Assistant Accountant Full Time

Job Description: Assistant Accountant

A. Overall Responsibilities

The Assistant Accountant is responsible for ensuring the effective utilization of project funds in compliance with AMREF Health Africa in Ethiopia’s policies, procedures, and donor guidelines. Reporting to the Finance and Admin Officer, this role provides support to various accounting functions, including balance sheet account reconciliations, financial analysis, and assistance in accounting system support. The Assistant Accountant will also assist staff across the organization in understanding accounting processes and systems.

B. Specific Responsibilities

1. Financial Document Review:
   • Review financial documents for completeness and accuracy.
   • Ensure that financial transactions adhere to AMREF policies, donor requirements, and government regulations.
   • Ensure that the financial documentation is reasonable, allowable, and allocable to the respective project, from a cost principles perspective.
2. Payments and Verification:
   • Verify and prepare payments for various items such as workshops, staff advances, etc.
   • Ensure that payments are processed in a timely and accurate manner, in accordance with organizational policies.
3. Cost Allocation:
   • Allocate costs accurately for staff and vendor accounts, particularly for assigned regional or field offices.
   • Ensure that allocations align with project requirements and financial guidelines.
4. Statutory Payments:
   • Prepare and process statutory payments, including WHT tax, income tax, and pension contributions, ensuring they are made on time.
5. Administrative Support:
   • Provide general administrative support, including managing office administration, vehicle operations, store management, HR-related issues, and logistics.
6. Bank Account Reconciliations:
   • Prepare timely reconciliations of assigned bank accounts and ensure proper clearance of journal vouchers (JVs).
7. Cash Receipt Verification:
   • Issue Cash Receipt Vouchers (CRVs) in a timely manner, based on bank advice.
8. Backup for Finance and Admin Officer:
   • Serve as a backup for the Finance and Admin Officer, handling finance and administrative tasks in their absence.
9. Other Duties:
   • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

C. Qualifications

• Educational Background:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• Professional Experience:
  • A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in financial and project management.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • High level of analytical and interpretative problem-solving skills.
  • Computer literacy is essential, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to develop and implement solutions independently.

Key Competencies and Behavioral Expectations:

• Strong attention to detail, with an ability to spot inconsistencies or errors in financial records.
• Effective communication skills, especially when explaining complex financial information to non-financial staff.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive financial information responsibly.