Being an employee of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ethiopia the Finance Assistant is expected to represent NRC in a responsible manner and always act in accordance with NRC’s Code of Conduct.
Job Purpose Summary
To ensure the finance department in Gambella/Dimma functions efficiently in all areas of financial accounting, management, monitoring and reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Support the finance officer to ensure that accurate and timely accounts are submitted to country office in Addis Ababa by 5th of every month in accordance with NRC financial policies and procedures.
Ensure safe custody of NRC finances and keep the petty cash float, to be issued in accordance with NRC policies and procedures.
Assemble documents for data input in the accounting system, verifying and registering project numbers/codes, resource numbers and total costs.
Review payment requests for accuracy, completeness, compliance, level of authorization and clarity on the invoices and seek advice from the finance officer if need arises.
Prepare and review of payment vouchers and invoices for accuracy and reconcile discrepancies.
Follow cash advances and their purposes and ensure value for money when verifying accountabilities with finance officer and ensure that accountabilities are prompt and cleared before reports are sent to Addis Ababa
Responsible for assisting the finance officer following up NRC bills for timely settlement
Make all payments including field payments after approval by the Project Manager(s) and Area Manager and after compiling and verifying the accuracy of necessary documents by the finance officer.
Maintain open communication with program staff, NRC Addis and others for all financial clarifications and liaise with finance officer for technical support in absence contact Finance Officer in Addis.
Ensure timely photocopy of all vouchers before they are sent to Addis Ababa country office.
Report to the finance officer on weekly and monthly bases.
Ensure accurate maintenance of all NRC financial and accounting files and transactions
Ensure proper management of accounting documents and records
Help the finance officer monthly financial reports are prepared and submitted to relevant parties
Coordinate financial matters with third parties like banks, vendors and tax authorities.
Any other duty assigned by the Finance Officer
Qualifications and Competences
Academic and Professional Qualifications
University/College Education in Accounting, Commence or Business Studies
Relevant Experience
Minimum of 2 years relevant experience
2 years of INGO experience
Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
Strict attention to policy and practice detail
Very strong financial analysis skills
High integrity
Ability to communicate at all levels, in difficult circumstances, and strong negotiation skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Good cultural awareness and sensitivity
Advanced computer skills, especially in MS Excel, MS Word, MS Power Point and use of email
Key Relationships
Internal Contacts
Area Manager
Finance Officer
Finance staff in Addis
Project Managers
Program Staff
Logistics Staff
External Contacts
Bank
Tax authorities
Contractors
Vendors