Job Description

Finance Officer – FO – (Level 6 -7) -1, Finance Section, Head Office (Frequent Travel To LI-BIRD Sites)
Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD) is a non-profit making, non-governmental organization (NGO) established in October 1995 with its Head Office in Pokhara, Nepal. LI-BIRD is committed to capitalizing on local initiatives for sustainable management of renewable natural resources and improving livelihoods of rural people who are dependent of natural resources in Nepal and South Asia region.

LI-BIRD provides a collegial, supportive and multidisciplinary working environment where young professionals with a learning attitude thrive and succeed.  LI-BIRD provides unparalleled mentoring support while challenging its staff to learn, innovate and acquire skills and experiences that will become foundational for the rest of their careers.

Finance Officer – FO – (Level 6 -7) -1, Finance Section, Head Office (Frequent travel to LI-BIRD sites)

Job Summary: The FO reports to Admin and Finance Coordinator and works closely with Admin/Finance team and Programme team. S/he shall be responsible for managing day to day financial transaction effectively in order to meet LI-BIRD’s financial management systems and other relevant policies and procedures. FO's duties include; preparation of donor report and organizational financial statement, and ensure accuracy of all financial data.

Key Responsibilties and tasks:

Financial Management 

• Prepare all finance and accounting functions including budgeting; asset management, cash flow management, management reporting, financial variance and accounts analysis, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, financial policies and procedures of LI-BIRD, and all other applicable laws, rules and guidelines.
• Ensure that appropriate finance systems are maintained, and that all procedures and controls are implemented.
• Make sure that all financial transactions are carried out and recorded in accordance with standard financial procedures.
• Analyze data/information and present financial reports of donors in an accurate and timely manner, clearly communicate monthly annual financial statements along with monthly management report, gather financial reporting materials for all donor segments.
• Assist AFO to carried out the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance committee of the Executive Board, assess any changes necessary.
• Prepare and follow up external and donor audit finding and recommendation. 
• Monitor cash flow, and ensure that sufficient funds are always available in the bank.
• Update and implement all necessary organization policies and accounting practices, improve the financial department’s overall policy and procedure manual.
• Provide financial training to account staff and site staff in compliance with LI-BIRD standards and donor’s requirements.
• Assist AFO to prepare financial statement and analysis for ED and executive board.
• Assist AFO  to prepare regular financial statements are produced so that the Management committee, ED and EB have adequate information for decision making.

Checking the voucher and accurate entry

• Ensure that all major financial (or other) commitments with other parties are covered/supported by a legal written agreement.
• Ensure that appropriate finance systems are maintained, and that all procedures and controls are implemented.
• Ensure that all transactions are properly accounted.
• Ensure that all vouchers have sufficient supporting document and align with donor requirement. 
• Manage bank accounts, and the transfer of money between head office and site office.

Budgeting and capacity building 

• Prepare annual budgeting and planning process in coordination with budget managers and finance team.
• Assist in the preparation of budgets and accounts to donors, as requested.
• Prepare the budget for new project with coordination with proposal development team.
• Liaise regularly with budget holders.
• Supervise account team and support them to perform their functions effectively and efficiently.
• Provide support to field finance staff, and work closely with them to ensure that financial information is accurate and up to date.
• Continue to develop improvements in the finance system, as necessary. 

Site office management and resource management

External Relations and Partnerships 

• Help in maintaining congenial working relations with other CBOs, I/NGOs and GOs.
• In consultation with the senior management team, liaise with bilateral and multilateral donors on various aspects of financial management and reporting.
• Assist to build the financial capacities of selected LI-BIRD partner organizations by providing relevant financial advice and guidance in close coordination with the project coordinators.

Competencies and Personal Specification: 

• Experience in developing budget and reports for donors
• Strong IT skills, including Excel
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in strategic planning and budget setting
• Experience in training delivery and provision of capacity building support for non-finance staff
• Have an excellent interpersonal and communication skill
• Have strong influencing and leadership skills
• Have excellent planning, organizational and time management skills
• Be resilient and able to work well under pressure, priorities a heavy workload and work both reactively and pro-actively
• Have proven planning skills
• Have a strategic outlook with the ability to drive change where necessary
• Have experience of motivating & developing teams – including performance management & appraisals
• Be highly competent with Information Technology
• Have a high degree of integrity, tact fullness, diplomacy and corporation spirit
• Have a hands on approach and be a team player

Education and Experience: Bachelors Degree in Management (Masters Degree with specialization in Finance Management preferred). with 2 years experience in relevant field.  

LI-BIRD offers competitive remuneration and other benefits as laid out in its Personnel Policies. Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications with CV including two references, citizenship certificate and relevant testimonials by Deadline by Email with the e-mail subject starting as: [VACANCY]. Only short listed candidates will be called for the interview. Telephone calls will not be entertained and could lead to disqualification.

Applications from female candidates and members of indigenous and disadvantaged groups are highly encouraged.