Finance Officer

About the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)

We are a global communion of churches in the Lutheran tradition, living and working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world. LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world.

Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Ethiopia

LWF World Service Ethiopia is a registered foreign charity, which has been operating in Ethiopia since 1973 implementing various development and humanitarian projects in different parts of Ethiopia. LWF World Service Ethiopia works closely with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), the Ethiopian Government, UN organizations and other funding partners. Its thematic areas include the promotion of food security and sustainable livelihood, sustainable natural resources management, emergency preparedness, response and rehabilitation, and capacity building.

A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centred and community-based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and in order to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures.

LWF Safeguarding Commitment

LWF World Service is committed to creating and maintaining a safe organization where people we come in contact with are protected from harm and abuse. Harm and abuse may include but are not limited to physical, psychological, and sexual violence and abuse, financial and material abuse, all forms of modern slavery, and all forms of maltreatment and exploitation.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties

• Assists the RCO Coordinator in the overall Supervision of the project Financial Activities and ensures that the daily routines are carried out smoothly.
• Take responsibility for all aspects of financial management.
• Participate in the local recruitment process at the project office level.
• Perform and promote LWF Ethiopias objectives with respect to organizational code of conduct, and other policies and regulations.
• See to it that adequate stock of supplies is requested on time and maintained in accordance with the policy of LWF.
• Operate and maintain the projects Accounts according to LWF-ET procedures.
• Participate in the preparation of annual/ Working Budget of the project jointly with the program staff.
• Prepare monthly Fund Request together with the program staff based on the planned activity for the period.
• Make sure that the monthly fund request is for the activities planned for that period only.
• Make sure that the finance part of the Quarterly Monitoring Report (QMR) of the project tally the Narrative part of the report.
• Collect the monthly financial report of the project from head office finance every month and should discuss with the concerned project staff.
• Code all disbursements & receipts according to LWF/ET procedure.
• Make sure that all disbursements are summarized according to the cost centers and account codes.
• Ensure that LWF Procurement Procedures are followed and relevant financial documents, such as purchase requisitions, proforma invoice, purchase order, and Goods receiving Notes are properly raised.
• Prepares and checks Financial Statements before they are sent to the Head Office every month and to reach Head Office before five days of the next month. It includes cash count balance.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliation statements.
• Control and Assist the Secretary/Cashier in all financial matters.
• Prepare monthly Payroll/Pay Sheet for Casual workers if any, based on the approved attendance and other relevant documents in consultation with the Team Leader.
• Together with the Team Leader, he is answerable for all Purchases and Disbursements in regard to budgetary provisions and stipulations.
• Make sure that all necessary and appropriate taxes like 2% or 30% With Hold tax (WHT) Income taxes are deducted and paid to the concerned Tax Authority Offices on time.
• Make sure that all disbursements are in accordance with LWF financial procedures.
• Make sure that all disbursements are not out of the Budget Allocated for each line items.
• As a responsible head for accounts of the project, he makes surprise cash count and reports to the Team Leader.
• Where the Finance Officer is not convinced about certain payments or payment procedures authorized by the Team Leader, he/she should explain the concerns. But if still there is disagreement, the Finance Officer should refer to the Finance Manager at head office for advice.
• Perform other duties in line with his responsibilities as may be assigned to him by the Team Leader.

Requirements:

• BA Degree in Accounting & related field of studies with three years relevant work experience.
• Good knowledge of accounting software such as ACCPAC and Excel.

Key competencies:

• Strong communication skill in English (written and oral)
• Ability to interact with people.
• Interested to work under pressure and in harsh environment
• Previous related experience in NGO setup is an advantage
• Knowledge of Afan Oromo language is Mandatory