Finance Officer at Forward in Action for Education, Poverty and Malnutrition (FAcE-PaM)

Description

• The Finance Officer will support the delivery of all financial management functions of the CASCADE project in Bauchi according to FAcE- PaM’s Financial Manual, including but not limited to petty cash management, monthly payroll processing and the monitoring of financial activities and requirements as they relate specifically to FAcE -PaM’s relationship with Donor organization.
• S/he will check all expense-supporting documentation to ensure compliance with organization’s policies and related law, prior to obtaining approvals and payment processing.
• S/he will coordinate and act as focal point for issues relating to finance on the CASCADE project .

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for the management and supervision of financial administration systems and procedures of the CASCADE Project, to ensure full compliance with FAcE -PaM and Donor financial management rules and requirement.
• Responsible for verification of expenditure and implementation of corresponding payments and recoveries after their authorization by the Budget Holder.
• Keeps all financial records and transactions relating to the CASCADE project in accordance with FacE PaM and Donor procedures and submits timely replenishment requests and reports.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports/statements for the project with standard accounting principles-including budget tracking and preparation of budget variance analysis
• Prepares cash flow statement and cash forecasts for the project as and when needed
• Liaises with the Administrative Officer (Procurement) and Finance Lead to ensure optimum operations of the CASCADE project
• Supports internal and external auditing processes by providing all supporting documentation in an orderly and timely manner.
• Ensures that all payment request forms, invoices, POs, receipts and any other payment documents are critically checked for accuracy and correctness and meet the organization’s minimum standard.
• Ensures proper and accurate coding of expenditure on all primary documentation.
• Processes all bank drafts and Tele graphic transfers.
• Acts as contact person with the bank to operate banking duties as required for effective management of the project.
• Ensures records are filed and properly stored, (physically and digitally) as required by FacE PaM’s Process and procedures.
• Ensure detailed and accurate records of all financial transactions are maintained physically and electronically in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
• Participate in regular meetings with Donor organizations to ensure that the working relationship between them and FAcE -PaM is positive, open, and conducive to the successful achievement of agreed objectives.
• Generate, review , track and manage Budget Vs Actuals report of expenditures and advise Project Management in order to ensure optimal burn rate for the CASCADE project is maintained .
• May be required to sit on procurement committees and provide financial oversight in the procurement process.
• To perform any other duties that may be delegated by the Project Manager.

Person Specification

Education:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting or any other financial related course.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-4 years Practical experience of all core financial management & Accounting activities, including accounts payable, bookkeeping, cash management, budget development, statutory requirements and standard accounts
• Ideally 2 years out of this should have been on Contract and Grant Management within an NGO setting with a proven knowledge and experience of grant accounting and sound experience with donors funding regulations, procedures and reporting requirements
• Strong numerical skills and experience using a computerised financial management information system

Skills & Abilities:

• Good analytical skills and experience using a computerised information management system (Ms. Word, Excel, Accounting software etc.)
• A critical focus on providing a superior service level to managers and colleagues and delivering agreed results within time and budget constraints and to expected standards.
• Excellent organization skills and flexible approach to planning comprehensively, managing and effectively prioritizing a high workload and multiple tasks and deadline.
• Ability to adjust to constantly changing situations while maintaining focus on delivery and follow-through.
• Good analytical and conceptual thinking skills with a proven proactive approach to identifying and resolving problems and suggesting improvements that continuously seek to provide a better service to FAcE PaM.
• Excellent personal communication skills, in written and verbal English and at least one main local language widely spoken in Northern Nigeria.
• Proven experience as a team worker and demonstrably cooperative with members of other teams, responding quickly and accurately to queries and issues.
• Commitment to safeguarding policies to ensure all people who meet FAcE -PaM are as safe as possible.

Desirable:

• Recognized accountancy qualification (ANAN, ICAN) is an added advantage.
• Knowledge or experience of FAcE PaM’s (or similar organization’s) program work, including field experience.