Job Description
Finance and Admin Coordinator – FAC (YOU LEAP / EMPOWER)
Reports to: Finance & Admin Manager & Project Manager/s (on matrix supervision).
The position is responsible for efficient and effective financial operations of the country’s program and its projects ensuring the quality of all the related functions. Key functions include developing and managing financial systems, methods and tools at HELVETAS and its project offices, enabling an effective and efficient utilization of the funds and human resources, in accordance with Helvetas policies, rules and the prevailing laws and regulations in Sri Lanka, in order to achieve the best of Helvetas mission. S/he will provide recommendations to CD on Finance management of the country office and projects and advice to finance staff in HELVETAS country office and its partners. FAC will be responsible for the development of the annual country budgets and submission of financial reports on time in close collaboration with the CD and Finance staff at Head Office.
Main Responsibilities:
- Lead the preparation of the annual country budgets and ensure effective budgetary control across all projects, in close coordination with relevant stakeholders.
- Oversee daily financial operations of the Country Office, including cash flow management, payments, bank transactions, and verification of contracts, while monitoring financial activities of project partners.
- Administer and maintain the HELVETAS accounting system (Banana), ensuring accurate bookkeeping, timely financial reporting, and alignment with approved budgets.
- Consolidate and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports; provide actionable insights and recommendations for improved financial efficiency and accountability.
- Ensure strict compliance with HELVETAS financial policies and local statutory requirements by regularly reviewing financial statements and supporting documentation.
- Coordinate and facilitate internal and external audits; maintain complete and updated financial documentation, and liaise effectively with auditors and relevant authorities.
- Work closely with programme development teams to contribute financial data and develop budgets for fundraising efforts and new project proposals.
- Represent the organization in financial discussions at meetings, workshops, and external networks, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Supervise and support the finance team, conduct performance evaluations, and promote continuous professional development in a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Champion good governance, participatory decision-making, and inclusive financial practices within the organization and its partner network.
- Manage organizational assets and ensure the proper closure of financial records and reporting during the phasing out or closure of projects and programmes.
Academic & Other Qualifications:
- Advanced Diploma in Accountancy with an intermediate professional qualification in accountancy; a Bachelor's degree would be a distinct advantage.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the INGO sector, specifically in handling accounts of projects with budgets exceeding USD 300,000.
- Proven experience and competency in financial management, with sound knowledge of international accounting standards, NGO-specific accounting practices, donor compliance, and procurement/tendering processes.
- Proficient in standard accounting software and systems, with strong expertise in project accounting and advanced use of MS Office applications. Demonstrated ability in preparing accurate and timely financial reports.
- Comprehensive understanding of national laws and institutional statutory requirements relevant to financial operations and compliance.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and coordinate diverse teams, applying participatory planning, facilitation, and communication methods.
- Effective team player with excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication abilities. A motivational leader fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Demonstrated capacity for analytical thinking, creativity, and innovation in problem-solving.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Sinhala or Tamil.
- Detail-oriented, results-driven, and committed to meeting deadlines. Trustworthy in handling sensitive and confidential financial information.
- Willingness to travel outside the Colombo district for periodic financial monitoring and field-level support.
Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. We look forward to receiving your complete application, which should include a motivation letter and a Curriculum Vitae with contact details of three work-related referees. Kindly send your application to [email protected] on or before 30th June 2025. Please also indicate your expected salary in the cover letter.
Note: Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, as the position needs to be filled immediately.
This is a short-term contract position until 31st December 2025.
