Finance Officer at Women in the New Nigeria (WINN)

Position: Finance Officer
Location: Biu Field Office
Reporting to: Financial Manager
Dotted Reporting Line: Senior Program Officer
Proposed Start Date: November 2024

Job Summary

The Finance Officer will play a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity and efficient financial management of project activities at the field level. This involves day-to-day financial operations, preparing monthly bank reconciliation statements, managing expenses and procurements in alignment with project budgets, and producing financial reports for periodic analysis. The Finance Officer will also support the Financial Manager by providing recommendations for budget realignment as needed, contributing to the overall accuracy, transparency, and efficiency of financial processes within the project and to support overall organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Record keeping and Reporting:
   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including ledgers, journals, and registers.
   • • Ensure all financial transactions are properly documented, coded, and recorded in accordance with accounting standards.
   • Prepare monthly bank reconciliation statements, ensuring timely and accurate reconciliation of bank accounts.
   • Produce regular financial reports for management review, summarizing expenses and tracking against budget lines.
   • Assist the Financial Manager in preparing financial statements and expenditure reports for internal and donor reporting as required.
2. Budget Management and Analysis:
   • Monitor project expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets and financial plans.
   • Provide periodic analysis of expenses against budget allocations, identifying variances and providing insights for corrective action.
   • Support the Financial Manager in recommending budget realignments based on project activities and financial trends.
3. Procurement and Expense Oversight:
   • Oversee procurement processes and ensure all expenses comply with organizational policies, donor regulations, and project budgets.
   • Review and verify procurement documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial guidelines.
   • Work closely with the procurement team to ensure timely processing and payment of vendor invoices.
4. Financial Compliance and Documentation:
   • Ensure that all financial transactions adhere to organizational policies, donor guidelines, and local laws.
   • Maintain accurate and organized financial records, including vouchers, receipts, and invoices, for audit readiness and internal reviews.
   • Collaborate with internal and external auditors to facilitate audits and implement audit recommendations.
5. Cash Management:
   • Manage cash flow for field office operations, ensuring adequate cash is available to meet operational needs.
   • Monitor cash advances and ensure timely reconciliation by field office staff.
   • Report any discrepancies in cash management to the Financial Manager for timely resolution.
6. Coordination and Communication:
   • Coordinate with the Senior Program Officer to ensure seamless financial management of program activities.
   • Regularly update the Senior Program Officer and project teams on budget status, expenditure tracking, and financial forecasts.
   • Foster effective communication between finance, procurement, and program teams to ensure alignment and compliance in financial processes.
7. Capacity Building and Training:
   • Assist in training program and field staff on financial policies, budgeting, and expense tracking to improve financial literacy.
   • Provide guidance to program teams on budgetary compliance, documentation, and best practices for financial management.
8. Other Financial Support:
   • Assist the Financial Manager in forecasting financial needs, preparing for periodic financial planning, and conducting budget reviews.
   • Perform other finance-related tasks as needed to support project implementation and compliance.

Position Requirements

• Education:
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. A professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA) is an advantage.
• Experience:
  • At least 2 years of experience in finance, accounting, or a similar role, preferably within an NGO or humanitarian organization.
  • Demonstrated experience in budget management, financial reporting, and procurement oversight.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks) and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and make informed recommendations.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail for maintaining accurate financial records.
  • Effective communication skills for working with program teams and reporting to management.
  • Fluency in English and Hausa (proficiency in other local languages is an advantage).

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work in a field-based environment with limited access to services and frequent travel within the project area.
• Familiarity with donor regulations and financial reporting requirements.
• Commitment to organizational values and integrity, with a focus on accountability and compliance.
• Previous experience in humanitarian or development settings is preferred.