Description

Heifer International Nepal Non-US Job DescriptionMarch 2025

Job Title: Finance Officer Location: NepalTravel Required: Minimum 30% annually Heifer International is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of specially-abled.FUNCTIONThe Finance Officer will assist with the financial and accounting aspects of the country’s program office and ensureNepal’s project partners are in compliance with established policies, procedures and the country’s law. TheFinance Officer will be responsible for the maintenance of grant compliance, financial management, budgeting,accounting, payments, strengthening the internal control system and partner capacity building. This position willprovide necessary support for the administration and logistics functions in the regional office. Accountable to apply and reinforce application of standards, policies and procedures. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES: (including approximate percentage effort)Accountable for leading the annual budgeting cycle and reforecasts and coordinating the process of partner audits. Provide support on pre- and post-award financial and accounting management to ensure compliance with donor agreements. (75%)

• Monitor and review the partners’ books; report findings and observations to the related staff/team/project lead and develop an action plan for resolving the issues and findings.
• Review and verify monthly financial reports of NGO partners, including fund transfer requests.
• Ensure compliance with accounting principles and standards, donor requirements and Heifer policies.
• Constantly upgrade knowledge of government financial policies, including the Public Procurement Act.
• Conduct regular monitoring visits to partner NGOs, including field visits to ensure they are compliant with established policies, procedures and law (for example, labor law, tax laws, public procurement act, etc.) and program impact.
• Coordinate with partner NGOs and the program team in the settlement of advances to the local government.
• Ensure timely reporting to donors and stakeholders in the required formats.
• Support the program team in the preparations of the detailed implementation plan (DIP).
• Prepare partner audit schedule, communicate with the auditors, and facilitate the audit, including any needed follow-up.
• Coordinate in reviewing and finalizing the audit reports of partners, including providing a management response.
• Prepare the partners’ monthly Budget vs Actual report and share in the regional team meeting. Accounting and Compliance Support (15%)
  • Record financial transactions of the regional office in Agresso, and ensure the financial records are filed and kept properly.
  • Ensure financial transactions, including supporting documents, are scanned and archived in Agresso.
  • Manage the petty cash and banking, and prepare the bank reconciliation statement.
  • Ensure that timely project fund balance reconciliation is done in Agresso for partners.
  • Process fund requests with the local government in a timely manner and ensure funds are received in Heifer’s account in time.
  • Process budget releases to partner NGOs after reviewing the availability of funds in Heifer’s account.
  • Ensure applicable taxes are deducted and deposited and E-TDS is done on a monthly basis.
  • Support in the preparation of contracts with local government.
  • Ensure the spending ratio is maintained under the government partnership projects.
  • Coordinate with the program team and partner NGOs, draft response letters to audit comments related to the government partnership projects and share the draft with the central office for finalization.Capacity Building and Due Diligence (5%):
    • Periodically organize capacity building trainings for the field or cluster office-based Heifer staff and local NGOs on financial management, taxation laws, etc., mentoring and coaching them and making strategies to minimize or avoid audit issues.
    • Conduct due diligence of local NGO partners every three years and lead the due diligence process for new NGO partners before entering into the agreement.
    • Conduct a risk analysis of the local NGO partners and make risk mitigation strategies. May perform other job-related duties as assigned (5%)
      • Coordinate with the administration and logistics team to ensure smooth management of the Regional Office
      • Support in the process of assets physical verification of the regional office and record-keeping. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
        • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university in Business Administration, Business Studies, or related field plus a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a similar context is required.
        • Practical experience in various aspects of accounting principles and practices with a good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
        • Practical knowledge of Nepal Government Public Procurement Act and Regulations
        • Basic understanding and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger and the environment
        • Strong skills in budgeting and reporting, and the ability to analyze and interpret financial reports
        • Computer proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail and internet (Microsoft preferred)
        • Proficient in English & Nepali language, both spoken and written

          ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:

          • Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.
          • Willingness to work flexibly outside normal working hours.
          • Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork and cooperation.
          • Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues, potential donors, and the general public.
          • Constant sitting, standing and walking, with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time.
          • Motivated to work responsibly with little supervision.
          • Ability to meet and deal with others courteously and tactfully.
          • Ability to work with sensitive information and to maintain confidentiality at all times.
          • Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity