Finance Officer at CARE International

CARE International is a global leader within a worldwide movement dedicated to saving lives and ending poverty. We work in over 94 countries around the world to provide over 1000 poverty-fighting development and humanitarian aid projects.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Finance Officer

Location: Gashua, Yobe State with regular visits to Sub Offices
Position Reports to: Finance and Compliance Manager

Job Summary

The Finace Officer position is based in the Gashua office and is responsible for multi task responsibility including acting as the focal person for all financial issues related to the sub offices, cash and treasury management, and Analysis of expenses.
The position supports all banking activities for the country office.
He / She is to ensure that CARE Nigeria financial policies, regulations and procedures are followed in all financial transactions and the review of travel advances (TERs), Payment Requests etc.

Responsibilities and Tasks
Job Responsibility #1 – Review all entries:

Control the accounting documents received by the accounting department: check that the codifications and documentation are made in accordance with the CARE Nigeria procedures and chart of accounts
Proceed the request of the registration of the accounting documents (payment request, petty cash and the liquidation of advances) in the appropriate module of People Soft
Pull the voucher (Make sure that all payment packages are complete and correct) and bring it to the Finance &Compliance Manager for review.
Process payment requests within 72 hours of filing with the Accounting Department.
Controlling advance payments and the Travel Expenses Report (TER) submitted to Accounting.
Perform a systematic check of outstanding advances before recording the recording of a project advance request.
Monitor monthly the status of unliquidated advances;
Actively participate in the work of the monthly and annual closing (Soft & hard close) in accordance with the action plan established annually
Respond to SSC requests within 48 hours.
Generally, respect and enforce CARE-Nigeria’s financial and accounting policies and procedures.

% of Time – 35%:
Job Responsibility #2 – Accompaniment and financial monitoring of partners:

Provide technical support (capacity building) to project / program implementation partners in financial management and reporting, and ensure timely liquidation of advances
Validate and record in PS the accounting documents of the project implementation partners
Direct project staff and appropriate partners on the donor’s procedures (if applicable)
Process and follow up on partner calls
Prepare financial reports of the project within the deadlines and formats required by the donors
Monitor monthly the status of the partner’s unliquidated advances; Actively participate in project / program or staff planning meetings
Accompanied the program / project in the field visits or project activities.
Establish a work plan (monitoring and support) of the financial activities of all project partners
Review monthly with the Project Manager and Finance Manager on the financial status of the project / program and that of each partner
Participate in the various evaluations of the partnership within the framework of the partnership
Submit a quarterly report of progress and difficulties encountered by each partner and prepare a risk mitigation plan identified
Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor and the program / project manager.

% of Time – 20%:
Job Responsibility #3 – Archiving, Auditing:

Check that the accounting documents and the supports have the required signatures, before filing
Classify the day-to-day accounting documents in the timetables provided for this purpose
Ensure proper archiving of accounting documents
Regulate access to archived records
Assist in the monitoring and liquidation of various advances (projects, CARE staff, suppliers)
Assist in the liquidation of items in bank reconciliation (unpaid vouchers)
Analyze problems arising in the accounting process, and make suggestions for improvement to the supervisor
Carry out monthly and unannounced petty cash checks
Actively participate in the preparation and conduct of accounting audits
Ensure implementation of audit recommendations
Provide interns in the absence of any staff he can act the position.

% of Time – 15%:
Job Responsibility #4 – Ensure timely preparation of month end and other reports:

Support in the month end closing process.
Prepare ex-staff quit claims.
Review all documents before payment.
Prepare and update staff pensions fund monthly and ensure payment made promptly.
Support the Finance Controller in responding to audit queries.

% of Time – 15%
Job Responsibility #5 – Participate in the internal control and review of the Country office books and accounts:

Prepare monthly sub ledgers for balance sheet account and prepare appropriate correction
Review Travel Expense Reports (TERs) of staff
Review requisitions where appropriate
Reconcile and regularize the transit account
Prepare monthly income tax, withholding tax and pensions contributions of staff for payment to the appropriate pensions funds
Reconcile Tax and pensions accounts and initiate the necessary adjustment.
Monitor official receipt booklets
Prepare the provision for severance benefits and other benefits payments (including international staff payments)
Ensure periodic control and documentation of the petty cash
Assist Logistics Officer to reconcile the country office Inventories with the asset account
Assist in the preparation of Country Office budgets

% of Time – 10%
Job Responsibility #6 – Perform other duties as assigned:

Problem Solving (Thinking Environment)
% of Time: 5%:

There are three levels of problem-solving:

What has to be done and how to do it are clearly defined, and the incumbent will face identical or similar problems on a regular basis;
What has to be done is known, but how to do it is not defined. The incumbent must use interpolative skills to pick and choose the right strategy to address a given problem; and
Why things are done is known, but what has to be done and how to do it are not defined. Situations are variable and the incumbent’s response will involve analysis, problem definition, development of alternatives, and making recommendations. He or she will face and address problems that are typically non-recurring.
What has to be done is known, but how to do it is not defined. The incumbent must use interpolative skills to pick and choose the right strategy to address a given problem

Qualifications (Know How)
Education/Training:

Required:

University degree in Accounting or Finance Management OR a combination of education and work experience.

Desired:

1st Degree in a related field.

Experience
Required:

3 – 4 years progressively responsible experience in procurement and administrative work. A good experience in supervision is required.

Desired:

Previous experience working with an INGO or a Development organization.

Technical Skills:
Required:

2-3 years progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial management of INGO and/or directly related area
Fluency in English.

Desired:

3 years progressively responsible experience in Accounting, financial management of INGO and/or directly related area
Experience in a development and/or humanitarian organization.
Excellent Analytical skill
Good written and oral communication skills
Ability to exercise independent judgment and work without direction;
Ability to multitask and work within deadlines
Proficient in use of Microsoft applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook (or similar software)
Good knowledge of Accounting practice, policies and procedures
Working knowledge of Hausa is required.

Competencies:

Strong level of autonomy to provide independent follow through on processing issues and concerns
Excellent planning, organizational and time management skills
Integrity
Detail oriented
Strong team player
Strong problem solving, analytical, operational, and coordinating abilities
Good interpersonal, oral and written communication and presentation skills
Strong customer service focus and ability to work well with people from various backgrounds and cultures at all levels in organization.
Responsibility: Is the incumbent the PRIME (takes full and total responsibility); ‘Contributory’ (provides support and contributes to the overall success); or ANCILLARY (provides support but contributes indirectly to the overall success.

Contacts/Key Relationships:

Internal: HR & Admin Manager, Administrative staff, Finance Staff, Sub-office Team, Project and Program Managers, SMT.
External: Vendors and service providers, Customs and tax services and authorities, CARE USA and CARE Member Partners relevant units and staff, Regional relevant staff (Deputy Regional Director/ Program, Support, etc.).

Working Conditions: