Finance Officer job at COBURWAS International Youth Organization to Transform Africa (CIYOTA)

Job summary

The Finance Officer is responsible for ensuring effective financial management of project funds through proper budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls, in line with organizational policies and donor requirements. The officer will report to the finance manager.

This position is subject to the program funding approval. Shortlisting and interviews may be conducted in advance; however, appointments will only be confirmed upon successful funding of the program.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Budget Management

• Prepare, monitor, and manage project budgets in line with approved donor agreements.
• Track project expenditures to ensure spending remains within approved budgets.
• Support budget revisions and reallocations where necessary.

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project financial records and documentation.
• Process payments, vouchers, advances, and reimbursements in compliance with financial procedures.
• Prepare timely and accurate project financial reports for management and donors.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and end-of-project financial reporting.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and statutory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and implement audit recommendations.
• Ensure adequate financial controls are in place to minimize risk and fraud.

Cash & Bank Management

• Manage project cash flow and forecast funding needs.
• Prepare bank reconciliations and, where applicable, manage project bank accounts.
• Monitor advances and ensure timely accountability.

Capacity Building & Coordination

• Provide financial guidance to project staff and partners.
• Support partner financial monitoring and capacity strengthening.
• Work closely with program and operations teams to ensure financial alignment with project activities.

Requirements

Key Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A professional qualification (CPA, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• At least 2–4 years of experience in project or grant finance management.
• Experience working with donor-funded projects (NGOs/INGOs).
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
• Proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks and MS Excel.
• High level of integrity and attention to detail.

Key Competencies

• Financial analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong understanding of donor compliance requirements

• Prepare, monitor, and manage project budgets in line with approved donor agreements.
• Track project expenditures to ensure spending remains within approved budgets.
• Support budget revisions and reallocations where necessary.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project financial records and documentation.
• Process payments, vouchers, advances, and reimbursements in compliance with financial procedures.
• Prepare timely and accurate project financial reports for management and donors.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and end-of-project financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and statutory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and implement audit recommendations.
• Ensure adequate financial controls are in place to minimize risk and fraud.
• Manage project cash flow and forecast funding needs.
• Prepare bank reconciliations and, where applicable, manage project bank accounts.
• Monitor advances and ensure timely accountability.
• Provide financial guidance to project staff and partners.
• Support partner financial monitoring and capacity strengthening.
• Work closely with program and operations teams to ensure financial alignment with project activities.

• Financial analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong understanding of donor compliance requirements
• Proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks and MS Excel.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A professional qualification (CPA, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• High level of integrity and attention to detail.