Finance Assistant Job Vacancy in Kakuma, Kenya - Jesuit Refugee Service

JOB VACANCY

Job Title: Finance Assistant -Kakuma

Location: Kakuma, Kenya

Reporting to: Project Finance

Officer Date: Immediately

Description

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, that they may heal, learn, and determine their own future. Founded in November 1980 as a work of the Society of Jesus, JRS was officially registered on 19 March 2000 in Vatican City as a foundation. JRS is present in over 56 countries worldwide, providing services to more than 811,884 individuals. The work is overseen by 10 regional offices with support from the International Office in Rome. In Kenya, JRS has two projects: an urban refugee project in Nairobi focussing on Education and Livelihoods and field project in Kakuma Refugee Camp focussing on Education, Integrated psychosocial inclusive Education programme in Centres and Safe Shelters. Operational Context/Role Finance Assistant will be responsible for all financial aspects of JRS organisation. He/she will manage the budgets, prepare financial reports, and ensure that all financial transactions are conducted legally and ethically. Female applicants are encouraged to apply.

Reporting to Project Finance Officer, this is a fixed term contract type for 8 Months and is based in Kakuma, Kenya.

Child Safeguarding and PSEA commitments

JRS has zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and takes seriously all concerns and complaints about sexual exploitation and abuse against children and vulnerable adults by JRS personnel. JRS is committed to Safeguard children and vulnerable adults and has policies which outline the expected behaviour, code of conduct and responsibility of all persons acting on behalf of JRS (Staff, consultants, volunteers, interns, Pastoral team and other representatives). All staff working for JRS are expected to abide by these policies and guideline.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure timely bank & Cash payments for bills and account payables.

• Maintain accurate records of financial transactions by ensuring all accounting data are Recorded, fully supported and reconciled.

• Review and account for procurement transactions to ensure adequate supporting documentation, accuracy of amounts and Internal control over payments.

• Assist the Project Officer in budget controls and monitor cash flow for all project activities.

• Assist the Project Finance Officer in preparation of Monthly, Quarterly and Annual reports as required by the project.

• Assist the program coordinators in developing annual procurement plans tailored to monitor each programs monthly spending. • Managing Petty cash and ensuring that all the expenditure is fully supported in compliance with JRS Finance, Procurement and HR policies.

• Monthly payroll processing for Incentive staffs.

• Monthly tracking of Budget spending against available Donor Funds.

• Compute government taxes in strict compliance of government regulations.

• Playing the role of financial advisor to the Project Director and Programs Team by providing sound financial advice, management, and accounting strategies to optimize the organization’s financial performance and strategic position.

• Maintaining the projects Asset register and ensuring that all Acquired Assets are tagged, posted in the systems and included in the asset Register.

• Ensuring the all the requirements for internal and external audit are met and reporting to the country Finance officer of the progress.

• Reinforce financial data confidentiality and conduct database backups when necessary.

• Compliance with JRS financial policies and Regulations.

• Other General Book keeping duties as will be defined delegated by the Finance offier.

• Any other Duty as delegated or assigned by the Project Finance officer.

Person Specification – Essential Requirements

E) Qualification

BCOM University degree / C P A p a r t 2

(E) Experience

• At least three (3) years of professional experience in NGO and/or international organization

• Excellent knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures, including the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• Good knowledge and experience in employment law, compensation, benefits administration, employee relations, security and safety, staff training and development;

• Hands-on experience with accounting software like Microsoft Navision

• Advanced MS Excel skills including Vlookups and pivot tables

• Strong attention to detail and good analytical skills

• Previous experience with a faith-based NGO is an added advantage

(E) Skills

• Very good pastoral sense and listening abilities and communication/inter-personal skills;

• Good understanding of and commitment to humanitarian relief work and international development;

• High degree of discretion, tact and confidentiality in dealing with internal and external clients and stakeholders at all levels;

• Ability to positively influence others and successfully reconcile differences;

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;

• Ability to work in international settings and with various departments to implement successful approaches in Human Resources;

• A self-starter with a strong results orientation and with high levels of integrity, credibility and dependability;

• An energetic team player who can effectively collaborate, and who can stand alone when necessary;

• Demonstrated ability and experience of working in a multi-cultural environment with good multicultural sensitivities and in a flexible environment;

• Willingness and ability to travel to the regional country offices, when appropriate, for project monitoring visits and live a simple lifestyle;

• Demonstrated ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines.

• Good computer skills, including competence in Excel and familiarity with other databases;

• Good organizational skills and ability to perform multifaceted tasks in addition to day-to-day activities;

• Good analytical skills and sound judgement;

• Successful experience in multicultural and challenging environments.

• Willingness to work and travel to refugee settings in challenging environments.

(E) Qualities

• Good understanding of and compatibility with the values of JRS;

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; the ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity.

• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information.

• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value;

(E) Other

• This position requires frequent travel to the field location

How to apply

HOW TO APPLY

. All applicants are required to submit the application in the link, click here to apply. Application Deadline is on 10th April 2023. Due to urgency to fill this position; shortlisting will be done on rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Thank you for your interest in joining JRS.