Accountant - Intern

JSI is a public health organization dedicated to improving the health of people and communities in more than 70 countries. 

Almost 40 years of global experience supports and informs JSI’s work in Ethiopia. Since 1994, JSI has worked in partnership with the government and local civil society organizations to support the Ethiopian government’s health and development priorities.

JSI is working in all regions across Ethiopia, in urban as well as rural areas—though most projects reach the largest population groups by focusing on the four most populous regions.

Operationally, JSI has the integrity of strong management systems, combined with the flexibility of a decentralized structure that meets clients’ and partners’ needs.

About the job

Organization background

JSI is a US-based public health nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality technical and managerial assistance programs throughout the world. In Ethiopia, JSI has been working to improve health outcomes for more than 25 years, implementing more than 60 projects and working in every region. JSI has historically managed a large portfolio of projects focusing on the quality, and equity in access of, RMNCAH services, primary health care (PHC) including community health program, digital health, health information systems (HIS), supply chain management, public health emergency responses, and social and behavior change.

Activity Overview

USAID Quality Healthcare Activity (QHA) aims at improving health outcomes through improved readiness of health facilities to deliver quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services, increased management and accountability for quality service delivery, and restoration of services in health facilities in conflict-affected areas. QHA's strategies and implementation approaches will help the government of Ethiopia build public and private health care systems that are responsive, resilient, and sustainable. QHA will cover urban and peri-urban primary health care units (PHCU) and referral health facilities in select regions and woredas. The Activity, through funding support from USAID, will be implemented by JSI in collaboration with Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), MSI Reproductive Choices (MSI), Project HOPE, and Network of Ethiopian Women's Associations (NEWA) for five years (May 01, 2023 - April 30, 2028). 

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Grant & Finance Manager, the Accountant is responsible for maintaining and periodically review, reconcile and balance accounting records for the QHA in the central office.

KEY DUTUES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate with the Finance officers to review the accuracy and completeness of the financial documents of the Area Implementation offices.
• Process all payments in relation to workshops/training/meetings at CO level
• Maintain proper documentation of financial transactions and ensure all are stamped “PAID”.
• Facilitate the timely submission of financial documents from the Area Implementation offices at the close of monthly accounts in the central office.
• Assist the central office Finance Officers in the payment of per diem and other training related costs as deemed necessary checking for accuracy and compliance with USAID, government and JSI regulations.
• Provide logistics support, coordinate and facilitate per diem payment to training/workshop participants and maintain proper documentation of such payments.
• Follow up with HR in completing the time sheets and submit them to the Finance Officer for payroll processing
• Maintain petty cash fund and coordinate with the central finance team for timely replenishment.
• Facilitate and effect payments to vendors and check the availability of supporting financial documents on time after deducting the necessary withholding tax and issue withholding tax receipt to the organization from which tax is withheld.
• Follows up the timely settlement of Central Office advances in collaboration with the Finance Officer
• Maintain financial files/records in the CO are properly kept and code/label files for proper placement.
• Initiate payment and prepare wire transfer and submit to authorized person for signature in the absence of Finance Officer.
• Liaise with the bank regarding all financial matters linked to program bank account in the central office and in wiring funds through other banks.
• Ensure that vouchers are scanned and share with the finance officers.
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of all QHA’s records and information entrusted to him/her at all times.
• Handle any other responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

• Recipient of a degree in accounting, finance or business administration with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and above
• Must have the willingness to work cooperatively with staff from diverse cultures
• Good computer skills in the Office and QuickBooks accounting software require
• Excellent command of Amharic and English language essential
• Ability to work independently and excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member
• Willingness to travel and work in the activity implementation regions
• willingness to learn of various donor requirements and grant reporting
• Excellent networking and partnership-building skills
• Speaking of more than one local language is a plus.