Job Description
Job SummaryThe Finance Officer at Headquarters is the guardian of the project’s fiscal integrity and operational liquidity. This role is central to ensuring all financial activities strictly adhere to the approved master budget, donor regulations, and organizational policies. The officer is responsible for the end-to-end financial workflow, from the timely processing and approval of expenditures to the accurate collection of project revenue. A critical function includes managing the payroll for all project staff and field teams, incorporating complex variable pay based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The position demands meticulous attention to detail, robust analytical skills, and a proactive approach to financial management to support the seamless execution of the 10-million-person registration drive.
Position Title: Finance Officer
Required No: Two (2)
Department: Finance & Administration
Reports To: Finance Manager / Project Manager
Location: Addis Ababa, Headquarters (with potential for field audits)
Employment Type: Contract
Key Responsibilities1.
Budget Management & Control:
- Monitor the project’s master budget and individual activity budgets in real-time, ensuring all expenditures are aligned and variances are identified, analyzed, and reported promptly.
- Prepare monthly budget-versus-actual (BVA) reports with insightful commentary for project leadership.
- Work closely with program managers to review budget requests, forecast future spending, and ensure financial planning supports operational timelines.
2.Expenditure Processing & Approval:
- Serve as a primary reviewer for all payment requests, purchase orders, and field expense reports, verifying supporting documentation, appropriateness of costs, and budget availability.
- Ensure all expenditures are processed, approved, and paid in a timely manner to avoid disruption to field activities.
- Maintain a well-documented and organized filing system (both digital and physical) for all financial transactions.
3.Revenue Collection & Reconciliation:
- Take primary responsibility for the accurate and timely collection of project revenue from the National ID Program (NIDP) or other funding entities based on agreed-upon contracts and monthly KPIs.
- Prepare and submit official invoices, financial reports, and supporting documentation as required for revenue drawdowns.
- Reconcile payments received against invoices and KPI achievement reports, following up on any discrepancies.
4.Advance & Cash Management:
- Manage the entire cycle of operational and travel advances issued to field staff, including initial disbursement, tracking, and timely reconciliation.
- Enforce strict policies for the settlement of advances, ensuring all supporting receipts are submitted and any remaining balances are recovered or accounted for.
- Monitor petty cash funds at HQ and support field-level cash management protocols.
5.Payroll Administration:
- In close collaboration with the HR department, manage the end-to-end monthly payroll process for all project staff (HQ and field).
- Accurately calculate gross salaries, incorporating all allowances, overtime, field per-diems, and performance-based incentives tied to KPIs.
- Ensure statutory deductions (pension, tax) and any other deductions are accurately calculated and remitted to the relevant authorities on time.
- Distribute pay slips and address employee queries related to payroll, in coordination with HR.
6.Financial Reporting & Compliance:
- Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and donor reports.
- Ensure all financial practices comply with organizational policies, donor agreements, and Ethiopian national financial regulations.
- Support internal and external audit processes by providing all requested documentation and explanations in a timely manner.
Required Qualifications & Skills:Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CPA) is a significant advantage.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or grants management, preferably within large-scale projects, NGOs, or donor-funded programs. Experience with payroll administration for a workforce of 500+ is highly desirable.
Technical Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Peachtree, SAP, and QuickBooks) and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas).
- In-depth understanding of budget management, financial reporting, and audit compliance.
- Strong knowledge of Ethiopian tax laws and payroll regulations.
Core Competencies:
- Meticulous Attention to Detail: Unwavering accuracy in data entry, calculations, and report generation.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and resolve discrepancies.
- High Integrity & Confidentiality: Proven ability to handle sensitive financial and payroll information with discretion.
- Organizational & Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks, meet strict deadlines, and manage a high-volume workflow.
- Communication Skills: Ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance staff and write clear reports.
Work Environment:This is a headquarters-based role that operates in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The officer will interact regularly with senior project management, technical teams, field administrative staff, and external partners. The role may require occasional overtime during financial closing periods or audits.
Disclaimer:This job description outlines the core duties and is not exhaustive. The Finance Officer may be required to perform other related tasks as assigned by management to meet the evolving needs of the FAYIDA project. Final authority on financial approvals rests with the Finance Manager and Project Manager.