Finance Coordinator, Sokoto, Nigeria

Sokoto, Nigeria
Finance – Africa - West /
Full Time - Local /
On-site
 Finance Coordinator, Sokoto, Nigeria

About Search
Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international non-profit organization that promotes the peaceful transformation of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC, and Brussels, Belgium, Search’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict—moving away from destructive approaches and towards cooperative solutions. With more than 700 staff worldwide, Search implements projects in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and North America.

 Position Summary

The Finance Coordinator will report to the Country Finance Manager. He/she will oversee the financial aspect of the project by ensuring that accounts are up to date and that the grant meets the requirements of both the funders and SFCG. S/He will maintain accounting systems, provide financial analysis and other key management reports, and provide assistance with budget preparation. S/he will directly supervise the Finance Assistant and ensure the finance support function is effectively delivered. S/He will review procurement supporting documentation and conduct periodic compliance reviews. In addition, s/he would handle preparation of the consolidated Monthly Financial Reports, carry out account reconciliations and prepare Budget vs Actual reports for monthly review with Project Managers The ideal candidate will have proven experience in financial and grant management in the INGO and nonprofit sectors, financial statement preparation and analysis, accounting system implementation, design, and workflows. She/he will work closely with the Head of Program Implementation and the Project Manager, as well as with the Finance Team Lead in Abuja.

Duration: 24 months

About the Project
Search for Common Ground-Nigeria (Search) proposes to implement a 24-month action, “The Hustle” which will be a reality TV programme designed to capitalize on the positive contributions of young people when supported to work together, address existing conflict drivers within North West Nigeria while fostering healthy competition to demonstrate that while conflict is inevitable violence is not. The Hustle will provide a platform for young people from various backgrounds to come together, collaborate, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and pitch innovative business ideas. It will act as a catalyst for positive change by focusing on the economic empowerment of diverse youth and encouraging collaboration across societal divides. By showcasing the value of collaborative leadership and humanizing the journeys of young Nigerians, especially in the North West, it will break down barriers, promote mutual understanding, and build relationships based on shared goals and aspirations. Through these interactions, the initiative will help shift negative perceptions, highlight the positive contributions of North West youth, foster a sense of unity, and offer new socio-economic prospects. As participants collaborate with a range of stakeholders and benefit from tailored support to bring their projects to fruition, they will gain entrepreneurial experience, navigate complex social dynamics, and change both local and national perceptions of their role in addressing the region's challenges. By highlighting their potential as innovators and contributors to society, the programme will challenge negative stereotypes and foster a more inclusive and optimistic discourse about the region's future. 

The project goal is supported by the following specific objectives:
Objective 1: Enhance diverse young people's entrepreneurial and peacebuilding agency within their communities.
Objective 2: Raise awareness of young people's positive leadership and social and economic contributions to their community.

The project’s expected outcomes include stronger entrepreneurial and peacebuilding skills among participants and increased public recognition of youth as vital contributors to social and economic development. By featuring youth-led business ideas and peacebuilding efforts, the programme will help bridge societal divides, inspire broader social change, and create sustainable business models that address the structural drivers of conflict in North West Nigeria. The programme will be disseminated through a comprehensive media campaign, including TV broadcasts and digital platforms. By combining entertainment with educational content, The Hustle will help to shift perceptions and inspire young people across Nigeria to positively contribute to their communities through entrepreneurship and collaboration. 


Major Duties and Responsibilities

    • Financial Management
    • Ensure proper documentation of transactions are kept in line with financial policies;
    • Ensure all financial documents are stored in hard copies and backed up by scanning into our backup system
    • Supervise and maintain SEARCH cash management, optimal bank balance, and bank reconciliation
    • Monitoring of funds to ensure availability for disbursements
    • Ensure timely reconciliation of bank accounts, advances, partner accounts, accruals, payroll, and severance, and ensure that data in books match data in the system (GP) on a monthly basis
    • Correspond with local bank and donors on all financial operational matters
    • Ensure regulatory reports and Tax obligations are properly prepared and timely reported
    • Prepare Monthly Financial Reports (MFR) for review by the CFM and upload into the Global Finance system 
    • Ensure the Balance Sheet is reviewed and a schedule of outstanding balances is prepared and sent to the CFA for review
    • Prepare Budget Vs Actual Project reports and ensure monthly meetings are done with Project team
    • Prepare and organize internal and external audits
    • Ensure that Search and its partners have practices and policies that support easy audits
    • Facilitate timely audits and responses to auditors, both local and at headquarters
    • The position holder will conduct him/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Search and not jeopardize its mission and objectives;
    • Any other function assigned to him/her by the Supervisor.

Key Internal Relationships

    • Country Finance Manager, Program Manager, and Head of Programmed Implementation.

Key External Relationships

    • Finance and Program staff and donors.

Minimum Qualifications

    • A bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or accounting is required.
    • Professional qualification in accounting (ACCA, ICAN, ANAN or equivalent)
    • Minimum five years of relevant work experience within an NGO, of which three years should be working with EU and/or US government funds. Experience working within an international NGO is a strong advantage.
    • Experience managing a portfolio of awards from multiple donors
    • Experience preparing for internal audits and implementing audit recommendations
    • Demonstrated ability to build capacity and lead training for staff and partners.
    • Proven ability to be an effective supervisor of staff of varying levels of responsibility
    • Proven ability in setting up and implementing accountability mechanisms
    • Proven ability in financial planning and developing budgets for new business
    • Excellent command of spoken and written English
    • Mastery of Excel is a must
    • Self-guided, strong organizational and planning skills
    • Ability to work independently and under pressure
    • Excellent communication, coaching and facilitation skills
    • Ability to travel up to 30% within Nigeria.
₦900,000 - ₦1,000,000 a month
This a full time role

To apply:
Interested candidates should send the following to our Career Portal.
Current resume
Cover Letter (which includes expectations of compensation and projected start date)

Applications will be accepted until June 6, 2025.