Finance Officer 632 views7 applications

Department: Finance & Administration
Reports To: Finance Manager / Head of Finance
Direct Reports: None
Grade / Level: To be aligned to Buzz Women Gambia salary structure (TBD)
Location: Banjul, The Gambia, with field and programme-related travel as required (TBD)
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent (subject to funding availability)

Job Purpose

The Finance Officer is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting budgeting and financial reporting, processing transactions, monitoring expenditure and ensuring compliance with Buzz Women Gambia’s financial policies and donor requirements. The role provides timely financial information to management and programmes teams, supports sound financial controls, and contributes to the efficient and accountable use of organizational resources.

Strategic Context
Buzz Women Gambia works to empower women and girls through skills development, entrepreneurship and community leadership. Effective financial management is essential to ensure programme resources are used responsibly, budgets are controlled, donor requirements are met and management has reliable information for decision-making. The Finance Officer strengthens the organization’s financial systems by maintaining accurate records, supporting controls and reporting, and working closely with programme and operations teams.

Key Accountabilities

Financial Accounting and Record Keeping
Maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date financial records.
● Record and process financial transactions in accordance with approved accounting procedures.
● Maintain supporting documentation for payments, receipts, journals and other financial transactions.
● Maintain orderly filing of financial records and supporting documents.

Budgeting, Monitoring and Financial Reporting

● Support effective budgeting and timely financial reporting.
● Assist with preparation and monitoring of organizational and programme budgets.
● Track expenditure against approved budgets and identify significant variances.
● Prepare routine financial reports and schedules for management and programme teams.
● Support month-end and year-end financial close processes.

Payments, Cash and Banking

● Ensure payments and cash management are properly controlled and documented.
● Review payment requests and support documentation before processing, in line with delegated authority.
● Maintain cashbooks, payment records and bank reconciliation schedules.
● Support bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies promptly.
● Monitor cash balances and communicate cash-flow needs to the Finance Manager / Head of Finance.

Compliance, Controls and Audit Support

● Support compliance with organizational policies, statutory requirements and donor financial conditions.
● Apply financial policies, procedures and internal controls consistently.
● Maintain adequate documentation for donor-funded expenditure and support audit requirements.
● Assist with internal and external audits by preparing requested schedules and documentation.
● Flag financial control weaknesses, irregularities or compliance concerns the appropriate supervisor.

Programme and Operational Finance Support

● Provide practical financial support to programme and operations teams.
● Support programme teams with budget tracking, expenditure documentation and financial queries.

Decision-Making Authority

The Finance Officer operates within delegated authority as defined by Buzz Women Gambia’s policies and will:
● Process and maintain financial transactions within approved procedures and delegated authority.
● Provide financial information and practical guidance to programme and operations staff.
● Recommend improvements to financial processes, controls and reporting.
● Escalate transactions, variances, control issues or decisions exceeding delegated authority to the Finance Manager / Head of Finance.

Key Working Relationships

Internal Finance Manager / Head of Finance, National Director, Programme Manager, Programme and Operations staff, M&E staff, Human Resources
External Banks and financial service providers, auditors, suppliers, donors and relevant statutory authorities

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Qualifications and Experience

Essential
● Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
● Minimum 2–4 years’ relevant experience in accounting, finance or financial administration.
● Practical experience with bookkeeping, reconciliations, payment processing and financial reporting.
● Good working knowledge of accounting principles and financial controls.
● Strong attention to detail, accuracy and ability to maintain confidential financial information.

Desirable

● Professional accounting qualification or progress toward a recognized accounting qualification.
● Experience working with NGOs, donor-funded programmes or development organizations.

Technical Competencies

Behavioural Competencies

Approval

This job description has been reviewed and approved as an accurate reflection of the role’s requirements. It will be reviewed periodically and may be amended to reflect organisational needs.

Application Process

To apply, send your application via email to communication.gambia@buzzwomen.org and clearly indicate the position being applied for.

For enquiries :  +220 3440244