Accounting Assistant
JOB PURPOSE
To support the effective financial and accounting operations of the station by ensuring accurate financial reporting, timely bank reconciliations, proper management of cash advances, payroll processing, statutory tax compliance, and secure maintenance of accounting records in accordance with IITA policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare monthly imprest reports and bank reconciliation statements, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
- Maintain custody of accounting documents, including payment vouchers, journal vouchers, travel advances, cash advances, and other supporting financial records.
- Monitor and control staff cash advances, ensuring timely retirement, proper documentation, and follow-up on outstanding balances.
- Process monthly payroll for NRS project staff, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely payment.
- Ensure the timely remittance of statutory taxes and contributions for NRS, including Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), pension contributions, and other approved official payments, in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Assist in reconciling IITA staff welfare records to ensure the accuracy and consistency of financial and administrative information.
- Perform any other finance- and accounting-related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience
- A minimum of two (2) years of relevant accounting or finance experience, preferably within an international organization, non-governmental organization, or development institution.
Competencies
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
- Sound knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), standard accounting practices, and financial procedures.
- Working knowledge of accounting software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as Oracle or equivalent platforms.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve financial discrepancies.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to multitask, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while demonstrating a high level of integrity, accountability, and confidentiality.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in financial transactions and reporting.
- Good interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
- Strong proficiency in both English and French, spoken and written.
Benefits
REMUNERATION:
We offer highly competitive salaries with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
- At least two years of relevant accounting or finance experience
- Experience within an international organization, NGO, or development institution
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
- Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, standard accounting practices, and financial procedures
- Working knowledge of accounting software and ERP systems such as Oracle or equivalent
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Ability to work independently with integrity, accountability, and confidentiality
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy
- Good interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment
- Strong proficiency in spoken and written English and French
What We Do
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. IITA is dedicated to transforming African agriculture through innovative science and sustainable solutions. Its mission focuses on food security, poverty reduction, and climate resilience by developing high-yielding, climate-smart crops, improving soil health, and enhancing agricultural value chains to empower farmers and communities across the continent.
