Cashier Accountant

Introduction:

Positive Action for Development (PAD) is one of the most vibrant, rapidly expanding, and results-driven civil society organizations in Ethiopia. Positive Action for Development (PAD) is currently scaling up its intervention to focus on humanitarian, NEXUS, and development activities. This includes expanding PAD intervention throughout the country, including Addis Abeba, Amhara, Oromia, Harari, Afar, Somali, Tigray, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Ethiopia’s southern regional states.

Vision and Mission of PAD

• Vision: PAD strives to see a community of hope, humane, and social justice.
• Mission: PAD brings people together to work in partnerships; Promotes hope humanity and social justice for every human, life in all its fullness; improves the livelihoods of the disadvantageous groups for Social and Inclusive Economic Growth through actively engaging in positive actions promoting responsive care and support and fight the causes of poverty in Ethiopia”.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Cash Management & Transactions

• Serve as the primary custodian of petty cash, ensuring its safe and secure storage at all times in compliance with organizational security protocols.
• Process cash disbursements for approved operational expenses, including per diems, transportation costs, and minor procurement, strictly against approved payment vouchers and supporting documents.
• Collect and receipt all cash incoming to the office, such as program participant contributions, vendor deposits, or any other organizational revenue, issuing official receipts immediately.
• Ensure all cash transactions are accurately recorded in the cash book on a daily basis, with no discrepancies between physical cash and book balance.
• Perform daily cash counts, reconciling the physical cash balance with the cash book, and prepare a daily cash position report for the Finance Officer/Manager.

Payment Processing & Verification

• Review all payment requests for accuracy, completeness, mathematical correctness, and adherence to the authorized budget lines before disbursement.
• Verify that all supporting documentation (invoices, receipts, delivery notes, approval signatures) are in order and compliant with organizational and donor policies.
• Prepare and process checks and bank transfers for larger payments, ensuring they are correctly filled out and signed by authorized signatories.
• Coordinate with program and logistics staff to ensure timely payment for project activities, such as vendor settlements and participant incentives.

Record Keeping & Documentation

• Maintain a systematic and organized filing system for all financial documents, including payment vouchers, receipt books, bank statements, and petty cash logs.
• Ensure all financial documentation is properly labeled, sequentially numbered, and easily retrievable for internal reviews or external audits.
• Stamp all paid documents as “PAID” with the date to prevent duplicate payments.
• Assist in the preparation of documentation for monthly financial closures and audit exercises.

Banking & Reconciliation

• Prepare bank deposit slips and make daily cash deposits as per organizational policy to minimize cash held on-site.
• Liaise with the bank on behalf of the organization for routine transactions, obtaining statements, and managing change requirements.
• Assist in the monthly bank reconciliation process by providing cleared checks and deposit details to the finance team.

Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure strict adherence to the organization’s Finance Manual, Anti-Fraud Policy, and Donor Compliance Guidelines.
• Uphold the principles of transparency and accountability to affected populations (AAP) by ensuring program participants receive correct and timely payments.
• Immediately report any instances of fraud, bribery, or discrepancy to the Finance Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all financial information and transactions of the organization and its beneficiaries.

Core Competencies

• High level of integrity, honesty, and professional ethics.
• Strong attention to detail and a high degree of numerical accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, sometimes fluid, operational environment.
• Proactive, disciplined, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively within a diverse team.

Technical Competencies

• Proven experience in cash handling, basic bookkeeping, or financial administration.
• Solid understanding of basic accounting principles and internal controls.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly strong Excel skills (spreadsheets, formulas, basic data analysis).
• Experience using accounting software (e.g., Peachtree, QuickBooks, Odoo, or other ERP systems) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of petty cash management and documentation standards.

Essential Qualifications

Education:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2–3 years of relevant work experience as a Cashier, Accountant, or Finance Assistant, preferably within an NGO, humanitarian organization, or corporate environment.

Language:

• Fluency in English and Amharic (written and spoken) is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the operational area is a distinct advantage.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in basic accounting software and advanced MS Excel.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working in the Amhara Region or similar remote field locations in Ethiopia.
• Familiarity with donor compliance requirements (e.g., ShelterBox, UN, ECHO) regarding financial documentation.
• Experience with mobile money transfers or digital payment systems for cash-based interventions.
• Basic understanding of procurement and supply chain processes in Ethiopia.
• Strong numerical reconciliation skills and experience preparing financial summaries.
• Knowledge of Ethiopian tax regulations and withholding tax procedures.