Assistant Finance Officer – Kericho

Program/Department Summary:

The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Kericho & Nakuru 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.

General Position Summary:

Working in the Finance Department under the direction of the Finance Manager / Finance Officer, the Assistant Finance Officer will assist in the processing and recording of payment transactions in timely and accurate manner.

Essential Job Functions:

* Maintain custody of the office cash fund and make daily payments of approved transactions
* Prepare cash payment vouchers and ensure that all cash transactions are fully and properly documented
* Review expense reports (travel expense reports and operational expense reports) for accuracy and completeness and ensure that expense reports have been fully approved before payment
* Perform daily cash count with the Finance Officer or other person assigned
* Record payment vouchers daily in the cash subjournal
* Maintain the uncleared cash advance file and prepare past due advance report for the Finance Manager
* Prepare checks or wire transfer requests based on fully approved documents and present to approved check-signers for review and signature.
* Prepare bank payment vouchers and ensure that all bank transactions are properly and fully documented
* Record payment vouchers daily in the bank subjournal
* Prepare photocopies of vouchers and other supporting documents as required for the monthly reporting package to HQ Finance
* File all cash and bank vouchers and maintain voucher filing system such that files are updated, complete and safeguarded
* Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
* Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Country Finance Manager

Works Directly With: Senior Finance Officer, Finance Officers based in Eldoret and Nairobi offices and Program and Operations staff supporting Kericho and Nakuru offices.

Knowledge and Experience:

* Two or more years of bookkeeping, banking or cashiering experience
* A degree in accounting or a relevant business field is desirable.
* Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel
* Accuracy in the processing of cash transactions, mathematical aptitude and attention to detail
* Excellent oral and written English skills

Success Factors:

* A 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.
* A high level of personal integrity, honesty and transparency in all cash handling is absolutely 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.

If you meet the above requirements, are able to take up a position based in Thika or Kericho and are strongly motivated for working with Mercy Corps to youth empowerment in Kenya, please e-mail your application letter, concise CV, listing three (3) references (including a recent employer) with their e-mail or phone contacts to: hr@ke.mercycorps.org

Please indicate on the subject heading KERICHO for applications for position in Kericho and THIKA for applications in Thika.

Deadline for receiving applications will be 4:00 pm June 27, 2011.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.