Overview

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) aims to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 15 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity. This is outlined in our 2020 strategy, which positions WCS to maintain its historical focus on protecting species while developing an ambitious plan to engagewith a rapidly changing world. The challenges are greater than ever, but with the focus, dedication, and passion of a committed staff combined with a unique mixture of field, zoo, and aquarium expertise-WCS will continue to set the bar for science, conservation action, and education that has driven our success in protecting wildlife and wild places for over a century. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, adhering to core values of respect, accountability and transparency, innovation, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, and integrity.

Job Position: Finance Assistant

Job Location: Calabar, Cross River

Job Description

  1. The primary purpose of this position is to provide support and assistance to the Finance team in managing the financial affairs of the Nigeria program of WCS.
  2. The Finance Assistant works under the guidance and supervision of the Assistant Finance Manager.

Job Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of a Finance Assistant may include:
Internal Control and Documentation:

  1. Maintain complete accounting records, including completing vouchers, obtaining proper authorizations, and preparing reconciliations.
  2. Responsible for daily maintenance of petty cash and petty cash replenishment requests.
  3. Process financial transactions related to office and project expenditures and maintain an effective filing system for financial transactions.
  4. Prepare journal voucher templates for all cash and field retirement transactions.
  5. Assist the Assistant Finance Manager in ensuring proper tracking of project advances for staff.
  6. Assist with other accounting tasks, as assigned by supervisor.

Budget and Annual Plans:

  1. Assist in preparing budgets for funding proposals and annual institutional budgeting.
  2. Support preparation of monthly reports/reconciliations and year-end reconciliation of accounts.

Job Requirements

  1. Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is usually required.
  2. A minimum of 4 years of experience in a similar background.
  3. Basic Accounting Knowledge: Strong understanding of basic accounting principles, concepts, and practices is essential. This includes knowledge of debits and credits, financial statements, and basic financial analysis.
  4. Computer Skills: Proficiency in using accounting software such as QuickBooks, Excel, and possibly enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is important for managing financial data.
  5. Attention to Detail: Accuracy is crucial in accounting. S/he must be meticulous in their work to avoid errors in financial records.
  6. Communication Skills: Being able to effectively communicate with team members, and other stakeholders is important, as s/he often needs to explain financial information and collaborate with different units.
  7. Organizational Skills: S/he will often work on multiple projects simultaneously. Good organizational skills are necessary to keep track of various financial data and deadlines.
  8. Analytical Skills: S/he will analyze financial data, identify trends, and make recommendations based on their findings.
  9. Time Management: Meeting deadlines is a critical aspect of the role. S/he must manage their time well to ensure timely completion of tasks.
  10. Ethical Standards: A strong sense of ethics and integrity is important when dealing with financial information.
  11. Problem-Solving: S/he must be able to identify issues and propose solutions.
  12. Team Player: S/he must be able to often work as part of a larger team. Collaborative skills are valuable for smooth workflow and communication.
  13. Certifications (optional): Certifications like ICAN or ANAN are an added advantage.

Values:

  1. Exemplifying integrity
  2. Demonstrating commitment to WCS Nigeria
  3. Embracing cultural diversity
  4. Embracing change

Core Competencies:

  1. Achieving results
  2. Being accountable
  3. Working in teams/ managing ourselves and our relationships
  4. Communicating for impact

Functional Skill Set:

  1. Providing logistical support
  2. Managing data
  3. Managing documents, correspondence, and reports
  4. Managing information and workflow
  5. Planning, organizing, and multitasking.

Application Deadline
29th February, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send a detailed Application / Cover Letter and CV (PDF) to: nigeriaapplications@wcs.org using “Finance Assistant” as the subject of the email.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Tagged as: Accounting, Finance