Job Vacancies at Helen Keller International

Job Summary

The Finance Specialist will be a crucial member of the finance team, supporting the Finance Department in managing the financial, accounting, and budgeting needs of the Akwa-Ibom office. The role involves maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with Helen Keller policies and donor (USAID) regulations, and providing overall financial management support. The Finance Specialist will also directly supervise a local Finance Assistant and ensure seamless operations of financial activities in the field office.

Key Responsibilities:

General Accounting and Financial Management:

• Process wire transfer requests for field project implementation to the main office.
• Conduct regular cash flow analysis, ensuring availability of funds and maintaining accurate cash/bank balances.
• Handle the timely and accurate processing of invoices, advances, reimbursements, and payments, including deposits of cash receipts, checks, and wire transfers.
• Record and assign costs based on the approved budget using the Field Accounting System (FAS).
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and monitor bank and cash account balances.
• Supervise the petty cash custodian and conduct periodic/surprise cash counts to ensure adherence to petty cash procedures.
• Safeguard financial documents such as bank checks and receipts.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties in financial processes and maintain strong internal controls.
• Manage relationships with local banks and ensure timely coordination as necessary.
• Maintain an organized system for soft and hard copy documentation of financial records.
• Ensure compliance with financial reporting, including contractual and tax reporting obligations, and the timely preparation and submission of reports.

Financial Reporting and Budgeting:

• Compile and review backup documentation for all project transactions and ensure completeness and proper approval.
• Reconcile project inventory and ensure the value of project assets matches the cumulative non-expendable account balance.
• Manage the schedule for budget-related reports and ensure accurate financial reporting aligned with the general ledger (GL) codes.
• Support the technical team with budget preparation for annual work plans and events.
• Implement and monitor a digital payment system for project events.
• Assist in the processing of payroll transactions, ensuring compliance with employment agreements.
• Ensure adherence to timekeeping policies and recordkeeping for staff.
• Conduct VAT reconciliation statements and liaise with local tax authorities to facilitate VAT refunds.
• Train and orient project staff and Short-Term Technical Assistance (STTA) consultants on financial procedures, documentation, and compliance requirements.

Travel Advances and Reimbursements:

• Ensure accurate and timely payments and reconciliation of travel advances and reimbursements.
• Maintain tracking systems for outstanding advances and aging reports, following up as necessary.

Audit and Compliance:

• Assist in preparing for internal and external audits, ensuring timely responses to audit comments.
• Conduct regular spot audits of financial files and backup documentation to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Support the upload of required financial documentation to Helen Keller\'s file management system within deadlines.
• Ensure all financial policies and practices comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), internal controls, and USAID regulations, as well as Nigeria\'s tax laws.

Systems Management:

• Maintain and update financial systems such as Field Expenses Recorder (vFER), cloud backup systems, and Helen Keller’s operations software.
• Troubleshoot system issues with support teams and provide technical support to field staff on compliance and finance procedures.
• Ensure adherence to the project’s Field Operations Manual (FOM), identifying areas where improvements or updates may be required.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees like MBA, CPA, or equivalent are preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 2 years managing USAID-funded projects.
• Experience in the financial management of USAID projects, with knowledge of USG contracting regulations.
• Proficiency in enterprise accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated experience with internal controls and audit processes, including procurement and subcontract agreements.
• Excellent report-writing skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to relate to all levels of the organization.
• A proactive, forward-thinking individual with strong analytical and technical skills.
• High ethical standards, professional integrity, and a well-organized approach to tasks.
• Fluency in English is required

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Scope of the Position

The State Program Manager will oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition programs within the assigned state. The successful candidate will work closely with local government officials, community leaders, and partner organizations to ensure effective program delivery. He/She will work under the direct supervision of the Program Advisor to carry out the following key responsibilities:Specific

Responsibilities 

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition programs within the assigned state, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives.
• Manage project personnel in the state by providing guidance, support, performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Maintain clear and accurate documentation of programmatic achievements and required data. Keep project senior management informed of state activities on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Oversee the management of the state project budget and resources, ensuring judicious use under the guidance of the Program Advisor.
• Ensure that project partners execute activities according to their respective project plans and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress and adjust plans as necessary to keep the project on track, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Establish a communication schedule to keep stakeholders, including organizational staff, updated on the progress of state project activities.
• Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies, ensuring up-to-date financial records for accountability.
• Ensure that project deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and meet the required international standards set by donors.
• Support and, when necessary, lead project research activities. Disseminate research findings to contribute to organizational learning and policy development.
• Identify potential risks to project implementation and develop mitigation strategies to address these challenges.
• Build the capacity of local staff and partners to enhance skills and ensure sustainable project outcomes.
• Liaise with relevant partners and collaborators to improve project visibility, coordinate activities, and promote a shared advocacy agenda within the state.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with government officials and key stakeholders at all levels to strengthen advocacy opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with donor and organizational reporting requirements, meeting deadlines and maintaining transparency in project operations.
• Promote the integration of gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches into the project\'s design and implementation strategies.
• Act as the project\'s representative at the state level, advocating for the project\'s goals and objectives in relevant forums and meetings.
• Ensure cost-effective management of resources in the state while maintaining responsiveness in delivering on internal processes and external requests.
• Maintain timeliness in fulfilling reporting requirements, meeting deadlines, and providing prompt responses to information requests and meetings.

Required Qualifications/Competencies 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in project management or a relevant field, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Familiarity with the local context and dynamics within the assigned state is desirable.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities with a demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships.
• Proven experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and challenging environment.

In the spirit of our founder and namesake, Helen Keller is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is fully valued.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. 
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and support during the application or interview process, please contact us at the email above

Note: There are no relocation allowances available for this position.