Senior Finance Officer at Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) Institute

Job Description

The PIC is seeking a Finance Officer. The officer will track the project finances, manage the budget, oversee and approves procurement, and ensures compliance with financial regulations.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee the project’s financial operations, ensuring sound financial planning, tracking, and reporting in line with approved budgets and donor requirements.
• Prepare, review, and monitor project budgets to ensure alignment with work plans and funding allocations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records and documentation for all project transactions.
• Track and reconcile project expenditures, ensuring all costs are allowable, allocable, and properly supported.
• Review and approve financial transactions, invoices, and reimbursements in accordance with internal and donor policies.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial statements, expenditure reports, and cash forecasts.
• Manage and approve procurement processes, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and organizational procurement policies.
• Oversee vendor selection, contract management, and payment processing to ensure value for money and transparency.
• Supervise general administrative functions including logistics, asset management, and office operations.
• Ensure adherence to financial regulations, donor requirements, and national accounting standards.
• Support internal and external audits by maintaining organized documentation and providing timely responses to audit queries.
• Implement audit recommendations and strengthen internal control systems to mitigate financial risks.
• Prepare and submit periodic financial reports to donors, management, and project leadership in line with reporting schedules.
• Collaborate with programme and technical teams to ensure financial data supports performance reporting.
• Serve as a liaison with donors and partners on financial and administrative compliance matters.
• Lead and supervise finance and administrative staff, ensuring effective delegation, performance monitoring, and mentoring.
• Build the capacity of project teams on financial procedures, budgeting, and compliance standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and transparency across all financial and administrative processes.
• Ensure effective use of accounting systems and administrative tools for financial management and reporting.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial and procurement policies, and operational manuals.
• Monitor compliance with organizational policies, donor rules, and statutory requirements including tax and labour laws.
• Advise senior management on financial trends, risks, and opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Support strategic planning and decision-making with financial insights and scenario analyses.
• Ensure smooth coordination between the finance, procurement, and programme units for efficient project delivery.

Qualifications/Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field; a professional accounting qualification (e.g. ICAN) is highly required.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or financial management within NGOs, development organizations, or similar institutions.
• Strong knowledge of financial management principles, budgeting, and internal controls in the context of donor-funded projects.
• Proven experience in financial reporting, audits, and compliance with statutory and donor requirements.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, Tally, or ERP systems) and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience managing multi-donor grants, project budgets, and financial forecasting.
• Ability to develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with internal teams, auditors, donors, and partners.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to ethical financial management.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.