Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a diverse workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization is committed to addressing the interconnected challenges of health, education, and economic development, and it works collaboratively with local partners to implement programs that are sustainable and impactful.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Finance Manager in the financial management of the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) project in Uganda. This position involves a variety of accounting and financial duties, including the preparation, review, and processing of documentation necessary for payments through electronic and banking platforms. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for applying established financial and grants management procedures, ensuring compliance with donor and organizational requirements, and providing updates to the supervisor regarding the status of projects. Additionally, the role includes supporting the financial aspects of grants to local partners, which is essential for the successful implementation of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be tasked with processing supplier/vendor payments, staff advances, reimbursements, consultants, and mobile money transactions accurately and within established timelines. They will prepare and review payment vouchers to ensure completeness, accuracy, proper coding, authorization, and compliance with donor and organizational requirements. Recording all financial transactions in the accounting system (e.g., GFAS) and ensuring timely posting of journals and invoices is a key responsibility. The Finance Assistant will also prepare weekly bank and mobile money reconciliations and perform regular bank and cash reconciliations for review. Maintaining and monitoring accounts payable, tracking outstanding balances, and following up to ensure timely settlement of obligations are also part of the role. The position requires reviewing and reconciling staff advances ledger accounts and actively following up on staff accountabilities and liquidation of advances. The Finance Assistant will prepare statutory reports, including VAT and Withholding Tax (WHT), ensuring accurate coding and compliance with local tax regulations. Monthly general ledger reconciliations, including end-of-month close processes and resolving any identified variances, will also be part of their duties. Supporting budgeting processes, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and preparation of budget vs. actual analysis reports for management and donor reporting, is essential. Finally, the Finance Assistant must maintain 100% complete and well-organized financial documentation and filing systems (both physical and electronic) in line with audit and donor requirements.

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 also necessary. Excellent oral and written communication skills, along with strong quantitative and analytical skills, are essential. The ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion, work well with others, verify and analyze financial data, identify errors, and prepare reports is crucial. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as demonstrated spreadsheet and database software skills, are required for this position.

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 role.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have at least 3+ years of accounting or finance experience in a similar environment. Experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is preferred. The ability to articulate professionally and communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff is essential for success in this role.

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 required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in an office environment, and candidates should be prepared for the typical physical demands associated with such a setting. The ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and performing repetitive tasks on a keyboard is necessary. Candidates should also be able to sit and stand for extended periods and lift/move up to 5 lbs. The role may require domestic travel, but this is expected to be less than 10% of the time. The expected hiring salary range for this role is UGX 46,000,000 - 65,000,000 annually for basic salary. FHI 360 considers multiple factors when determining an offer amount, including relevant years of experience and education, internal equity, market pay, and budget. This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job and does not prescribe or restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs.