Finance Intern at Yiaga Africa Initiative

Yiaga Africa is a non-profit civic hub of change-makers committed to promoting democratic governance, human rights, and civic engagement. Based in Abuja, Nigeria, Yiaga Africa conducts in-depth research, analyzes democratic and governance issues, develops practical solutions, and empowers citizens to drive change in their communities. The organization has a presence in all 36 states and 774 LGAs of Nigeria and implements innovative programs to promote active citizenship, protect human rights, and deepen democracy.

Yiaga Africa fosters a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from young women and persons with disabilities. All applications are treated with strict confidentiality. We do not tolerate any form of sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse, or discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo thorough background checks and training.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Finance Intern

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full Time
Department: Finance
Post Level: Support
Duration of Initial Contract: Short-Term (3 Months) Renewable

Job Description

• At Yiaga Africa Initiative, we seek an exceptional candidate to support our Finance Department as a Finance Intern. Yiaga Africa is committed to achieving a diverse, vibrant, innovative, and engaged workforce working to achieve the organization’s vision of a people-driven developed, and democratic Africa.
• Yiaga Africa promotes diversity in terms of gender, nationality, religion/belief, culture, and other forms of diversity. For this role, young women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
• Yiaga Africa does not tolerate sexual exploitation and harassment, abuse, or any harassment and discrimination. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference, background checks, and training.

Background

• The Finance Intern under the supervision of the Head of Finance will assist the Finance department in adhering to the compliance procedures for all operational and program-related activities and Yiaga Africa’s financial implementation, and ensure adequate internal controls are in place and in compliance with laws, regulations, donor requirements and Yiaga Africa’s policies and procedures.
• If you have the required skills and experiences to excel as a Finance Assistant in our organization, do apply now! The position is for Three (3) months, subject to renewal based on performance and funding availability. The post holder would be expected to work 40 hours a week. The position has a competitive salary as obtainable in the industry.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Finance to enhance the efficiency of the existing control system and ensure any identified compliance gaps are corrected.
• Enter transactions into the accounting software accurately.
• Assist with preparing Monthly payroll-related statutory remittances (PAYE, Pensions, NHF, NSITF)
• Assist the team in the preparation of Monthly Balance Sheet Reconciliations.
• Sorting and reviewing timesheets for coding, leave, holidays, etc.
• Assist with managing Finance archiving and ensure monthly updates of the finance archiving index.
• Support audits (donor, internal, external, statutory) by retrieving and refilling documents.
• Make payments on the bank platforms, print off all payment vouchers, and match them with the document to be filled.
• Coordinate with all Program officers to collect necessary documents and ensure proper documentation after return from field activities.
• Make sure all income taxes, withholding taxes, VAT, and other taxes are withheld and paid accordingly.
• Work closely with the Finance and program departments to ensure the Standard Operating Procedures for voucher redemption are followed properly.
• Assists with the monitoring of expenditures to ensure they remain within authorized levels. Examines the validity of requests for increases in imprest levels; prepares disbursement vouchers to replenish imprest accounts.
• Investigate erroneous charges and take appropriate corrective accounting actions.
• Scrutinizes source documents for completeness, accuracy, and validity of charges.
• Assists in financial management, tracking, preparing payment letters, drafting financial statements to donors, and recording them accordingly.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Yiaga Africa and not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other Responsibilities as Assigned.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the values and ethical standards of Yiaga Africa.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of Yiaga Africa.
• Displays gender, regional, religion/belief, race, nationality, culture, age sensitivity, and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Strong understanding of Nigeria’s political and governance context.
• Excellent knowledge of global and regional democracy and governance trends.
• Ability to influence policy and facilitate multi-stakeholder engagements.
• Shares knowledge and experience.
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan, and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to perform various standard tasks related to the provision of financial services.
• Good knowledge of Yiaga Africa financial rules and regulations.
• Good IT skills.

Leadership and Self-Management:

• Focuses on results for the client and responds positively to feedback.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Remains calm, in control, and good-humored even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

• Candidates should possess a Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Previous internship or volunteer experience in a finance or compliance role (experience with an NGO is an added advantage).
• Basic understanding of bookkeeping and office administration.
• Familiarity with the use of office equipment such as scanners and printers.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and Word.
• Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn, ability to multitask, and a proactive attitude toward problem-solving.

Language Requirements: 

• Fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in French and/or any other language will be a plus.

Application Closing Date
18th August, 2025