Finance Assistant-Nairobi at Mercy Corps

• The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Nairobi, Lodwar, Maralal, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Garissa Offices, 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.

The Position

• Working in the Finance Department under the direction and support of the Senior Finance Officer - Nairobi - and will assist in the processing and recording of payment transactions in the accounting system, proper filing and archiving. 

Essential Responsibilities

Financial management

• Prepare cash payment vouchers and ensure that all cash transactions are fully and properly documented in relation to batch assigned in the Finance System.
• Perform daily cash count with the Finance Officer, Snr Finance Officer or other person assigned.
• Record payment vouchers daily in the cash sub-journal for the batch assigned.
• Maintain the uncleared cash advance file and prepare past due advance report for the Finance officer or Snr Finance Officer on monthly basis.
• Support Finance officer/Snr Finance Officer to record payment vouchers daily in the bank and cash sub journal assigned.
• Responsible for gathering transaction documents required for donor reporting.
• Assist with audit related requirements (timely documents retrieval, filing after audit completion, proving additional assistance as necessary)
• Assist with scanning, copying, printing, and uploading of financial documents on relevant folders including monthly payments and vouchers for posting by the main office.
• Any other duty may be assigned.

Filing & Archiving

• Responsible for filing all cash and bank vouchers and maintaining voucher filing system such that files are updated, complete and safeguarded. Ensure all finance documents are properly labelled, filed and stored in a clear and easily accessible manner following Field Finance Manual
• Assist with Sub-grant management and organizing sub-grant files.

Tax

• Support Finance Officer/Snr Finance Officer with processing of withholding VAT and withholding tax as per KRA regulations including scanning copies to the main office on weekly basis.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

SAFEGUARDING

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

Reports Directly To: Senior Finance Officer

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• A potential Degree in accounting or a relevant business field is desirable.  
• A minimum of CPA 2 or equivalent.
• Computer skills in accounting software and MS Office programs, particularly Excel 
• Accuracy in the processing of cash transactions, mathematical aptitude and attention to detail
• Good oral and written English skills