Finance and Compliance Officer

Organizational Profile:

 MERSA Media Institute is a nonprofit media policy think tank. We work to help create vibrant, responsible, and independent media institutions, professional unions, and education centers through research, capacity building, and institutional support in Ethiopia.

Position Summary:

The Finance and Compliance Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial integrity and compliance of the projects. This position will be responsible for financial management, compliance monitoring, and reporting. The officer will work closely with the project team, stakeholders, and donors to ensure smooth financial operations and adherence to all relevant regulations and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise day to day accounting and reporting in order to maintain accurate financial records, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Ensure proper filing of documents by archiving, organizing, and updating financial documents both in hard and soft formats.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Oversee and manage financial transactions, including payments, receipts, and bank reconciliations.
• Check bank balance regularly and request replenishment when the expenditure reaches 75%.
• Reconcile financial discrepancies by collecting and analyzing account information.
• Monitor and control expenses to ensure adherence to budget guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and donor requirements.
• Review and ensure accuracy of all the financial data entered and timely closure of the accounts every month.
• Conduct regular reviews and audits to ensure compliance with grant terms and conditions.
• In close coordination with the project team, prepare the monthly cash forecast and cash request for all projects to ensure cash flow.
• Manage petty cash transactions, including receiving, disbursing, and reconciling petty cash funds.
• Process payments directly to suppliers, other vendors and other agencies.
• Develop and implement internal control systems to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.
• Conduct monthly internal thorough audit due diligence and report to management.
• Participate in project meetings to review financial status and assist in decision-making related to budgeting and expenditures.
• Respond to inquiries from donors and auditors in a timely and professional manner.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the project team, stakeholders, and finance departments.
• Communicate effectively with project team members to ensure financial information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Coordinate with external auditors and consultants to facilitate smooth audits and reviews.
• Detect and report to management any irregularity and/or major audit finding that required special attention or management action.
• Provide financial guidance and training to project staff, ensuring proper implementation of financial procedures.
• Assist in the procurement process, including selection, purchase order generation, and invoice verification.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement transactions.
• Perform any other related task as may be assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in financial management and compliance, with at least 2 years specifically within the NGO sector.
• Professional accounting qualification and work experience in due diligence and audit preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices.
• Proven work experience in financial softwares (e.g., QuickBooks).
• Training in IPSAS.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and requirements.
• A passion for contributing to the project’s mission and goals.
• Trustworthy and dependable.