Senior Finance Officer

Reference number: Rec/004/24

Introduction

CORDAID is a Dutch, international non-governmental organization which combines 100 years of experience and expertise in emergency aid and structural poverty eradication. CORDAID believes in a world without poverty and exclusion. We strive for a just and sustainable society where every person counts. We stand for knowledge and talent sharing between North and South, between farmers and businesses, between activists and policymakers. Where poverty, conflict and exclusion tear up societies, we connect people and communities. We also stand for professionalism, expertise and solidarity across borders, to make a difference where it is most needed. Together with more than 600 partner organizations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America we structurally improve the living conditions of the poorest and most excluded populations - the bottom billion.

Purpose of the position

The Senior Finance Officer will be responsible for ensuring accurate recording of transactions and monthly reporting of Country Office expenses to the correct projects and funds as per the Accounting guidelines. The SFO will deputize the Finance Manager Accounting and Reporting and ensure accurate maintenance of financial documents within Cordaid Ethiopia office.

Responsibilities and Accountability

Accounting

• Process all financial transactions related to monthly payroll costs, advance settlements, petty cash and field office expenses onto Microsoft AX ensuring correct project, fund and activity codes and category.
• Book all costs related to staff insurances, medical and related benefit funds as well as terminal benefit booking, reconciling and ensuring that the balances are fully covered against projects accordingly.
• On a monthly basis amortize all prepaid expenses according to accounting and cost allocation guidelines in collaboration with the Finance Manager Accounting and/or Finance and Operations Director. Ensure that all explanations are provided for the outstanding balances on prepayment account on the monthly hard close documents.

Work advance settlement

• Follow up all travel advance settlement from all staff including from field offices and follow up through final settlement. Make summary of advances and sending reminder email to staff for the timely settlement and reconcile the settlement with the advance issued in collaboration with Finance Manager and Finance and Operations Director.
• Ensure that all explanations are provided for outstanding advances on the monthly hard close documents.

Treasury

• In close collaboration with Finance Manager and FOD ensure adequate cash reserves for the Ethiopia office through follow up on cash requests and updating status as required.

Period end and Audit

• In close collaboration with the Finance Manager ensure monthly period end closure documents are prepared and completed on time.
• Support the coordination of project and annual statutory audits by providing the required documentation informations to Auditors respond to audit questions in close collaboration with Finance Manager Accounting and Reporting and/or Finance and Operations Director.

Capacity Building

• Train and support other staff on proper accounting processes and maintaining proper accounting records.
• Induction of new field staff on the Cordaid Financial Management regulations

Compliance

• Responsible for receiving vouchers/other documents from all staff at Country Office (the receiver and the provider of the file will sign as evidence for transfer of the files) and ensuring completeness of the same for further processing;
• Follow all Cordaid and Government procedures, grant compliance and documentation requirements.
• In close collaboration with the Compliance Officer, Project Controllers and/or Finance and Operations Director ensure knowledge and application of donor financial guidelines applicable across multiple projects and ensure adherence to the same

Other Tasks

• Ensure that the documents are kept in a safe and locked cabinet;
• Attend to other duties as directed and instructed by the line manager

Educational qualification,

• Degree in Accounting, Finance or any other relevant field with a minimum 7yrs of experience/Masters with a minimum of 5years.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experiences

• Knowledge of major donor rules and regulations - EU, ECHO, Dutch, etc;
• More than 5 years of experience in a related role within INGO;
• Good excel skills;
• Fluency in English;
• Ability to meet strict deadlines;
• Knowledge of finance systems, planning & control, (computerized) accounting, (compliance) legislation, reporting standards and languages;
• Knowledge of mission and goals of Cordaid.

Core Competencies:

1. Maintain Integrity and accountability
2. Team player
3. Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and work with limited supervision.
4. Strong organizational development skills
5. Good negotiating skills
6. Strong verbal and written communication skills
7. Problem solving skills
8. Conflict management skills
9. Ability to coach other colleagues
10. Respect, diversity and inclusion