Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that focuses on protecting the rights of displaced and affected individuals during crises. Established to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, NRC aims to prevent further displacement and contribute to durable solutions for those in need. The organization operates in 40 countries, addressing both new and protracted crises, and is dedicated to delivering high-quality programs that support people forced to flee, helping them rebuild their lives and establish a new future. NRC is committed to adhering to humanitarian principles and ensuring that its operations are effective and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant plays a crucial role in the financial operations of the Norwegian Refugee Council, particularly in the implementation of financial procedures on a day-to-day basis. This position requires a strong adherence to NRC’s policies and donor requirements, ensuring that all accounting, monitoring, and reporting activities are conducted in accordance with established procedures. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for reviewing payment documents to ensure their accuracy and compliance with donor requirements, thereby supporting the financial integrity of the organization. This role is essential for maintaining the financial health of NRC's operations in Ukraine, and it involves close collaboration with various departments to ensure that financial transactions are processed efficiently and transparently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: complying with the Financial Handbook and other NRC policies; verifying that all vouchers and supporting documents meet the standards set in the Financial Handbook and entering them into the accounting system; making and verifying approved payments; recording all cash movements; following up on advances and refunds; preparing and arranging for bank withdrawals and transfers; maintaining a filing system for all financial and accounting documents; ensuring that expenditures from the main account are accounted for in appropriate budget lines and relevant projects; implementing NRC’s Protection mainstreaming guidelines; assisting in collecting documents during audits; utilizing the NRC Agresso Accounting System for daily bookkeeping; managing office petty cash; assisting the Finance Officer in the monthly accounting closing process; supporting the preparation of monthly financial reports; providing scanned copies of payments related to other countries; ensuring all transactions are properly authorized and documented; preparing payments for beneficiaries and vendors; working closely with Logistics on Purchase Requests and Purchase Orders; liaising with other NRC departments for due payments; and monitoring bank accounts for sufficient balances.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Assistant position should possess a range of qualifications, including experience working in complex and volatile contexts, documented results related to the responsibilities of the position, and strong time management skills. The ability to prioritize tasks, plan effectively, and meet deadlines is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a willingness to take on responsibilities and be accountable for their work outcomes. Context-related skills, knowledge, and experience are also important, including a minimum of 1 year of experience in a finance position, either in the commercial sector or with an international non-governmental organization (INGO).

Educational Background:
A university degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is preferred for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding financial principles and practices, which are critical for the effective execution of the Finance Assistant's duties.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of experience in a finance role, which can be gained through work in either the commercial sector or with an INGO. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle financial tasks in a professional setting, particularly in challenging environments.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is English, with a proficiency level of A2 or higher. This ensures that the Finance Assistant can effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the context in which NRC operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to candidates who have the legal right to work in Ukraine. It is important to note that NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this role. The position may involve working in a full-time capacity, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic and sometimes challenging work environment, reflecting the nature of humanitarian work.