Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004, working in rural, peri-urban and urban areas in five regional states – Somali, Oromia, Afar, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples, Amhara – and the capital city of Addis Ababa. We engage in both development and humanitarian work, and seek to integrate approaches, programs and geographies as much as possible. Our partners include government, academic institutions, development and private sector actors, civil societies and communities.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Working in the Finance Department under the direction of the Finance Manager, the Junior Accountant will assist in the processing and recording of payment transactions in timely and accurate manner.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain custody of the office cash fund; ensure adequate level of petty cash available in the office. And make daily payments of approved transactions.
• Prepare cash payment vouchers and ensure that all cash transactions are fully and properly documented
• Perform weekly and monthly cash count with the Head of Office/Finance coordinator.
• Prepare checks based on fully approved documents and present to approved check-signers for review and signature.
• Prepare bank payment vouchers and ensure that all bank transactions are properly and fully documented.
• Prepare scanned documents of transactions and other supporting documents as required for the weekly financial review and posting.
• File all cash and bank vouchers and maintain voucher filing system such that files are updated, complete and safeguarded.
• Calculating and deducting all applicable taxes from all payments.
• Working as a custodian of all financial vouchers including sub journal vouchers receipt vouchers cash and bank vouchers check pads withholding tax receipts and follow up of print order of all these vouchers.
• Ensure adherence of financial transactions of the Field Office to Mercy Corps financial policies & procedures, donor terms & conditions and Government policies.
• Maintains up-to-date and accurate recording of financial transactions on the day-to-day basis
• Record all Cash financial transactions of Jigjiga Office regularly to Cash batch.
• Ensure timely settlement of advances disbursed from Jigjiga office
• Ensure availability of expenditures in a approved grants for every expenditures
• Analyze and code financial transactions per Mercy corps financial, procurement, personnel, and administrative policies and procedures, donor terms and condition, government regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Maintain proper and adequate documentation of financial transactions
• Assist and support program personnel in relation to handling financial aspects of program activities
• Make sure that all supporting documentation is prepared and filed according to Mercy Corps procedures
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Two or more years of bookkeeping, banking, or cashiering experience
• A degree in accounting or a relevant business field is desirable.
• Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel
• Accuracy in the processing of cash transactions, mathematical aptitude, and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written English skills

SUCCESS FACTORS:

A clear understanding of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. A high level of personal integrity, honesty and transparency in all cash handling is absolutely essential. The ability to interact effectively with international and national staff members is required. A demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.