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 the interrelated challenges of health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology, FHI 360 employs a diverse team of experts. The organization operates in more than 70 countries, including all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. FHI 360's Crisis Response team is actively engaged in humanitarian efforts in Northern Ethiopia, focusing on integrated health, nutrition, WASH, and Protection projects to support conflict-affected populations. The organization is expanding its efforts to the Somali Region in Eastern Ethiopia to address the needs of drought-affected communities, collaborating with local organizations such as Pastoralist Concern (PC).

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, ensuring proper allocation of payments to the correct projects and budget lines, and maintaining a transparent filing system for all financial documents. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for processing payments in a timely manner, confirming the availability of funds before authorizing expenditures, and ensuring that all financial transactions are supported by the necessary documentation. This position requires a detail-oriented individual who can work independently while adhering to established policies and procedures. The Finance Assistant will report to a Finance Officer and will not have supervisory responsibilities, but will play a key role in supporting the finance team during the execution of various projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be tasked with a variety of duties, including but not limited to: maintaining cashbooks and accounts records, ensuring payments are allocated correctly, and managing shared costs across projects. The role requires timely and accurate payment processing for Health Extension Workers, volunteers, and field transactions. The Finance Assistant must confirm that all payment-related documentation aligns with FHI 360's procurement policies and procedures. Daily booking of transactions into the cash book is essential, as is obtaining proper authorization before any payments are made. The Finance Assistant will also ensure that all vouchers are correctly coded, maintain a transparent filing system for financial documents, and confirm the availability of funds prior to authorizing project expenditures. Additionally, the Finance Assistant will handle finance-related tasks during the absence of the finance officer, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to support the team as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Assistant position should possess a BA Degree in Accounting, Finance, or an equivalent international qualification. A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in finance-related roles is required, with proficiency in MS Office Suite (including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) and accounting software being essential. Vocational or specialized training in finance is desired, and prior experience working with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) is considered a valuable asset. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a BA Degree in Accounting or Finance, or an equivalent international qualification. This educational foundation is critical for understanding financial principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The Finance Assistant position requires candidates to have 1-2 years of relevant experience in finance-related responsibilities. This experience should ideally include working in a similar role within an international non-governmental organization (INGO), which would provide familiarity with the unique challenges and requirements of finance in a humanitarian context.

Languages:
Fluency in the local language is mandatory, along with excellent proficiency in English. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication within the organization and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Ethiopia and does not specify a deadline for applications. The role is likely to be full-time, and while it does not involve supervisory responsibilities, it is critical for the financial operations of the organization. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without discrimination. The organization also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its work environments and programs.