Finance and Project Accounts Officer
Posted 1 day ago
- Job description
- Position: Finance and Project Accounts Officer.
- Reports to: Finance Manager
- Location: Mogadishu, Somalia (with frequent Travels)
- Duration: 12 Months with Possible Extension.
- The Finance and Project Accounts Officer is responsible in support the Finance Manager in overseeing all financial operations, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, maintaining sound financial systems, and supporting the strategic direction of the organization. This role includes leadership in audits, organizational capacity assessments, strategic financial planning, and team supervision.
- 1. Financial Management and Strategic Oversight
- o Directly manage specified project accounts
- o Update, implement, and monitor financial policies, systems, and procedures. o Oversee the preparation and monitoring of organizational and project budgets. Ensure proper allocation of expenses to appropriate donor/project codes.
- o Manage cash flow forecasting and ensure availability of funds for operations.
- o Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data in QuickBooks and other systems.
- o Advise the Finance Manager and senior leadership on financial strategy, sustainability, and risk management.
- o Contribute to long-term financial planning and resource mobilization and strategies.
- 2. Audit Leadership and Compliance
- o Support the Finance Manager in leading the preparation and coordination of all internal, external, and donor audits. Ensure financial records are organized, up-to-date, and audit-ready at all times.
- Respond to audit queries and lead implementation of audit recommendations.
- o Maintain compliance with national laws, international accounting standards, and donor-specific requirements.
- o Serve as the finance focal point during donor reviews, audits, and funding negotiations.
- 3. Capacity Assessments and Donor Due Diligence
- o Support the financial component of institutional capacity assessments requested by donors or partners.
- o Provide accurate documentation and reports on financial systems, internal controls, and compliance.
- o Represent the finance function in donor due diligence and partner vetting processes.
- 4. Reporting and Budgeting
- o Coordinate with the Finance Manager and Executive Director in preparation of timely and accurately consolidated financial reports for management, board of directors, donors, partners and Annual Reports.
- o Develop and review donor budgets and support proposal development with accurate costing.
- o Monitor project expenditures against budgets and provide variance analysis.
- o Lead financial reporting presentations to donors, ensuring clarity, transparency, and alignment with donor expectations.
- 5. Digital Financial Systems and Automation
- o Lead in champion the use of digital financial systems i.e. QuickBooks, dashboards, and tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and real-time reporting.
- o Ensure continuous improvements and customization of financial systems to meet growing organizational needs.
- 6. Team Supervision and Capacity Building
- o Supervise finance staff including accountants and bookkeepers.
- o Ensure team members are trained on QuickBooks system, donor compliance, and financial procedures.
- o Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within the finance team.
- 7. Systems, Documentation, and Internal Controls
- o Maintain up-to-date financial records and ensure monthly backups of QuickBooks and other data systems.
- o Ensure financial documentation is properly filed, scanned, and archived according to policy.
- o Review and strengthen internal controls to safeguard organizational assets.
- o Ensure file naming conventions and financial documentation protocols are strictly followed.
- 8. Values and Ethical Financial Culture
- o Promote a financial culture rooted in accountability, transparency, and ethical stewardship of donor funds.
- o Ensure finance team practices align with organizational values, including inclusivity and local empowerment.
- 9. Operational Financial Controls and Expenditure Oversight
- o Review and approve all financial expenditures before processing and
- uploading on the payment portal.
- o Check and approve payrolls prepared by the HR department to ensure alignment with contracts and policies.
- o Sign off all invoices to be sent to donors and partners, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- o Monitor burn rates across projects and proactively follow up with program teams to ensure effective budget utilization.
- Skills and qualifications
- Education:
- · Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- · A master’s degree or professional certification is an added advantage.
- Experience:
- · Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in finance and accounting roles, preferably in NGO or project-based environments.
- · Minimum of 8 years of verifiable experience in use of Financial System including QuickBooks Online
- · Proven experience in budget management, donor reporting, and project financial coordination.
- · Preferable experience working with international donors such as USAID, EU, UN agencies, WFP, DFID, or others.
- Technical Skills:
- · Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and reporting standards.
- · Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics) and Excel (advanced level).
- · Familiarity with audit preparation, procurement compliance, and cost allocation principles.
- · Ability to develop and monitor budgets and cash flows for multiple projects.
- · Strong understanding of donor rules and financial guidelines.
- Competencies:
- · High attention to detail and accuracy.
- · Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- · Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- · Integrity, transparency, and ability to handle confidential information.
- · Excellent communication and reporting skills (written and verbal).
- How to apply
- Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and updated CV with three professional references and their contact details on via this email address: jobs@shaqodoon.org. Indicate the title of the position in the subject of your email “Finance and Project Accounts Officer- Mogadishu”. The deadline for submissions is 28th May 2025