Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency has a collaborative, mission-driven culture dedicated to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world, and it employs a diverse workforce to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Finance Department by providing comprehensive information, clerical, and accounting services. This position is designed for individuals who are detail-oriented and capable of delivering high-quality support within a structured finance team. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for applying clearly defined accounting and financial reporting processes, procedures, and service standards to ensure the smooth execution of financial transactions. The role requires effective communication with various stakeholders, including staff, subrecipients, partners, and suppliers, to facilitate the processing of financial documents and transactions. The Finance Assistant will also be expected to maintain accurate records and assist in the preparation of financial reports, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the finance operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will have a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: completing standard financial documents such as vouchers, wire transfer requests, and checks according to prescribed guidelines; providing administrative and clerical support for financial transaction processing; preparing, typing, photocopying, and scanning related documentation; filing accounting and financial reporting documentation as instructed; compiling supporting documentation for financial transactions; communicating with staff and external partners to follow up on required documents; performing data entry for financial transactions; maintaining custody of various financial documents; updating the payment tracker daily; supporting the matching of transactions for bank reconciliation; and updating e-archiving systems with all supporting documents for easy retrieval. The Finance Assistant will also be expected to demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail while adhering to ethical conduct and professional standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BSc or HND in Accounting, along with a professional diploma or certificate in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration being a plus. A minimum of 1-3 years of work experience in a similar role is required, with familiarity with standard accounting practices. Experience working with an international organization is also preferred. The ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a strong customer service ethic. Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel and Word, is essential, along with hands-on experience with data entry into online databases and forms.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a BSc or HND in Accounting. Additional qualifications such as a professional diploma or certificate in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration are considered advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of accounting principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical setting.

Experience:
The Finance Assistant position requires candidates to have a minimum of 1-3 years of relevant work experience in a similar role. This experience should include familiarity with standard accounting practices and procedures. Candidates with experience in an international organization will have an added advantage, as they will be more accustomed to the complexities and nuances of working in a global context.

Languages:
Proficiency in the English language is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for performing the job effectively. While English is the primary language required, any additional language skills may be considered a plus, particularly if they facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities and is expected to involve travel of up to 10%. The role is designed for candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of Nigeria, as CRS prioritizes local talent. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For successful candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. CRS is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.