Finance Officer - NRC (Norwegian Refugee Council)

Finance Officer - NRC (Norwegian Refugee Council) 

Job Description

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for the displaced people. Norwegian Refugee council (NRC) Ethiopia Programme is inviting applications from interested and qualified Ethiopian Nationals to fill the following vacancy that exist at Addis Ababa office.

Job Title:                               Finance Officer                  
Reporting to:                  FAM      
Supervises:                    Finance Assistant               
Department/Section:     Support Unit
Job Based at:                Addis Ababa        
Job Grade:                     C6 (V1)
Remuneration:                    Attractive

Job Purpose Summary
To ensure the finance department in Addis functions efficiently in the area of financial accounting, management, monitoring and reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure that accurate and timely accounts are completed to finance RO as well as HQ every two weeks in accordance with NRC financial policies and procedures.
• Ensure safe custody of an adequate amount of petty cash float, to be issued in accordance with NRC policies and procedures.
• Responsible for implementing and monitoring of internal controls in order to ensure consistency of financial policies of NRC Ethiopia office.
• Conduct financial and systems reviews with FO-Funding both in the Addis office and at the field offices to: 1) Ascertain the extent of compliance with the CO established policies, plans and procedures, 2) Ensure the CO meets all external regulations and requirements set by the various governments we work in, financial donors and other humanitarian standards 3) Identify areas of risk exposure and address risks identified 4) Ensure the funds, assets and other resources are not misappropriated and misused, and 5) Ensure the existence and proper custody of the assets and recommend appropriate improvements in the accountability and safeguarding of the assets and the reliability of management data developed and reported.
• Assemble documents for data input in the accounting system, verifying project numbers/codes, resource numbers and total costs.
• Review payment requests for accuracy, completeness, compliance, level of authorisation and clarity on the invoices.
• Ensure financial reports from the field offices are timely received and put into the accounting system
• 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, and also ensure that accountabilities are prompt and cleared before reports are sent to Nairobi/Oslo.
• Prepare monthly BRS and PS and, coordinate with FAM for fund transfer from HQ Oslo. 
• Responsible to follow up NRC bills for timely settlement.
• Make all payments including field payments after approval by the Head of Office and after compiling and verifying the accuracy of necessary documents.
• Coordinate financial matters with third parties like banks, vendors and tax authorities
• Responsible for monthly check on 70/30 regulations.
• Supervise Finance Assistant in Addis Ababa office.
• Maintain open communication with FAM, program staff and others for all financial clarifications
• Any other duties assigned by supervisor.

Job Requirements

Qualifications and Competences

Academic and Professional Qualifications:       

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance or Accounting
• Certified Public Accountant

Relevant Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience
• 1 year 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
• Good knowledge of financial reporting systems in donor funded work
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Ability to function independently and as a work team leader/facilitator
• Excellent computer skills with hands on experience on computerized accounting systems; and Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

 
Key Relationships

Internal Contacts:

• Finance Assistant
• Finance staff in Addis
• Project Managers
• Logistics Staff

External Contacts:

• Donor representatives
• Auditors
• Contractors
• Vendors

All employees of the Norwegian Refugee Council should be able to adhere to our Codes of Conduct and the four organizational values: Dedicated, innovative, inclusive and accountable.
 
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria are invited to send their application letters including updated curriculum vitae with photocopies of the most relevant certificates/testimonials, day-time telephone number and contact details of three work-related referees through only the following three options:

1. NRC Addis Ababa Office, P.O. Box 25612 Code 1000, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2. Hand delivery to NRC Addis Ababa office located around Atlas Hotel, Cape Verde Street, next to Green View Restaurant, WMA Sets Building 1st floor
3. Through www.ethiojobs.net website.

Please indicate in the left hand top-corner of the application envelope the position you are applying for. Applications should reach NRC latest by 3rd December, 2013 at 5:00 pm. 
NB: only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.
 
“Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply”