Finance Intern job at Heifer International

The Organization

Since 1944, Heifer International has supported more than 46 million Small Holder Farmer (SHF) families globally lift themselves out of hunger and poverty while caring for the earth in partnership with the communities we serve including Youth & Women. Heifer International is now accelerating its strategic approaches to closing the Sustainable Living Income (SLI) gap for 10 million additional SHF households globally by 2030.

Function

The Finance Intern will support accounting management within the Regional Office at Heifer Africa to ensure compliance with the global accounting policies and local requirements. This is a hands-on role that involves providing support in payment processing, invoice verification, audit support, and financial record management. This is a learning opportunity that provides practical exposure to financial controls, compliance, and coordination with cross-functional teams, including Administration and Procurement within a global, multi-country nonprofit environment.

Responsibilities & Deliverables

A. Payment Processing and Invoice Verification (40%)

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with the Administration and Procurement teams to verify documentation for vendor payments.
• Support the review of invoices to confirm accuracy, validity, and compliance with organizational requirements.
• Assist the Regional Finance team with payment processing and invoice verification to ensure timely and accurate disbursements.

Learning Outcomes:

• Practical understanding of end-to-end payment processing workflows.
• Ability to verify invoices and supporting documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Improved knowledge of internal financial controls and approval processes.
• Exposure to cross-functional coordination in financial operations.

B. Audit, Compliance, and Regulatory Support (30%)

Responsibilities:

• Participate in audits and compliance reviews by providing documentation, conducting basic research, and assisting with audit preparations.
• Support compliance with Nigeria laws, regulations, IFRS, and local GAAP in financial documentation and processes.
• Assist in addressing audit queries by retrieving relevant financial records and information.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding of audit processes and compliance requirements in a nonprofit organization.
• Exposure to IFRS and local GAAP application in financial operations.
• Improved attention to detail and documentation standards.
• Practical experience supporting internal and external audits.

C. Financial Records Management and Documentation (20%)

Responsibilities:

• Maintain an efficient filing and retrieval system for financial and accounting records on a weekly basis.
• Ensure financial records are complete, accurate, well-organized, and compliant with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Support the Finance team in maintaining orderly and up-to-date financial documentation.

Learning Outcomes:

• Competence in financial record-keeping and documentation management.
• Understanding the importance of data accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
• Improved organizational and information management skills.

D. Other Assigned Tasks (10%)

Responsibilities:

• Perform any other finance-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and ad hoc finance projects as required.

Learning Outcomes:

• Exposure to broader finance functions and regional operations.
• Increased adaptability and problem-solving skills in a dynamic work environment.
• Enhanced collaboration and professional development.

Minimum Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Finance or Accounting or a related field.

Most Critical Proficiencies

• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience including internships or volunteer work in Finance, Accounting, or related fields.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively, tactfully, and diplomatically within a culturally diverse group of people.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret, analyse trends, and draw meaningful insights from both financial and non-financial data.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial documentation.
• Familiarity with invoice processing and payment support is an added advantage.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour in all work-related activities.
• Enthusiasm for learning and willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

Key Behavioral Competencies

• Accountability
• Professional Excellence
• Humility
• Customer Orientation
• Empathy
• Innovation

• Coordinate with the Administration and Procurement teams to verify documentation for vendor payments.
• Support the review of invoices to confirm accuracy, validity, and compliance with organizational requirements.
• Assist the Regional Finance team with payment processing and invoice verification to ensure timely and accurate disbursements.
• Participate in audits and compliance reviews by providing documentation, conducting basic research, and assisting with audit preparations.
• Support compliance with Nigeria laws, regulations, IFRS, and local GAAP in financial documentation and processes.
• Assist in addressing audit queries by retrieving relevant financial records and information.
• Maintain an efficient filing and retrieval system for financial and accounting records on a weekly basis.
• Ensure financial records are complete, accurate, well-organized, and compliant with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Support the Finance team in maintaining orderly and up-to-date financial documentation.
• Perform any other finance-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and ad hoc finance projects as required.

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Analytical mindset
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial documentation
• Familiarity with invoice processing and payment support
• Detail-oriented
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour
• Enthusiasm for learning
• Willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Finance or Accounting or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience including internships or volunteer work in Finance, Accounting, or related fields.