Finance Officer – Internal /External

Position:  Finance Officer

Reports To: Finance Coordinator

Employment Type:  Full-time Eight (8) Month contract

Required number for the position: One

Job Purpose:

The finance officer is responsible for managing the organization’s day-to-day financial operations, including cash handling, payments, receipts, basic accounting, and financial record keeping. The position ensures that all financial transactions are accurate, properly documented, and in line with the organization’s financial policies, donor requirements, and national regulations. The role also supports budget control, reporting, and smooth financial operations at office and field level.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Accounting

• Record all financial transactions accurately in cash book and accounting systems.
• Maintain proper financial documentation and filling (Voucher, receipts, invoices, contracts).
• Prepare payment vouchers and ensure all supporting documents are complete and approved.
• Assist in preparation of monthly financial reports and bank/cash reconciliations.
•  Support budget monitoring and track expenditures against approved budgets.
• Ensure proper coding of expense in line with budget lines and donor requirements.

Cash and payment management

• Receive, safeguard, and disburse cash according to approved procedures.
• Maintain daily cash balance and perform daily cash counts.
• Issue official receipts for all cash received.
• Prepare and process payments to staff, suppliers, and service providers.
• Manage petty cash in line with organizational policies.
• Ensure safe custody of cash and financial instruments.

Banking & treasury

• Prepare and process bank deposits, withdrawals, and transfers.
• Maintain accurate bank records and support bank reconciliation.
• Follow up on outstanding advances and ensure timely liquidation.
• Liaise with banks for routine transactions and documentation.

Compliance, Controls, & Audit support

• Ensure all financial transactions comply with organizational policies, donor rules, and Ethiopian regulations.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documents and explanations.
• Maintain proper internal controls and segregation of duties as applicable.
• Report any financial irregularities or risks to the supervisor.

Procurement & Logistics finance support (Finance side)

• Verify procurement requests and supporting documents before payment.
• Ensure payments are made only for approved and properly received goods/service.
• Support contract payment schedules and retainage where applicable.
• Coordinate with logistics/procurement teams on supplier documentation and payments.

Reporting, Documentation & Records Management

• Maintain organized and up-to-date financial files (Hard copy and soft copy)
• Prepare financial summaries and cash status reports for management.
• Ensure timely submission of financial documents to head office or donors.
• Archive financial records according to organizational and legal requirements.

Field Operations Support (for Field-Based Position)

• Handle Project site payments and cash management in compliance with policies.
• Support staff advances, per diem, and travel expense settlements.
• Provide basic finance guidance to field staff on documentation and procedures.
• Ensure timely reporting of field financial activities to head office.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor degree in accounting and related Filed.
• Basic training or certificate in accounting software (e.g Peachtree, QuickBooks, Excel) is advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in finance, accounting, or similar roles.
• Prior experience working with NGOs, projects, or donor- funded programs is strong advantage.
• Experience working in field/project locations is an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Strong skill in basic accounting and book keeping.
• Good cash handling and payment processing skill.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic computer applications.
• Ability to prepare and organize financial documents and records.
• Basic knowledge of NGO financial procedures and donor compliance.
• Ability to work with accounting software (E.g Peachtree, QuickBooks, or similar).

Key Competencies:

• Integrity & Trustworthiness- handles cash and financial information honestly and responsibly.
• Attention & Detail- Maintain high accuracy in records, payments, and documentation.
• Accountability – takes responsibility for tasks and financial resources.
• Respect for organizational rules, safety and humanitarian principles.

Work Conditions:

• Based in Chifra /Abala Woreda, with frequent field visits to project locations.
• May require working in remote and challenging environments

Safeguarding and Compliance 

• Ensuring compliance with IHS`s PSEA, Child safeguarding, Anti-fraud and others policies.
• Ensuring Code of conduct and prevention from sexual exploitation and abuse policies and uphold the highest standards according to her/his area of responsibility.