Finance Operations Analyst

OVERVIEW OF JOB

The Finance Operations Analyst is responsible for supporting the organization’s day-to-day financial operations, transaction processing, reconciliations, payment administration, and financial record management. The role involves monitoring financial transactions, maintaining accurate accounting records, processing invoices and payment requests, reconciling accounts, and ensuring that financial activities are carried out in accordance with established policies, procedures, and internal controls.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Transaction Processing

• Process and record financial transactions accurately and in a timely manner.
• Review invoices, payment requests, and expense claims for accuracy, completeness, and proper authorisation.
• Maintain accurate records of receipts, payments, transfers, and expenses.
• Investigate transaction discrepancies and ensure timely resolution.

Accounts Payable and Receivable Management

• Monitor supplier invoices, outstanding payments, customer invoices, and receivable balances.
• Verify invoices against purchase orders, contracts, and supporting documentation where applicable.
• Reconcile supplier and customer accounts and follow up on outstanding balances.
• Prepare periodic reports on payables, receivables, and payment status.

Bank and Account Reconciliation

• Perform regular bank and general ledger account reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, unidentified transactions, and duplicate entries.
• Maintain updated reconciliation schedules and supporting documentation.
• Support month-end and year-end financial closing activities.

Cash Flow and Expense Monitoring

• Monitor cash positions, payment obligations, and expected receipts.
• Maintain cash flow trackers and support the preparation of cash flow reports.
• Monitor operating expenses against approved budgets and identify significant variances.
• Track staff advances**, reimbursements, and other financial obligations.**

Financial Records and Documentation

• Maintain accurate financial records, payment schedules, invoices, receipts, and reconciliation files.
• Ensure financial documents are properly filed and readily available for review and audit.
• Update financial trackers and accounting systems with current transaction information.
• Protect confidential financial information and ensure appropriate access to records**.**

Financial Reporting and Data Analysis

• Prepare periodic financial reports, transaction summaries, and expense analyses.
• Analyse financial data to identify discrepancies, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor key operational finance indicators, including payment turnaround times and outstanding invoices.
• Provide accurate financial information to support management decisions.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Ensure financial transactions comply with approved procedures and authorisation limits.
• Verify supporting documentation before processing payments and recording transactions.
• Identify potential financial irregularities and control weaknesses and escalate them appropriately.
• Support audit activities and compliance with applicable accounting and financial policies**.**

Process Improvement and Stakeholder Coordination

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting, and transaction workflows.
• Liaise with procurement, HR, project teams, and other departments to resolve finance-related issues.
• Follow up on outstanding approvals, invoices, and supporting documents.
• Perform other finance and accounting duties as assigned by the supervisor.

TECHNICAL SKILL

• Financial transaction processing and accounting record management.
• Accounts payable and accounts receivable administration.
• Bank reconciliation and general ledger account reconciliation.
• Invoice verification, payment processing, and expense monitoring.
• Cash flow tracking and working capital monitoring.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, lookup functions, PivotTables, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with accounting software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Financial data management, transaction tracking, and operational reporting.
• Knowledge of accounting procedures, financial documentation, and internal controls.
• Ability to prepare reconciliation schedules and supporting financial reports.
• Understanding of budget monitoring and expenditure analysis.
• Strong numerical, analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Key Requirements

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

Work Experience:

• 4-6 years of relevant experience in finance operations, accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, or a related field.
• Practical experience processing financial transactions, reviewing invoices, reconciling accounts, and maintaining accounting records.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Understanding of accounting principles and standard financial transaction procedures.
• Knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, and payment administration.
• Understanding of bank reconciliation, general ledger accounts, and account reconciliation procedures.
• Knowledge of expense management, cash flow tracking, and budget monitoring.
• Understanding of internal financial controls and transaction approval processes.
• Familiarity with financial documentation, record-keeping, and audit requirements.
• Knowledge of accounting software, ERP systems, and spreadsheet-based financial reporting.
• Awareness of applicable tax documentation and statutory financial compliance requirements.

Professional Certification/Affiliations:

• Relevant certification or progress towards qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is an advantage.

Competencies Required:

1. Financial Operations and Accounting Knowledge

2. Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail

3. Applying Expertise and Technology

4. Planning and Organising

5. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

6. Integrity, Confidentiality and Professional Judgement

7. Financial Control and Accountability

8. Writing, Reporting and Communication

9. Working with People and Stakeholder Management

10. Initiative and Continuous Improvement

Method of Application:

Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to [email protected], using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Work Location: In person