Finance and Grants Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that aims to improve lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries worldwide, employing over 4,000 staff members. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, education, and economic development, and is committed to ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive in their communities.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Grants Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Finance Officer and Manager in the financial management of the EpiC project in Uganda. This position involves performing a variety of accounting and financial duties, which include the preparation, review, and processing of documentation necessary for payments through electronic and banking platforms. The assistant will be responsible for applying established financial and grants management procedures effectively and will keep the supervisor updated on the project's status as required. Additionally, the Finance and Grants Assistant will provide support for the financial aspects of grants to local partners, ensuring that all financial operations align with the project's goals and compliance requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Grants Assistant will be responsible for preparing and monitoring monthly expenditures for projects by analyzing financial data and providing monthly reports to both internal and external stakeholders. They will serve as a principal source of information on fiscal policies and procedures, including federal funding rules, and will advise management on existing options or alternatives to facilitate appropriate business decisions. The assistant will establish and manage accounting record-keeping systems and procedures for tracking and reporting financial activities. They will assist with reviewing invoices and preparing annual project proposals for renewal. Furthermore, the assistant will provide financial support to the project team managing grants to local partners and will assist local partners in submitting invoices and financial reports as needed. They will work closely with project leaders to resolve any issues related to monthly expenditures and project budgets, ensuring that projects adhere to budget constraints and meet completion timelines. The role may also involve performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures related to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), budgeting, and fiscal control theories and practices. A working knowledge of general office practices and administrative procedures is essential. The ideal candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills, along with strong quantitative and analytical skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are necessary, as well as demonstrated proficiency in spreadsheet and database software. The ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion is crucial, as is the ability to work collaboratively with others while verifying and analyzing financial data, identifying errors, and preparing reports.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. Additionally, candidates should have a partial or full CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification to be considered for this position.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have at least 3 years of accounting or finance experience in a similar environment. The role requires individuals who are articulate, professional, and capable of communicating in a clear and positive manner with clients and staff. Prior experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is highly desirable, as it provides relevant context for the responsibilities of this position.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the candidate must be able to read, write, and speak the language proficiently. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position does not entail supervisory responsibilities, and the Finance and Grants Assistant will receive instructions on new assignments from the Finance and Grants Officer. The typical work environment is an office setting, where the candidate should be prepared to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and performing repetitive tasks on a keyboard. The ability to sit and stand for extended periods is necessary, as well as the capability to lift or move up to 5 lbs. The role may require domestic travel, but this will be less than 10% of the time. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing any form of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks.