Finance Officer

Job Context

• Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) started its journey in 1988 with a noble vision to stand in solidarity with the poor and marginalized. Being a peoples` centered organization, ESDO envisioned for a society which will be free from inequality and injustice, a society where no child will cry from hunger and no life will be ruined by poverty. Near about three decades of relentless efforts to make this happen, ESDO has embraced new grounds and opened up new horizons to help the disadvantaged and vulnerable people to bring meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. During this long span, ESDO has adapted with the changing situation and provided the most time-bound services especially for the poor and disadvantaged. A community focused and people centered approach has been adapted by ESDO while consideration was given to the national policy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its guiding principle. ESDO is one of the most dynamic organizations expanding its development interventions across 422 upazilas under 56 districts of Bangladesh covering over 10 million poor and vulnerable people.

• The International Labour Organization (ILO), with funding from FCDO/IOM, is implementing the pilot project “Production and Marketing of Eco-friendly Handicrafts and Toys” within the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus in Cox’s Bazar. The project aims to enhance skills, generate income, and foster social cohesion for 400 Rohingya refugee and host community artisans, primarily women, by developing a sustainable, market-driven value chain for eco-friendly products. The project is jointly implemented by Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) and Light of Hope Ltd. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Finance Officer. The primary goal of this position is to ensure financial management, including developing quality financial activities and reports for the overall operation of the “Production and Marketing of Eco-friendly Handicrafts and Toys” project. Finance Officers will ensure that all expenses are made according to the approved budget and follow donors’ compliance, agreed procurement procedures, etc. S/he will associate with budget monitoring process also the incumbent will also provide support to internal and external auditors as per program need. S/he is also responsible for coordination, communication, performance management, and staff development and inventory management system.

Reporting to: The Finance Officer will report to the Project Manager and Finance Controller of ESDO.

Job Responsibilities:

Financial and operational management and control

• Prepare the financial plan, fund requests, and cash calls for the project.

• Ensure donor compliance across financial transactions, human resources, and program activities.

• Orient project staff on donor compliance requirements and updates.

• Review and verify bills/invoices according to the project plan and process them for payment.

• Cross-check every bill/invoice/voucher with supporting documents, ensuring accuracy of facts and figures.

• Maintain up-to-date records of fund and expenditure status, providing analytical reports and forecasts to management on fund utilization.

• Ensure appropriate fund allocation for all project activities to maximize impact.

Financial documentation and record keeping

• Prepare, update, and preserve financial information, files, documentation, and databases for effective financial management.

• Monitor the approved budget, comparing actual expenditures against the program’s needs on a daily basis.

• Assist project management in controlling and monitoring financial activities.

• Conduct financial risk analysis to identify potential issues and mitigate risks.

• Oversee daily cash and bank management, including all banking transactions.

• Ensure the proper management and control of petty cash, adhering to policies and guidelines.

• Ensure petty cash is kept securely and that the limit is not exceeded as per the established policy.

• Assist in ensuring that the procurement process aligns with proper procurement policies.

• Ensure all bills and invoices are thoroughly approved before processing payments.

• Regularly update the books of accounts, ensuring that supervisors’ signatures are obtained at the end of each day for verification.

Administrative support and human resources management

• Provide administrative support to the project team to ensure the smooth operation of project interventions.

• Oversee the effective utilization of project assets.

• Manage vehicle operations and ensure optimal utilization.

• Ensure the maintenance of HR databases, including leave management and other relevant records.

• Ensure timely procurement processes in compliance with standard procedures and donor requirements.

• Assist in preparing various agreements with landlords, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Report preparation

• Prepare expense summary reports, identify deviations, and provide recommendations to management for corrective actions.

• Analyze budget expenditures and prepare financial reports for project reporting.

• Prepare a variety of financial reports, including Trial Balance, Receipt & Payment Accounts, Budget and Expenditure Statements, Cash Flow and Expenditure Status, Cash Recap by Bank Account, and Bank Reconciliation Statements.

• Prepare expenditure statements, conduct internal audits, and maintain books of accounts accurately.

• Ensure timely submission of reports to the appropriate management team.

• Track and update asset records, ensuring accuracy and reporting.

• Prepare and submit any other financial and administrative reports as requested by the project or organization.

Coordination and communication

• Assist and provide orientation to staff on various compliance issues related to finance and administration.

• Coordinate with different projects within ESDO and external organizations to ensure smooth operations.

Contract Duration: (5.5 months) May have the possibility to extend based on Donor confirmation)