About the Organization
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.
Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes the U.S. Department of State, the European Union (EU), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the United Nations (UN), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN), Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA), and a range of other institutional and private foundations.
Job Summary
The Finance Officer supports effective financial management of EALBSP-Ethiopia by ensuring accurate, timely and well-documented financial transactions, reliable accounting records, budget monitoring and appropriate financial controls. Working within Mercy Corps Ethiopia Finance systems and under the direct supervision of the Field Program Coordinator – Bahir Dar, with technical reporting to the Finance and Subaward Specialist – EALBSP, the position supports field programme teams with financial information, cash-flow planning, budget-versus-actual review, payment processing, reconciliations and financial documentation required for sound programme delivery and donor compliance. The Finance Officer works closely with the Field Program Coordinator, programme and support teams, and implementing partners as appropriate, helping ensure that programme resources are used responsibly, efficiently and in accordance with Mercy Corps policies, FCDO requirements and applicable Ethiopian laws and regulations.
Key Responsibilities
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING
Process and record assigned program financial transactions accurately and on time, ensuring correct coding and complete supporting documentation.
Review payment requests and supporting documents to confirm accuracy, allowability, completeness, correct calculations and approval in line with Mercy Corps Approval Authority Matrix requirements before processing.
Support timely processing of bank payments, transfers, staff advances, settlements, journals and other authorized financial transactions in accordance with established schedules and procedures.
Monitor assigned program bank and cash accounts, where applicable, and promptly follow up on balances, incoming funds, rejected payments and other account issues.
Prepare and/or support monthly reconciliations of assigned balance-sheet and program accounts, including any required reclassifications and follow-up actions.
Support monthly amortization of prepaid expenses and other routine accounting adjustments, ensuring they are properly documented and submitted for review and posting.
Maintain complete, orderly and retrievable finance files and bank documentation in accordance with Mercy Corps document-retention and audit requirements.
BUDGET MONITORING AND PROGRAMME SUPPORT
Support preparation and regular updating of program cash-flow forecasts and other financial planning information required for timely implementation.
Monitor expenditure against approved EALBSP-Ethiopia budgets and workplans, identify significant variances or emerging funding pressures, and bring them promptly to the attention of the Finance and Subaward Specialist, Field Program Coordinator and relevant finance leadership.
Prepare and support regular budget-versus-actual reviews with the Finance and Subaward Specialist, Field Program Coordinator and program teams, providing clear financial information to support decision-making and corrective action.
Work with program staff to strengthen alignment between approved activities, budgets, procurement plans, coding and expenditure, and help resolve routine financial questions that could delay implementation.
Conduct periodic visits to program locations to review financial documentation, support field teams and verify compliance with established finance procedures.
Support financial monitoring of Ethiopian implementing partners, where assigned, including review of financial reports and supporting documents and follow-up of agreed actions in coordination with Grants and Finance colleagues.
Promote cost-conscious implementation and value for money while ensuring that financial controls, program quality and compliance requirements are maintained.
COMPLIANCE, TAXATION AND AUDIT SUPPORT
Ensure applicable withholding taxes, VAT and other statutory obligations are processed and documented in accordance with Ethiopian tax requirements and Mercy Corps procedures.
Apply Mercy Corps financial policies, donor requirements, segregation-of-duties controls and relevant Ethiopian laws consistently in assigned financial processes.
Support internal and external audits, donor reviews and compliance checks by maintaining complete records, preparing requested documentation and following up on finance-related findings and actions.
Safeguard financial, banking, partner and other sensitive information and share it only through authorized channels and with personnel who have a legitimate business need.
Promptly raise suspected fraud, conflicts of interest, control weaknesses, unsupported expenditure or other material financial or compliance concerns through appropriate Mercy Corps reporting and management channels.
Carry out other reasonable finance and program-support duties as assigned.
SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES
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.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics or a closely related field.
At least three years of relevant finance or accounting experience with an international non-governmental organization (INGO).
Strong working knowledge of Ethiopian accounting, taxation and statutory requirements relevant to program operations.
Demonstrated experience with payment processing, bank and account reconciliations, journal entries, financial documentation, budget monitoring and financial reporting.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, and practical experience using accounting or financial-management systems.
Experience supporting institutional donor-funded program; familiarity with FCDO financial and compliance requirements is an advantage.
Professional accounting certification or progress toward a recognized accounting qualification is an advantage.
High standards of integrity, accuracy, confidentiality and attention to detail, with the ability to organize competing tasks and meet deadlines.
Excellent written and spoken English and Amharic are required; knowledge of additional Ethiopian languages relevant to program locations is an advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies
Computer skill
Creativity
Finance
Accounting
Strong coordination and networking skills (desired)