Uganda: Finance Officer

ABOUT INTERNEWS

Internews Network is an international media development organization based in Arcata, CA, and Washington, DC, whose mission is to empower local media worldwide to give people the news and information they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard. Internews also implements other activities across the sector, including actively working to meet the critical information needs of Uganda communities

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Internews Networks is seeking a Finance Officer position for an anticipated USAID-funded media project in Uganda. The Finance Officer (FO) is responsible for finance and accounting duties across all Internews programs and operations in Uganda. The Finance officer is accountable for adhering to agreed spending and cost principles and ensuring the proper supporting documentation for all transactions, as well as the implementation of Internews policies and procedures. The FO works closely with the Country Lead and project team to ensure compliance with funder rules and regulations. The ideal candidate is expected to demonstrate strong coordination and communication skills while fostering teamwork and a harmonious work environment.

LOGISTICS

This position will be based in Kampala, Uganda.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

This is a limited-duration position, with an expected term of 5 years.

Note: Hiring of this position is contingent upon receipt of funding.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include:

Finance

• Collaborate with the logistics department to ensure that procedures regarding purchases, reports, and filing are followed properly.
• Support the drafting of activity budgets in consultation with program staff.
• Assist the Finance and Administration Manager (FAM) in gathering the cyclical spending needs of the projects and ensure the timely submission of wire transfer requests (WTRs) for approval.
• Oversee banking transactions, including deposits, bank statement collection, wire processing, and the adherence to proper approval procedures, as well as maintaining the banking files, including a list of signatories and agents of the Uganda office.
• Review petty cash transactions, balances, and replenishments requests.
• Prepare weekly and monthly cash counts and submit them to the Finance and Administration Manager (FAM).
• Ensure compliance with local taxation laws and regulations.

Accounting

• Record transactions in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Unit 4.
• Ensure that proper supporting documentation is provided for all transactions and ensure that Internews accounting policies and procedures are properly implemented.
• Prepare and submit monthly accounting reports to the FAM for review.
• Perform cash and bank reconciliations and oversee and monitor business advances to project staff.
• Gather cost-sharing documentation in line with Internews policy.
• Review all projects’ JSRs to identify any instances of miscoding and promptly notify the FAM for appropriate action.
• Ensure vouchers are endorsed with the appropriate approval signatures and that all supporting documentation is provided.
• Provide corrections resulting from the Regional Program Accountant’s review of vouchers or any other accounting documentation.
• Alert FAM and Chief of Party (COP) of aging advances.
• Vet suppliers to ensure compliance with organizational and donor policies.
• Prepare monthly and annual VAT reports.
• Maintaining a filling system for all accounting records

Values and Flexibility

• In all duties, uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of belonging.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Required

• University degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field OR equivalent experience
• A minimum of five years of professional experience, ideally with an international NGO.
• Experience working with USAID and other donors.
• Knowledge of related software systems, including Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated experience in and excellent understanding of ERP systems.
• Capability in evaluating legislation, accounting regulations, and tax matters, including employment-related topics.
• Excellent English-language communication skills, both oral and written.
• Willingness and ability to learn and apply new concepts and systems, including new financial and administration software.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently under minimal supervision and manage competing priorities within tight deadlines.
• A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work and the ability to be an effective team player.

Preferred

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but who are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to app

• Professional qualification in Accounting (CIMA, CIS, ACCA) an advantage.
• Demonstrated understanding of USAID donor reporting requirements, rules, and regulations highly preferred.