Finance Officer

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 to address various development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across multiple fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. The organization operates in over 70 countries, including all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. FHI 360's Crisis Response team is actively involved in humanitarian efforts in regions affected by conflict, such as Tigray, Amhara, Afar, and Somali Regions, with a focus on providing integrated health, nutrition, WASH, and protection services to vulnerable populations. The organization aims to expand its humanitarian response efforts to the Amhara Region, specifically in Lalibela, Ethiopia, to assist those impacted by the ongoing crisis.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer position at FHI 360 is crucial for coordinating financial and accounting operations within the organization. This role involves comprehensive financial monitoring and providing support and guidance to finance and operations staff to ensure the fiscal health of the organization. The Finance Officer is responsible for financial management, conducting analyses of financial data, and preparing budget analyses for project funds. They will also review and prepare reports required by funding agencies to ensure compliance with donor requirements. The Finance Officer is expected to provide high-level analytical expertise, implement business strategies, and develop strong customer relationships. Additionally, they will ensure that all financial transactions are executed, reported, and documented in a timely manner, adhering to general accounting principles and the guidelines set forth by FHI 360 and its donors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer will have a variety of key responsibilities, including assisting the Senior Finance team in strengthening internal controls and the overall internal control environment. They will actively participate in financial issue discussions and review meetings, ensuring that financial data entries are accurately recorded on a daily basis. The officer will prepare monthly bank reconciliations for all bank accounts and track balance sheet accounts monthly and at the end of each award. They will maintain workbooks according to FHI 360 policies and check all payment claims for compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, and local laws. The Finance Officer will ensure that all payments are properly coded and authorized as per the Scheme of Delegation. They will monitor cash and bank flows daily, coordinate with financial institutions to ensure smooth cash flows, and safeguard FHI 360's cash from risks. In case of banking system failures, they will arrange alternative solutions with the necessary approvals. The officer will assist both Field Office and Country Office finance teams during audits and maintain working relationships with partners to ensure smooth financial project implementation. They will escalate any financial risks or fraud activities to the appropriate coordinators and confirm that procurement payments have the necessary documentation as per FHI 360 policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Officer position should possess 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, and operational management, particularly in a government contracting environment. They should have experience with internal control reviews and a university degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. Proficiency in MS Office Suite (including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) and familiarity with HRIS or payroll systems are essential. While prior experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is desirable, it is not mandatory. Fluency in the local language and excellent command of English are required for effective communication.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Officer position includes a university degree in Finance, Accounting, or a similar subject area. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of financial management and accounting practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 3-5 years of relevant experience in accounting, finance, and operational management. This experience should demonstrate a progressive responsibility in financial roles, particularly in environments that involve government contracting and internal control assessments.

Languages:
Fluency in the local language is mandatory, alongside a strong command of English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify the application deadline, but interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references through the FHI 360 portal. The organization emphasizes its commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that all applicants are considered without discrimination based on various characteristics. FHI 360 also prioritizes safeguarding against abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All offers of employment will be contingent upon appropriate screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and promotes a healthy work/life balance for its employees.