Finance Assistant

Introduction

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income-generating activities, and a wide range of other assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system and national legislations. Smooth, reliable and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries

Background

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015 and has experience working in 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the BAY states. DRC provides life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including IDPs, returnees, and host communities in the sectors of armed violence reduction, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

The operational context in northeastern Nigeria remains challenging, as the ongoing conflict impedes conflict-affected communities’ access to what limited basic services are available, as well as DRC and other humanitarians’ access to persons of concern.

Purpose

As a Finance Assistant/Cashier in Danish Refugee Council Nigeria, you will play a crucial role in managing financial transactions, handling cash, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures. Your responsibilities will include:

Duties and Responsibilities

• Managing cash transactions, including receiving, disbursing, and recording funds in the cash/safe box.
• Maintaining accurate and organized records of all cash transactions, including receipts, vouchers, and bank deposit slips. Recording and documenting all cash transactions accurately in accordance with DRC’s Operational Handbook.
• Updating cash book, cash log sheets and bank books on daily basis, reconciling cash balances and verifying discrepancies between cash on hand, cash log sheet and cash book. Conducting daily cash counts to ensure accuracy and completeness of cash balances. Verifying cash on hand against transaction records and receipts.
• Identifying and investigating any discrepancies in cash counts and reporting findings to the finance manager.
• Preparing and processing of cash disbursements, including petty cash reimbursements and cash advances for staff. Reconciliation of cash advances at each month end, sending reminders to the relevant staff for settlement of advance while ensuring all advances are settled at each month end.
• Assisting with bank-related activities, such as depositing funds, withdrawing cash, and preparing bank reconciliation statements.
• Supporting the finance team with administrative tasks, including filing documents, data entry, and assisting with financial reporting.
• Collaborating with Area Offices and Field Offices as per the instructions from the supervisor on matter related to month end, compliance with donor requirements, financial regulations, and organizational policies.
• Providing assistance and support during audits and financial reviews as needed.
• Assisting the finance officer in preparation and submission of monthly and annual tax returns to FRIS.
• Supporting the finance team with administrative tasks, including filing documents, data entry, and assisting with financial reporting.
• Taking minutes of meetings of finance meetings as assigned, ensuring accuracy and completeness in documenting discussions, action items, and next steps.
• Any other task assigned by the Supervisor or Finance Manager

The responsibilities listed in the Job Description are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs by the Finance Manager but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Required Qualifications

Required

• Technical College or University degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related Field
• Minimum 3 Years Previous experience in cash handling, cashiering, or finance-related roles is preferred. Previous INGO experience would be a plus
• Familiarity with financial management systems and procedures.
• Strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of donor regulations and compliance requirements is an advantage.
• Experience and willingness to work in the field in volatile and insecure areas.
• Experience living and working in a cross-cultural, multi-sector, team environment
• Ability to work well under pressure and in adverse conditions.
• Demonstrated commitment and strict adherence to confidentiality
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal).
• Proficiency in common computer packages i.e. Word, Excel, Power point etc
• Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English

Desirable

• Working knowledge Microsoft Dynamics

Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • Striving for excellence
  • Collaboration
  • Taking the lead
  • Communication
  • Demonstrating Integrity
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and Organizational skills is a must
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented & good sense of humor

General Regulations

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request

Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.

Applications close on the 7th of February 2025 at midnight (GMT-time). Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.