria and we operate legally complying with all the legal laws governing the operation of NGOs in Nigeria.

Job Purpose

The Employer is in need to hire for a definite period, a Project Finance Officer to support Elim CVTC’s “Enabling Resilience to Climate Change Related Risks through local CSOs strengthening (ER2CC) project in Benue State. The Project Finance Officer is accountable and responsible for day-to-day financial management of the project including but not limited to reviewing, disbursing cash or giving cash advances, confirming staff retirement, documenting/filing, preparing finance reports, preparing audit. He should be accountable to Elim management (Finance manager and Director) and any other duty that may be assigned by Elim Finance Manager or Directors. On no occasion shall the employee share any information concerning the project however small or big with third party or anybody without prior permission/approval from Elim Finance Manager or Executive Director. 

He will therefore ensure efficient and effective monitoring, supervision and documentation of all financial transactions of the project.

He will report to Elim CVTC Finance Manager or Director (that notwithstanding, he can also relate with and seek for support of donors’ Project Focal Person(s) after obtaining permission or approval for such from Elim Finance Manager or Director).

The Finance Officer will ensure that the project team complies with Elim CVTC and donors’ Policies and Procedure and the Principle of stewardship. This person will provide oversight in funds management and accounting (processing of financial data according to donor requirements, verifying accuracy of data, implementing accounting policies and procedures, generating prompt and accurate financial reports) within the Elim CVTC project, support the project team in keeping with internal control systems and providing feedback on budget performance within the project.

The Finance Officer will be directly responsible for all financial and administrative tasks and procedures as well as the logistics functions for the project, and ensure that internal control systems are kept in line with project financial regulations and international standards. He/she will work closely with the Project Coordinators, Program Manager and donors’ representatives to drive best practices in financial management and administration, while supporting Elim CVTC in improvement of accounting systems.

Roles and responsibilities

• Ensure that complete and accurate accounting records for all projects’ transactions are maintained, and reviewed in a timely manner;
• Responsible for entering financial information and maintaining all financial records for projects and for the organization;
• Ensure proper documentation of all payment requests and vouchers, proper filing and completeness of supporting documents;
• Manage financial control, prepare and analyze budgets, develop financial reports, and make recommendations to the organization on budget expenditures
• Responsible for the preparation of balance sheets, income statement, expense reports and other financial records
• Assist and/or lead budget development, account balance management, tax remittance, tax return compilation and activity budget reviews
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and petty cash management;
• Responsible for weekly/monthly/quarterly/bi-annual/annual finance update and reports and report same to Elim Finance Manager and donors;
• Ensure that all financial reporting is completed on time and submitted to donors;
• Monitor the expenditures to ensure that program funds are utilized appropriately by the close of the fiscal year;
• Preparing monthly management accounts, including cashflow forecasts, and other reports;
• Assist with audit preparation, auditor reviews and implementation of recommendations as directed;
• Develop financial policies to ensure operational efficiency;
• Other tasks as required by Elim CVTC.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• At least two years’ experience in accounting or other finance related field
• Previous experience in the NGO or development sector – is desirable
• Strong intellectual ability and professional financial experience, as evidenced by a formal qualification or part qualification in accountancy (AAT, ICAN, ACCA, etc.) or experience of working as a finance officer or a similar role will be an advantage.
• Ready to abide by rules/regulations guiding Elim/donors

Required Skills

• Excellent IT skills, with specific competency in Microsoft Excel. Previous experience using accounting software (QuickBooks) highly desirable.
• Should be well vested with the ability to carry out e-banking (online banking) transactions
• Ability to work in a team environment with technical and non-technical staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated and dynamic, with excellent organizational skills and a keen attention to detail.
• Reliable, honest and trustworthy.

Behaviour (Values in practice)

Accountability:

• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving results together with vulnerable groups, especially children and adults-at-risk, and role modelling Elim CVTC values;

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for self and team, takes responsibility for own personal development and encourages team to do the same;
• Widely shares personal vision for Elim CVTC, engages and motivates others;
• Future oriented, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with own team, project team, Elim CVTC staff and field workers, and partner staff;
• Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength;
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions;
• Willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency;
• Always acts in the best interests of children and adults-at-risk.