Finance Assistant (FA) at Africare Nigeria - 3 Positions

Africare, a US-based NGO established in 1970, has been working in Nigeria since 1978 and is currently operating more than 150 community-based development projects in 25 African countries. Africare has long standing experience in the design and delivery of technical, training, material and financial assistance to self-help efforts in the fields of health/HIV-AIDS, food security, natural resource management, water resource development, micro-enterprise, civil society strengthening and good governance. Health programs are important to Africare's work in virtually all countries where it operates and constitute about one-quarter of Africare’s overall development assistance effort. In Nigeria, Africare has its main office in Abuja and field offices in Port Harcourt and Asaba and Uyo and Benin, with smaller satellite offices in Bayelsa and Cross Rivers State.

Funded by the Chevron, the Malaria Control and Health Promotion in Flood Affected Populations (MCHP-FAP) Project has a goal of reducing the prevalence and mortality related to malaria in following communities; Idah, in Kogi State, Agenebode in Edo State and Koko and Ogbe-Ijaw in Delta States. The specific targets relate to use of LLITNs, ACTs, and RDT in line with the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) targets from the NMCP National Strategic (2009-2013).

Africare Nigeria is looking to hire candidates to fill positions in Abuja, Benin and Lagos as two new projects commence: The Youth Life Skills Development Project will engage secondary school students in a program that leverages sports to teach literacy, health and social development skills. The program is a one year pilot with expectation for further funding.

Job Title: Finance Assistant (FA) - 3 Positions

Location: Edo and Abuja FCT and Lagos

Summary:
The Finance Assistant works under the supervision of the State Project Officer and Senior Finance Officer in the Country office by assisting in the maintenance and tracking of all Africare/Nigeria expenditure, leave and other financial or project related matters. Copied: www.hotnigerianjobs.com

Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the State Project Officer and the Senior Finance Officer, the FA will be responsible for the following finance duties:
• Maintains the accounting system for the projects, ensuring timely and accurate posting of all vouchers, preparation and submission of reports.
• Raising of payment request, payment vouchers and preparing checks for signature in accordance with Africare policies.
• Preparation of staff salaries and remittance of salary deductions to relevant authorities.
• Supports the project staff in developing budgets, and contributes input on administrative costs to be included in the budget.
• Generates financial reports for managers on a monthly basis for review and tracking expenditures against budget.
• Authorizes expenditures (not approval which is provided by managers) based on a review of the budget to determine if allowed and funds availability, and policies of Africare and the Donor. Alerts the managers when expenditures cannot go forward and advises on best approach to meet needs.
• Ensures timely submission of funds requests to Country office.
• Carries out banking activities, tracking balances and maintaining adequate levels to meet project and office needs.
• Advises the Program staff on cost-effective use of funds and cost policies of Africare and the donors.
• Ensuring that all batches are properly copied, filed and stored.
• Prepare and review of travel authorization and calculate per diem for in-country travels.
• Monitor staff account receivables as they relate to project activities (Travel advance, workshop advance, advances for purchase of Air tickets, stationery etc.)
• Review of travel, workshop and other advances retirement
• Preparation of bank reconciliation statements for the monthly financial reports.
• Reporting all abnormalities or non-compliance with Africare Accounting procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the Superior Officer. Copied: www.hotnigerianjobs.com

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field with relevant experience.
• At least two year of experience in working in finance with a company, government agency or INGO. Experience with an international NGO is preferred.
• Demonstrated developing activity budgets
• Understanding of office procedures and operations, including standard banking, procurement, and maintenance needed.
• Strong organizational, verbal and written communication skills with proficiency (reading, writing, speaking and comprehension) in English
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, Internet applications; Microsoft office suite highly desirable
• Knowledge of good Accounting package eg Quickbooks will be an advantage.
• Ability to carry out independent work with initiative, creativity and good judgment without close supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff and clients
  

Application Closing Date
11th September, 2013

How to Apply:
Applications should include a CV and cover letter. In the cover letter (no more than two pages in length), the candidate should briefly describe his or her motivation for the position and highlight relevant experience.

Please send CVs to: nigeria.vacancies@africare.org and include the title to the position for which you are applying in the subject line.