Finance Officer

Organization: Ethiopian Law Schools Association (ELSA)

Department: Finance and Administration

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Number Required: One (1)

Employment Type: One-year contract with the possibility of extension

Salary: Attractive and Negotiable

Reports to:

• Administrative: General Manager, ELSA

• Technical: Project Manager

Application Deadline: August 23, 2024

About ELSA

The Ethiopian Law Schools Association (ELSA) is a national civil society organization established in 2021, bringing together 42 public and private law schools across Ethiopia. ELSA promotes excellence in legal education, legal aid, research, training, consultancy, and community service. Through collaboration with universities, government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners, ELSA works to advance human rights, the rule of law, access to justice, governance, and institutional development.

Currently, ELSA is implementing the project "Advancing Human Rights through Community-Based Conflict Resilience, Victim Empowerment, and Integrated Justice Pathways in Ethiopia" under the Civil Society Innovation Fund (CSIF). The project aims to strengthen access to justice, promote human rights, empower victims, enhance community resilience to conflict, and build institutional capacity through collaborative partnerships. ELSA invites qualified and motivated professionals to apply for the position of Finance Officer.

Job Summary

Reporting administratively to the General Manager and technically to the Project Manager, the Finance Officer will be responsible for the financial planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, and compliance of ELSA's projects. The Finance Officer will ensure that project resources are managed efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with donor requirements, Ethiopian laws, and ELSA's financial policies and procedures.

The position will support project implementation through sound financial management, timely financial reporting, budget monitoring, procurement support, payroll administration, cash management, audit coordination, and maintenance of effective internal control systems.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the General Manager and the technical guidance of the Project Manager, the Finance Officer will:

• Manage the day-to-day financial operations of ELSA's projects.

• Prepare project budgets and support budget revisions in consultation with the Project Manager.

• Monitor project expenditures and ensure spending is consistent with approved budgets and donor agreements.

• Process payments, advances, reimbursements, and settlements in accordance with ELSA's financial procedures.

• Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure all financial transactions are properly documented and supported.

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and donor-specific financial reports.

• Maintain cash books, bank accounts, ledgers, journals, and financial records.

• Reconcile bank accounts and monitor cash flow regularly.

• Support procurement processes by verifying financial compliance and ensuring proper documentation.

• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, grant agreements, financial policies, procurement procedures, and statutory requirements.

• Prepare financial forecasts and expenditure analyses for effective project management.

• Coordinate project audits and respond to audit findings and recommendations.

• Ensure timely filing of tax and statutory obligations in accordance with Ethiopian laws.

• Maintain an effective financial filing and documentation system.

• Support asset management, inventory verification, and financial risk management.

• Work closely with the Project Officer to ensure financial activities align with project implementation plans.

• Provide financial guidance to project staff, consultants, and partners where necessary.

• Strengthen internal financial controls and promote accountability and transparency.

• Perform any other finance-related duties assigned by the General Manager or Project Manager.

 

Job Requirements

Education

Applicants must possess:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Accounting and Finance, Finance, management and Business Administration, or a related field.

Professional certification in ACCA, CPA, CIFA, or equivalent will be an added advantage.

Additional training in grant management, donor compliance, procurement, or financial management is highly desirable.

Experience

Applicants should have:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in finance and accounting, preferably within donor-funded projects or civil society organizations.

• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets and donor grants.

• Experience preparing financial reports for international donors.

• Experience using computerized accounting systems.

• Knowledge of Ethiopian tax laws, financial regulations, and NGO financial management requirements.

• Experience supporting procurement, audits, and financial compliance processes.

• Experience working with international development organizations or donor-funded projects is highly desirable.

Required Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.

• Excellent accounting and analytical skills.

• Strong knowledge of donor financial compliance and grant management.

• Excellent report writing and documentation skills.

• High level of integrity, accountability, and confidentiality.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical financial management.

Computer Skills

Applicants should have proficiency in:

• Microsoft Excel (advanced level preferred)

• Microsoft Word

• Microsoft PowerPoint

• Email and Internet applications

• Accounting software (Peachtree/Sage, QuickBooks, or other accounting systems)

Knowledge of financial management information systems (FMIS) is an added advantage.

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English.

• Knowledge of Amharic is required.

• Knowledge of additional Ethiopian languages is an advantage.

 

How To Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:

Application Letter

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Motivation Letter

Copies of academic and professional credentials

Contact information for three professional referees

Applications should be sent electronically to:

melatworkms@gmail.com

Cc: derso2012@yahoo.com

Please indicate "Application for Finance Officer" in the subject line of your email.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity

The Ethiopian Law Schools Association (ELSA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. Qualified women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Requirements Candidates should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Accounting and Finance, Finance, Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional certifications such as ACCA, CPA, CIFA, or equivalent are considered an added advantage. How to Apply Submit your non-returnable application and CV along with supporting documents in Via email melatworkms@gmail.com or Cc: derso2012@yahoo.com