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 a diverse team of experts in various 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, focusing on integrated Health, Nutrition, WASH, and Protection projects to meet the urgent needs of affected populations. The organization aims to expand its humanitarian response efforts to the Amhara Region, specifically Lalibela, Ethiopia, to assist those impacted by the ongoing crisis.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position at FHI 360 is crucial for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring the smooth operation of financial transactions within the organization. The role involves managing cashbooks and accounts, ensuring that payments are allocated correctly to respective projects and budget lines. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for the timely and accurate payment of Health Extension Workers, volunteers, and field transactions, confirming that all necessary documentation is in place as per FHI 360's procurement policies. This position requires a detail-oriented individual who can ensure that all financial transactions are recorded daily and that proper authorization is obtained before any payments are made. The Finance Assistant will also maintain a transparent filing system for all financial documents and handle finance-related tasks in the absence of the finance officer. This role is essential for supporting the organization's financial integrity and operational efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be tasked with a variety of duties including: maintaining cashbooks and accounts records, ensuring payments are allocated to the correct project and budget line, and confirming that shared costs are appropriately allocated across projects. The role requires ensuring timely and accurate payments to Health Extension Workers and volunteers, as well as managing field finance transactions with the necessary documentation. The Finance Assistant must ensure that all transactions are booked daily into the cash book in accordance with guidelines, and that proper authorization is obtained before any payment is processed. Additionally, the Finance Assistant will be responsible for coding all vouchers correctly, processing payments in a timely manner, and maintaining a proper filing system for all financial documents. The role also includes confirming the availability of funds before authorizing project expenditures and ensuring that all financial transactions have the required supporting documents. The Finance Assistant will handle all finance-related work during the finance officer's absence, contributing to the overall financial management of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Assistant position must possess a BA Degree in Accounting, Finance, or its international equivalent. They should have 1-2 years of experience in finance-related responsibilities, demonstrating proficiency with MS Office Suite (including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) and accounting software. While prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is desirable, it is not a strict requirement. Candidates should also have vocational or specialized training in finance or accounting, which would be considered an asset. Fluency in the local language is mandatory, and excellent proficiency in English is required to effectively communicate within the organization and with stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Assistant position includes a BA Degree in Accounting or Finance, or an equivalent qualification recognized internationally. This educational foundation is essential for understanding financial principles and practices, which are critical for the role's responsibilities in managing financial records and transactions.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 1-2 years of relevant experience in finance-related roles. This experience should ideally include responsibilities such as maintaining financial records, processing payments, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures. Candidates with experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) setting will be viewed favorably, although it is not a mandatory requirement.

Languages:
Fluency in the local language is a mandatory requirement for this position, as it is essential for effective communication within the local context. Additionally, excellent proficiency in English is required, enabling the Finance Assistant to engage with international staff and stakeholders, as well as to understand and implement organizational policies and procedures effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position does not involve 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 Finance Assistant should be able to sit and stand for extended periods and may need to lift or move items weighing up to 5 lbs. The job entails less than 10% travel. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that all employment practices are free from discrimination based on various characteristics. The organization also emphasizes safeguarding against abuse and harassment in its work environments and programs.