Finance Assistant

ABOUT US:

Fairtrade Africa (FTA) is the umbrella network organization representing Fairtrade certified producers and workers in Africa. It has four (4) regional networks – Eastern Africa; Southern Africa; West Africa; and Middle East and North Africa. Established in 2005, FTA aims to effectively represent producers and workers within the International Fairtrade System and provide services to them that contribute to the improvement of their livelihoods.

The FTA Board directs policy and strategic development of the organization.

FAIRTRADE AFRICA PURPOSE: To improve the socio-economic conditions of African producers through increased access to better trading conditions.

ABOUT THE JOB:
To assist in the execution of FTA’s financial policy manual, systems and procedure, supporting key functions, including the timely and accurate processing of financial and accounting data.

To maintain accurate books of accounts and ensure that all financial transactions comply with set organizational policies and procedures and internal controls are complied with.

LOCATION: Nairobi, Kenya

REPORTING LINES:

Post holder reports to: Financial Accountant

Staff reporting to this post: None

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: None

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management:
• Ensure accurate and timely posting of data into the accounting system i.e. receipts, payments and, journals.
• Process invoices, payments and grants, ensure accuracy and that all supporting documents are attached and appropriately approved.
• Continually update the creditors’ accounts in the system.
• Support in monthly bank reconciliation statements for the organization’s bank accounts and petty cash
• Assist Financial Accountant in updating the assets register.
• Prepare financial activities report and or financial departmental reports when required.
• Liaise with department managers in drafting budget and assist in the monitoring of budgets, providing regular reports and alerts.
• Participate in the internal audit reviews as required in accordance with the audit plan through provision of the required information.
• Posting of financial transactions on the accounting system and making online payments
• Prepare and submit monthly statutory deductions on timely basis.
• Act as banking agent and responsible for all FTA bank accounts with various banks

Filing and Procurement:
• Establish, maintain and update supplier’s data base.
• Establish an effective filing system for the finance department.
• Process procurement requisitions for secretariat

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

Qualifications:
• Diploma in Accounting, Finance or related field
• Member of a professional body such as CPA or ICPAK

Experience and Knowledge:
• At least 1 – 3 years’ accounting experience
• Knowledge of financial systems, including accounting systems and budgetary control
• Sound knowledge of Kenyan tax laws

Skills:
• Strong financial management and accounting skills
• Data entry and records maintenance skills
• Book keeping and accounting skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Good MS Office skills particularly MS Excel
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work with different accounting packages
• Good customer services skill