Mercy Corps Finance Officer Job in Thika Kenya

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.  Driven by local needs, our programs provide communities in the world’s toughest places with the tools and support they need to turn the crises they confront into the opportunities they deserve.  Mercy Corps is looking for committed and dynamic individuals to take up the following position:Location: Thika

Program / Department Summary:

The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Thika, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance.  The Mercy Corps Finance Department ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures.  In its role as a support to the Program Department, the Finance Department provides timely reports and assistance to the Country Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.
General Position Summary:
Working in the Finance Department under the direction of the Finance Director, the Finance Officer will assist in the accounting and documentation of all financial transactions in timely and accurate manner. 

Essential Job Functions:

Prepare the monthly bank reconciliationsMaintain the bank file, ensuring that all bank information is properly filed and updatedIn the absence of the cashier, finance officer will maintain custody of the office cash fund, make daily payments of the approved transactions and other duties related to office cash handling ensuring proper segregation of duties is applied Review expense reports (travel expense reports and operational expense reports) for accuracy and completeness and ensure that expense reports have been fully approved and documented before paymentPrepare payment vouchers and ensure that all transactions are properly and fully documented and recorded in the cash/bank sub-journal and in this process proper segregation of duties is appliedRecord payment vouchers daily in the cash/bank sub-journal Maintain the lease and rental agreements file and prepare monthly amortization entries of prepaid accountsPrepare monthly payroll based on information provided from HR and timesheets; prepare payroll accrual entryMaintain benefits accrual documentation and prepare monthly benefits accrual entriesPrepare monthly expatriate payroll advance documentationPrepare the allocation journal entries (clearing of pool accounts)Assist with month end balance sheet account reconciliationsMake sure that all supporting documentation is prepared and filed according to MC procedures.Assist with sub-grant tracking, processing and updates of records as required.Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian missionOther duties as assigned.Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability/ Reports Directly To: Finance Director

Works Directly With: Finance Officer, Finance staff based in Nairobi office, Program and Operations staff supporting Mercy Corps activities in Central Province.

Knowledge and Experience:

Two or more years of accounting or bookkeeping experience, including experience with double-entry accountingA degree in accounting or a relevant business field Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly ExcelFamiliarity with computerized, double-entry accounting software Strong organizational skills as well as attention to detailExcellent oral and written English skillsA clear understanding of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.  The ability to interact effectively with international and national staff members is required.  A demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit on or before December 13, 2013 at 4.00 p.m. a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor) to hrkenya@ke.mercycorps.org

Applicants must clearly indicate on the email subject; The position and location they are applying for, e.g “Finance Officer-Thika” Applications without the right subject heading will be automatically disqualified. Please do not attach any certificates.

(ONLY Qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted)