Finance Assistant at Sightsavers Nigeria

Sightsavers is an international organisation that changes lives for the long term. We work in more than 30 countries to eliminate avoidable blindness and support people with visual impairments to live independently.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Finance Assistant

Job ID: 1491
Location: Abuja (FCT)
Job type: Full Time

About the Role

• Sightsavers Nigeria is expanding, and we need a dedicated Finance Assistant to join our team. 
• As our portfolio grows, so does the demand on our finance team. We are looking for someone to help manage our financial operations efficiently and effectively.
• In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, processing, and compliance.
• Your support will be crucial in handling the increased workload and responsibilities of our finance team. 
• If you are detail-oriented and proactive, and you want to contribute to a meaningful cause, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Development and documentation of project implementation plans.
• Documentation, filing, and archiving of documents (programme, monitoring, and financial reports) using appropriate storage methods.
• Innovative implementation of activities for programme delivery and achievement of organizational objectives.
• Arranging and coordinating programme meetings and activities, ensuring reports are written and submitted within the expected timeframe.
• Preparation of payment vouchers, cashbook, bank reconciliation statements, and partners' financial report review.
• Posting transactions on the SUN system and supporting monthly reconciliation of various accounts.
• Gathering/photocopying supporting documentation for payment vouchers and coding and filing payment vouchers in arch files accordingly.
• Processing payments to vendors, per diem, and transportation for participants during field activities.
• Tracking and following up on all outstanding advances to ensure timely retirement.
• Logistics for activity preparation and travels.
• Support in the preparation of donor financial reports.
• Ensuring financial documents are retained and ready for audit at year-end.
• Supporting tax matters, including deduction of WHT from payments and remittance of WHT to relevant authorities, and yearly filing returns of PAYE.
• Assisting in financial planning and preparation of budgeting and monitoring for budget implementation.
• Working collaboratively with programme teams to support and strengthen the financial management, accountability, and capacity building of partners.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage day-to-day financial transactions in compliance with local regulations, adhering to the organisational Financial Framework, specifically to implementation of financial management and controls; financial planning and budgeting; financial monitoring and audits; monitoring and retaining accurate financial records.
• Post all income and expenditure into the accounting system accurately and timely.
• The principal accountabilities are not meant to be an exhaustive list of tasks. The need for flexibility is required and the job holder is expected to carry out any other related duties within the employee's skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed. 

Skills and Experience

• The Finance Assistant will be detail-oriented and proactive, with a passion for financial management. 
• They will excel at developing project plans, organising financial reports, and ensuring timely documentation. 
• Skilled in preparing payment vouchers, managing transactions, and supporting reconciliations, they will also handle payments, logistics, and tracking advances.
• Additionally, they will assist in financial planning, budgeting, and tax matters, working collaboratively to strengthen financial management and accountability.

Essential:

• Relevant professional accounting qualification or degree in Finance/Accounting.
• Proven track record working in a similar role, ideally within an INGO environment.
• Strong experience in financial management, programme/project management, and administration.
• Strong skills in project financial management, budgeting, and data analysis.
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Current and ongoing right to work in Nigeria.

Desirable:

• Experience with audit and government organisations is advantageous.
• Consistently strives for high performance and improvement.
• Communicates confidently and effectively.
• Makes timely decisions with effective reasoning.
• Prioritises activities and develops plans to achieve objectives.
• Reliable and committed to achieving quality work.
• Works well within a team and contributes positively.

Application Closing Date
23rd March, 2025.