Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. The organization operates in more than 70 countries, including all 50 U.S. states and territories. FHI 360's Crisis Response team is actively engaged in humanitarian efforts in regions affected by conflict, such as Tigray, Amhara, Afar, and Somali Regions, and is expanding its operations to the Oromia Region in Negele East Borena, Ethiopia, in collaboration with local organizations like Pastoralist Concern (PC).

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position is crucial for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with FHI 360's financial policies and procedures. The role involves managing cashbooks, processing payments, and ensuring that all financial transactions are documented and authorized correctly. The Finance Assistant will work closely with the Finance Officer and will be responsible for the timely payment of Health Extension Workers and volunteers, as well as ensuring that shared costs are allocated appropriately across projects. This position requires a detail-oriented individual who can handle financial documentation and transactions efficiently while adhering to organizational guidelines. The Finance Assistant will also be expected to step in for the Finance Officer during their absence, demonstrating flexibility and a strong understanding of financial operations within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Maintain cashbooks and accounts records, ensuring that payments are allocated to the correct project and budget line.
• Allocate shared costs appropriately across projects.
• Ensure timely and accurate payment of Health Extension Workers, volunteers, and field transactions.
• Confirm that payment related to field finance transactions has the necessary documentation as outlined in FHI 360's procurement policies and procedures for all goods and services.
• Book all transactions daily into the cash book in accordance with guidelines.
• Obtain proper authorization before any payment takes place.
• Ensure all vouchers are properly coded with project numbers, budget lines, and G/L accounts.
• Process all payments in a timely manner.
• Maintain a proper and transparent filing system for all financial documents. 1
• Confirm the availability of funds before authorizing project expenditures. 1
• Ensure all financial transactions have the required supporting documents. 1
• Handle all finance-related work when the finance officer is on leave. 1
• Work on problems that are moderate in scope, requiring judgment in resolving or making recommendations. 1
• Exercise judgment within defined policies and procedures to obtain solutions and perform duties. 1
• Report to the Finance Officer and receive instructions on new assignments.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Finance Assistant position should possess the following qualifications:

• A BA Degree in Accounting, Finance, or its international equivalent.
• 1-2 years of experience in finance-related responsibilities.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and accounting software.
• Vocational or specialized training in finance or accounting is desired.
• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is desirable but not required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a BA Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding financial principles and practices necessary for the role of Finance Assistant. The degree should be from an accredited institution, and any additional certifications or training in finance or accounting will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires 1-2 years of relevant experience in finance-related responsibilities. This experience should ideally include working in a finance department or similar role where the candidate has gained practical knowledge of financial processes, documentation, and compliance. Experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is preferred but not mandatory, as the focus is on the candidate's ability to perform the required financial tasks effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in the local language is mandatory, along with excellent proficiency in English. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for interacting with local stakeholders and ensuring clear communication within the organization. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage but are not required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities and typically reports to a Finance Officer. The work environment is a typical office setting, and the role may require the ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and performing repetitive tasks. The job may involve lifting or moving items up to 5 lbs. Travel requirements for this position are less than 10%. The organization emphasizes equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that all applicants are considered without discrimination based on various characteristics. FHI 360 also commits to safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its work environments and programs.