Finance Officer

Role of position in the organization:

The position will function as a key liaison and support point within finance as well as for programme in relation to financial operations, grant management and budget monitoring.

Reporting Line:

The Finance Officer will directly report to the Finance Coordinator.

Key working relationships:

Internal: Finance Coordinator, Manager Finance, Budget Holders, Country Director, staff of WaterAid in Pakistan.

External: Partners, consultants, Auditors, sector stakeholders and other NGOs.

Job Purpose:

The purpose of the Finance Officer (FO) post is to manage the operational activities and provide necessary technical support to Finance Coordinator and prepare financial reports as per WAP requirements for effective financial management of the WaterAid Pakistan country programme and to ensure that the WaterAid financial policies and procedures are implemented in a standardized manner.

Accounts and Financial Reporting 

To review day to day payments, adjustments, books of accounts are kept up to date and tidy all times and deal with other day to day accounting matters such that financial information is readily available to serve needs of all WaterAid.

Performance standards

• To manage the finance department activities and schedules to meet the financial reporting requirements and deadlines specified by WaterAid headquarters in UK as notified by UK and/or as mentioned in WA finance policy document.
• To ensure that on monthly basis balance sheet reconciliations (including cash, bank, accrual, receivables, and payables) are completed so that monthly management accounts can be issued by 13thworking day.
• Assist FC in coordination with external/internal audits
• Preparation of payment voucher, filing of vouchers & preparing excel sheets for data entry into SUN and bank uploads
• Preparation/Review of balance sheet monthly schedules like receivable / payable, rent/lease, severance & effort reporting
• To ensure payments of staff salaries before end of each month
• To ensure that all staff final settlements are processed and completed within a week of receipt to Finance

Payments Cash and Bank  

• Management of financial resources by carrying out receipts & payments and petty cash.
• Process payments to suppliers, against bills submitted. Ensure adequate financial resources are always available to the office. Make sure the payment of legal obligation on time to concerned department. 

Performance standards

• Ensure accuracy of financial transactions/payments in terms of code allocations, sufficient supporting evidence, timeliness and appropriate approvals
• Minimum cash and bank balances are maintained at bank and in petty cash.
• Updating cash and bank book on daily basis.
• Payment to the supplier within one week after approval
• Clearance of advance on time and need to do regular follow-up for clearance of due advance
• Correct and timely payments made as per Finance guidelines.
• Adequate cash and bank balances to meet forecasted expenses
• Payment of tax, EOBI or any other legal obligation on time as per legal requirement.

Support & Capacity Building:

• Assist Finance Coordinator in partner due diligence process
• Assist Finance coordinator review partner monthly financial reports
• Ensure timely transfer of Advances to partners
• Undertake special projects and duties as assigned by the line manager.

Education 

Essential

Desirable

Knowledge

The incumbent must be proficient in:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and International Financial Reporting Standards. Practical knowledge of financial systems, internal financial controls and procedures.
• Donor reporting requirements
• Preparation of financial reports 

The incumbent must be proficient in:

• Computerized accounting program - SUN Financials and Vision Excel
• Good Knowledge of compliance issues of major bilateral and corporate donors including but not limited to EU, FCDO, GAC and UN

Education & Experience

• Requires a Master’s degree in Accounting or a related field and at least 2 years of experience preferably in INGOs accounting and grants management experience.
• Must be computer literate with a comprehensive knowledge of MS, Excel & accounts packages
• Good communication & team building skills 
• MBA, ICMA or ACCA qualified is desirable
• Knowledge of development issues & concepts
• Experience in major donor regulations such as EU, UNICEF, GAC and FCDO funding streams is highly preferable.
• Advanced Computer skills including the ability to operate and manage computerized financial Systems, spreadsheet and word- processing programs

Knowledge & skills Skill

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• S/He must be a good problem-solver, analytical, innovative, a team builder and adaptable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Well-developed accounting skills
• Analytical/Problem solving skills
• Decision making skills
• Active team player.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Willing to travel to remote field areas with basic living conditions.
• Good Report writing skill·   
• Effective verbal and listening communications skills
• Ability to work with diverse people/teams and collaborate with different stakeholders and groups where required
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Effective organizational skills
• Effective written communications skills
• Ability to work under pressure often to strict deadlines

WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust. WaterAid reinforces a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind. The safeguarding of our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf, is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff and volunteers are required to share in this commitment through our Global Code of Conduct. We will conduct the most appropriate preemployment references and checks to ensure high standards are maintained.

WaterAid is an equal opportunities, disability-confident employer and committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, fairness and equality.