Job Description:

Project Finance Officer

Number of positions: 1

Duration: One Year

Location:  Duhok Governate and Zakho ID

Publish Date: 19th December 2024

Deadline of submission: 3rd Jan 2025

About Us

The Lotus Flower is a non-governmental organisation which empowers vulnerable women and girls so that they are safe, have opportunities to learn, have the tools to become financially independent, and the freedom to lead change. We provide safe social spaces inside refugee camps and implement projects to help them rebuild their lives and earn a living. We run four women’s centres for the IDP, refugee, and host community in Kurdistan. 

Our programs are based around pillars from the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals:

·         Health & Safety

·         Education and Livelihoods

·         Peace building & Human Rights

·         Climate Change

Our centers implement much-needed livelihood training, language courses, computer training, mental health support, fitness and health training, and awareness sessions and advocacy on women's rights and gender-based violence. 

We aim to provide the foundation for women to rebuild themselves, their families, and their futures. As local implementers, we work at the grassroots level to get right into the heart of communities, listening to local needs and employing local women to implement the programs. Our fundamental belief is that women and girls are powerful drivers of change, and we provide the support they need to reach their full potential and rebuild their futures.

Job Overview:

A finance Officer is responsible for the day-to-day tasks in a financial department. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization has their bookkeeping in order for budgets and taxes. A few of the main duties of a finance Officer are data entry into the system, preparing a balance sheet, updating financial records, and processing invoices. They also have to prepare cost analysis reports for other departments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Accurately process daily financial transactions and prepare the corresponding vouchers, ensuring all transactions are properly recorded in the financial system.

·         Create and send invoices to clients or vendors in a timely manner, and ensure consistent follow-up on outstanding invoices to guarantee payment is received promptly.

·         Gather and review financial data and information needed for various reports, ensuring accuracy and completeness before submission to relevant stakeholders.

·         Prepare comprehensive monthly and quarterly financial reports that provide a clear overview of the organization’s financial status, and submit them to the Finance Manager for review.

·         Reconcile the project’s cash and bank accounts on a regular basis to ensure all transactions are accounted for, identifying and resolving any discrepancies as they arise.

·         Identify and report any financial discrepancies or inconsistencies in the accounting records or documents, ensuring corrective actions are taken in a timely manner.

·         Ensure all payment vouchers are accompanied by the required supporting documentation before processing payments, maintaining compliance with internal financial policies.

·         Process and prepare payments for employees, ensuring that all salary disbursements and reimbursements are accurate and on time.

·         Update and maintain a tracking sheet to monitor payments made, ensuring all payment records are properly documented for future reference.

·         Ensure that all physical cash, checks, blank checkbooks, and other important financial documents are securely stored in the office’s safe to prevent unauthorized access or loss.

·         Print the required documents for month-end closing and collect all supporting documents necessary to complete the process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.

·         Ensure all cost allocation tools are properly signed and uploaded to the designated system or platform on a monthly basis, maintaining financial transparency and accountability.

·         Conduct monthly verifications of financial documents related to sub-grants, ensuring that all financial records are accurate and compliant with relevant regulations.

·         Ensure that all supporting documentation related to sub-grant financial reports is properly archived and stored for future reference, in accordance with organizational policies.

·         Ensure that all vouchers, both from the main office and field offices, are properly scanned and archived in a systematic and accessible manner, ensuring easy retrieval when needed.

·         Assist in providing the necessary financial documentation and reports required for both internal and external audit processes, ensuring compliance with audit requirements.

·         Lead monthly budget follow-up meetings with the Project Manager, ensuring effective control over the project budget by tracking expenditures and identifying areas of concern.

·         Foster professional collaboration with program and support staff by providing clear and concise financial guidance, ensuring effective financial management across all teams.

·         Actively participate in professional development opportunities, such as training and workshops, to enhance your skills and knowledge in financial management and related areas.

·         Perform any other duties or tasks as requested by the supervisor, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to supporting the team’s financial needs.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

·         Bachelor’s degree or diploma with 1-2 years of experience in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or any related field.

·         1-2 year’s previous professional experience as an Accountant, Finance Officer, preferably with an INGO.

·         Fluent in both Arabic and Kurdish Languages, with good command of English Language, both writing and speaking.

·         Good knowledge in MS Office package including MS Excel, MS Word and MS Outlook.

·         Able to communicate clearly and confidently with people from different backgrounds.

·         A time player, able to work under pressure and able to multi-task.

·         Flexible, hardworking, honest, and trustworthy.

How to apply:

·         Please send your updated CV and cover letter to careers@thelotusflower.org while mentioning “Finance Officer “as the subject of your email.

·         CVs and cover letters submitted in picture or screenshot format will not be accepted.

·         Applications without the correct subject line will not be considered.

·         Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.