Graduate Finance Assistant at the Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

Job ID: 13-9564
Reports To: Senior Accountant

Overview

• The Finance Assistant is responsible for assisting the Senior Accountant/Finance Manager with safeguarding the assets (financial and physical) of MSH and ultimately the U.S. Government or other donor against fraud, loss or misuse.
• The Finance Assistant is responsible for ensuring that any money expended in the field is done in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, MSH policy, and any cost principles imposed by the donor agency.
• The Finance Assistant is aware of, and adheres to, MSH’s procurement integrity standards in all activities.

Specific Responsibilities

• Prepare payment vouchers.
• Properly code all transactions.
• Payment of expenses, including per diem and transport to participants during activities in the field
• Prepare and control advances.
• Assure balances of unused portions of advances are deposited into the MSH account.
• Prepare deposit slips for cash to be deposited into the bank account.
• Maintain accounting files.
• Follow up on outstanding advances and assure timely reconciliation.
• Control consumption of project (petrol, electricity, water, telephone)
• Participate in the improvement of the accounting system and the system of internal control.
• Preparation of forms for payments of taxes and social security
• Other tasks as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must have at least a University Degree or HND in Accounting.

Required Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year (one) of experience in accounting. Knowledge of US Government funded programs, regulations and requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel spreadsheets
• Ability to use basic accounting software (i.e. QuickBooks) or comparable software.
• Demonstrate good judgment and sound financial "common sense"

Knowledge and Skills:

• Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic mail along with data entry experience).
• Basic knowledge of USAID rules & regulations and Experience with U.S. government projects helpful.
• Ability to follow MSH and donor policies and procedures for procurement and documentation, and ensure adequate accounting documentation fora proper audit trail
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with a service-oriented outlook.

Competencies:

• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently, prioritizes tasks, and meets deadlines
• English skills fluency highly required including speaking, writing, understanding, and reading and the ability to conduct business in English.
• Ability to work in a team