Job Title: Senior Finance Officer

Location: Freetown
Organization: Street Child of Sierra Leone
Reports to: Finance Director, Sierra Leone (SCoSL)
Employment Type: Full-time

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Street Child of Sierra Leone (SCOSL) is a local Non-Governmental Organization promoting the right to education and child protection for children in the most remote communities in Sierra Leone.

We believe that every child deserves the right to live in a safe place, secured home and above all, have the chance to receive quality education. As an organization, our key focus is helping children into schools and ensuring that they stay there. For those that have no access to education, we work towards creating access in some of the most remote parts of the country, ensuring that no child is left behind

Job Summary:

The Senior Finance Officer will be an important member of the team tasked with handling the financial management of Street Child, Sierra Leone. This role will ensure strict adherence to SCoSL’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), donor rules & regulations, and local laws, while giving financial advice to support the organization achieve its’ goals and objectives. The best person will have good analytical skills, attention to details, and a strong focus on transparency, ethical character, time management and accountability in international development programming.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management:

• Oversee all finance operations including budgeting, forecasting, and timely reporting on the various grant
• Ensure strict adherence to financial rules and processes to ensure sound financial practices.
• Manage annual budget preparation and financial plans, with program teams and management.

Accounting and Reporting:

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including monthly statements, cash flow forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Prepare donor financial reports in compliance with donor contractual obligations rules, and regulations.
• Manage and oversee the controls around the accounting system – Quick Books accounting System
• Manage daily entry data entry in the accounting system (Quick Book Online version)
• Oversee necessary accounting controls in compliance with SCoSL rules and local regulations applying to SCoSL.
• Carry out bank reconciliation by the 5th of every month
• Provide financial oversight and support to program managers, ensuring proper financial planning and monitoring of projects.
• Conduct regular financial spot checks to ensure compliance with the organization’s SOPs.

Grant Management:

• Monitor grant budgets and spending, making sure that ScoSL complies with donor rules and prudently utilize resources.
• Prepare monthly Variance reports (Budget Vs Actual)
• Provide financial support to program managers for proper planning and monitoring of project budgets.
• Assist with grant proposals and budget submissions.

Cash Management:

• Oversee cash flow to guarantee optimal liquidity for program operations.
• Manage bank relationships and ensure timely payment of vendors and service providers.

Team Leadership:

• Supervise finance staff, providing training and support for efficient delivery in the department.
• Promote a culture of financial accountability and transparency in the organization.

Strategic Planning:

• Work with senior management to create financial plans that match the organization’s goals.
• Provide financial analysis for decision-making and planning.
• Compliance and Risk Management:
• Ensure compliance with financial rules, policies, and international accounting standards.
• Timely identification of potential financial risks and deploying measures to mitigate the risks.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or similar field. A master’s degree or professional certifications (CPA, ACCA) are preferred.

Experience:

• At least [3-5] years of relevant finance and accounting experience, preferably in an INGO or non-profit.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of finance management software (Quick Books Online Version) and MS Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial matters clearly to non-financial audiences.

Personal Attributes:

• High integrity and commitment to the mission of SCoSL.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Ability to adjust to a multicultural setting and changing circumstances.
• Application Process:
• Interested candidates should send their resume and a cover letter with their qualifications and experience to the supplied link.
• SCoSL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all individuals to apply. We aim to create an inclusive workplace for everyone.

How to Apply

To apply for these positions, please send an up-to-date CV and a letter of intent, along with copies of relevant certificates. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Closing date for the receipt of applications is 4th July, 2025.

Net Pay Salary range of Le10,000-Le15,000 depending on qualification and negotiation by the successful candidate.

WOMEN AND PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY