Finance Officer at International Alert

International Alert was founded in 1986 to help people find peaceful solutions to conflict.

At that time, the number of conflicts between countries was decreasing, but there was an alarming increase in the number of conflicts within countries. These conflicts were undermining development and leading to gross violations of human rights. Identifying and highlighting individual abuses of human rights was not enough; a different approach was desperately needed. It was out of this urgency that International Alert was born.Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to support the effective implementation of International Alert Nigeria’s finance function by ensuring accurate processing of financial transactions, maintaining proper financial records, and supporting compliance with Nigerian laws and International Alert’s policies and procedures. The Finance Officer will assist in day-to-day financial operations, contribute to timely reporting, and help maintain strong internal controls across the country programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Processing and Record Keeping

Support in Processing payments, receipts, and journal entries accurately and in a timely manner.
Maintain complete and organised financial records (electronic and physical).
Post transactions into the accounting system (i.e Monthly Bank book).
Conduct bank and cash reconciliations on a regular basis.

Budget Monitoring and Reporting Support

Track project expenditures against approved budgets.
Assist in preparing monthly financial reports and expenditure forecasts.
Assist in preparing financial reports for donors under supervision.

Payroll and Statutory Compliance

Support preparation and processing of monthly payroll.
Ensure accurate calculation and remittance of statutory deductions (PAYE, pension, NHF, etc.) in line with Nigerian law.
Maintain payroll records and staff finance files.

Cash and Bank Management

Manage petty cash in accordance with organisational policies.
Monitor cash balances and ensure adequate funds are available for operations.
Prepare payment vouchers and ensure proper authorisation before processing payments.

Internal Controls and Compliance

Support verification of supporting documents before payments are processed.
Support internal and external audit processes by providing required documentation.
Maintain strong internal controls to minimise risk of fraud or financial irregularities.

Partner Financial Support

Review partner financial reports for accuracy and completeness.
Support partners in maintaining proper financial documentation where required.

Administrative and Team Support

Participate in finance and programme meetings as required.
Contribute to strengthening finance systems and processes.
Perform any other finance-related duties as reasonably assigned.

Travel Requirements 

The position will be based in Abuja with little or no field travel

Talents 

At Alert, we have introduced Talent Management to our business model as we believe talented people are crucial to the success of our work.  We believe all individuals are talented and success comes in matching the right talents to the right roles.  For this role, the skills, qualifications, and experience listed below are important, but we believe that to be great in this job you are likely, first and foremost, to have a talent for being able to manage finances strategically as well as having the core technical competencies. 

This is what we will be looking for above all else.

Qualification

Degree or master’s degree in BA, Accounting, Finance, or related field is required
Professional certification (ICAN, ANAN, ACCA – part qualified or in progress) is an added advantage
Minimum of 3–5 years’ relevant experience in finance or accounting. Experience working with NGOs, international organisations, or donor-funded projects is highly desirable.
Experience supporting financial reporting, reconciliations, and audits.

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial procedures.
Experience using accounting software (e.g., Microsoft Business Central / Dynamic 365 or similar ERP systems).
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications.
Ability to prepare and review financial documentation accurately.

Core Competencies

High level of integrity and accountability.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Ability to work effectively within a team and in a multicultural environment.
Strong accounting skills and experience, including management of the general ledger, journal entries, payroll, payables, and balance sheet
Excellent communication, networking and inter-personal skills including the ability to communicate effectively (spoken) and read reports in English; ability to prepare reports in English
Excellent strategic, analytical, and problem-solving ability 
Can identify creative solutions within minimal resources
Ability to work to tight deadlines and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure, with minimal supervision 
Strong computer skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel etc)
Exercises judgement to reach balanced conclusions, and understands the need to take account of perceptions and attitudes of different sides to a conflict 
A team player, able and willing to understand the perspectives of others and adapt his/her plans and ideas accordingly, as well as explain his/her perspectives to others 
Comfortable in multi-cultural situations
Possesses a can-do approach, willing and able to improvise and adapt

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualification in Management ICAN/ANAN/ACCA (part qualified)
Experience of using Microsoft Business Central -Dynamic 365