Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in a long-lasting way by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established to address various development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across multiple fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, and economic development. The organization operates in all U.S. states and territories, including Uganda, and has a diverse workforce that collaborates to create effective solutions for pressing global issues.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Finance Manager in coordinating and executing financial management activities related to the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) project in Uganda. This position involves maintaining and enhancing financial planning applications and templates, providing end-user training, and applying statistical methods and budget planning tools to manage analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis and budget workflows. The Finance Assistant will participate in organizational meetings to ensure the accurate setup of financial planning applications and will assist in promoting the financial success of the organization by providing analytical expertise and capacity-building support. This role is essential for ensuring that financial management and budgetary strategies are effectively implemented, thereby contributing to the overall success of the organization's projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be responsible for maintaining client-approved baseline and forecast budgets within the budget system, supporting the development and maintenance of financial models to track budgets, expenses, and variances. They will assist in creating ad-hoc reports for budgetary information requests and will help design and execute plans to expand the use of Tables Manager 1 (TM1) across the organization. The role includes organizing training events to enhance finance staff knowledge on financial policies and systems, participating in annual planning and budgeting processes, and ensuring data integrity in the budgeting system. The Finance Assistant will also review and process budget and journal transactions as necessary, implement and evaluate statistical models, and serve as a trusted advisor to operations teams and management. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess adequate technical and administrative knowledge, with the ability to connect financial and non-financial information to generate insights and recommendations for program effectiveness. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills are essential, along with knowledge of accounting and financial data reporting processes. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are required, and candidates must be fluent in English. The ability to build productive internal and external working relationships is also crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree or its international equivalent in Business Administration, Information Management, Finance, Accounting, Analytics, Operations, Marketing, or a related field is required. A partial or full professional accounting certification such as CPA or ACCA is preferred, indicating a strong foundation in financial principles and practices.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have a minimum of 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in financial planning, analysis, and reporting. Experience in providing outstanding customer service, performing complex activities related to ledger accounts, and ensuring compliance with internal controls is essential. Familiarity with systems used to produce reports, financial models, and databases is required, along with substantial experience using SQL and computerized information systems. Proficiency in spreadsheet software is mandatory, and experience managing a TM1-based budgeting application is desired. Familiarity with cost estimating models and basic operations research methods, particularly statistical data analysis, is preferred, as is knowledge of USAID rules and regulations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the role requires clear communication in both oral and written forms. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in an office environment with typical physical demands, including the ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and performing repetitive tasks. The role may require the ability to lift or move up to 5 lbs. Travel requirements are minimal, with less than 10% travel expected. The job posting outlines that it neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks assigned, and management reserves the right to review and revise the job description at any time. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs.