Finance Coordinator at Search for Common Ground (SFCG)

Job Title: Finance Coordinator

Location: Sokoto

Duration: 24 months

About Search for Common Ground (SFCG):

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium, Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict – away from destructive approaches towards cooperative solutions. With more than 600 staff worldwide, Search implements projects in more than 30 countries across the globe.

Position Summary

The Finance Coordinator will report to the Country Finance Manager. He/she will oversee the financial aspect of the project by ensuring that accounts are up to date and that the grant meets the requirements of both the funders and SFCG. S/He will maintain accounting systems, provide financial analysis and other key management reports, and provide assistance with budget preparation.
S/he will directly supervise the Finance Assistant and ensure the finance support function is effectively delivered.
S/He will review procurement supporting documentation and conduct periodic compliance reviews. In addition, s/he would handle preparation of the consolidated Monthly Financial Reports, carry out account reconciliations and prepare Budget vs Actual reports for monthly review with Project Managers
The ideal candidate will have proven experience in financial and grant management in the INGO and nonprofit sectors, financial statement preparation and analysis, accounting system implementation, design, and workflows.
She/he will work closely with the Head of Program Implementation and the Project Manager, as well as with the Finance Team Lead in Abuja.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management:

Ensure proper documentation of transactions are kept in line with financial policies;
Ensure all financial documents are stored in hard copies and backed up by scanning into our backup system
Supervise and maintain SEARCH cash management, optimal bank balance, and bank reconciliation
Monitoring of funds to ensure availability for disbursements
Ensure timely reconciliation of bank accounts, advances, partner accounts, accruals, payroll, and severance, and ensure that data in books match data in the system (GP) on a monthly basis
Correspond with local bank and donors on all financial operational matters
Ensure regulatory reports and Tax obligations are properly prepared and timely reported
Prepare Monthly Financial Reports (MFR) for review by the CFM and upload into the Global Finance system
Ensure the Balance Sheet is reviewed and a schedule of outstanding balances is prepared and sent to the CFA for review
Prepare Budget Vs Actual Project reports and ensure monthly meetings are done with Project team
Prepare and organize internal and external audits
Ensure that Search and its partners have practices and policies that support easy audits
Facilitate timely audits and responses to auditors, both local and at headquarters
The position holder will conduct him/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Search and not jeopardize its mission and objectives;
Any other function assigned to him/her by the Supervisor.

Key Internal Relationships:

Country Finance Manager, Program Manager, and Head of Programmed Implementation.

Key External Relationships:

Finance and Program staff and donors.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, or Accounting is required.
Professional qualification in accounting (ACCA, ICAN, ANAN or equivalent)
Minimum five years of relevant work experience within an NGO, of which three years should be working with EU and/or US government funds. Experience working within an international NGO is a strong advantage.
Experience managing a portfolio of awards from multiple donors
Experience preparing for internal audits and implementing audit recommendations
Demonstrated ability to build capacity and lead training for staff and partners.
Proven ability to be an effective supervisor of staff of varying levels of responsibility
Proven ability in setting up and implementing accountability mechanisms
Proven ability in financial planning and developing budgets for new business
Excellent command of spoken and written English
Mastery of Excel is a must
Self-guided, strong organizational and planning skills
Ability to work independently and under pressure
Excellent communication, coaching and facilitation skills
Ability to travel up to 30% within Nigeria.