Finance Assistant

Do you want to fight for equality? Tackling inequality at its roots, together with colleagues, our partner organizations and activists in more than 90 countries? To change the systems behind it, once and for all!

Oxfam Novib stands behind the people who stand up for equality. Together, we fight for a world where everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of religion, ethnicity, sex, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. A world where everyone feels safe; where income gaps are shrinking instead of growing, where climate change is tackled firmly. 

Equality is the common thread in our work, both internally and externally. We recognize that our team of colleagues can become even more diverse, and that only with a diverse team can we gain a broad perspective on the world. Therefore, we want to encourage everyone who is interested to apply. Our aim is to create an environment where colleagues feel welcome and diversity is embraced and celebrated.

Our aim is to build a team that offers a rich variety of perspectives, enabling us to achieve an inclusive and inspiring work environment.

Becoming part of  Oxfam? Oxfam Somalia/Somaliland is looking for a Finance Assistant

Duty station: Hargeisa, Somaliland

Type of appointment: Fixed term

Contract duration: 12 months with possibility of renewal

Work schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Reports to: Accountant

Start date: As soon as possible

Deadline for applications: 4 August 2026

Salary Scale: E1

TEAM PURPOSE The purpose of the Business Support Team is to provide proactive, tailored assistance to various departments, enabling them to focus on their core objectives. This function supports day-to-day operations by streamlining workflows, coordinating resources, and addressing specific business needs that arise. By anticipating challenges and ensuring smooth operational processes, Business Support enhances productivity and contributes directly to organizational efficiency and success. Finance Team is ensuring the organization’s financial stability, transparency, and compliance by managing all financial processes with accuracy and integrity. This team is responsible for budgeting, financial planning, reporting, and resource allocation to support strategic decision-making and organizational goals.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Finance Assistant is responsible for supporting the accountant to ensure high standards of accounting and financial control across the country office. The role includes handling payments for field office programs, maintaining accurate cash/bank records, and ensuring daily uploads to Pastel, in line with business rules.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (Technical, Leadership, People and Resource management)

Payments and Account Management

• Assist the accountant in processing payments for program and business units, ensuring thorough checks of invoices and supporting documents for compliance with Oxfam’s policies.
• Process cheque and cash payments, maintaining an updated log of cheque payments and ensuring petty cash records are accurate and replenished on time.
• Manage invoicing and re-charges for staff’s private expenditures (e.g., personal use of Oxfam assets), ensuring all documentation is complete and properly authorized before processing.
• Maintain communication with banks managing field office accounts, promptly addressing any discrepancies or routine issues.
• Monitor personal accounts, including floats, welfare loans, and rent advances, ensuring monthly statements are shared and recoveries made as needed.

Compliance with Oxfam Policies and Statutory Obligations

• Ensure adherence to Oxfam Novib’s core standards on ethics, safety, and financial procedures, including compliance with updated petty cash guidelines and payroll management practices.
• Manage timely remittance of all statutory obligations, including taxes, and oversee salary deductions for payment to relevant government bodies.

 Financial Systems and Pastel Use

• Ensure proper use and maintenance of computerized financial systems, specifically Pastel, for accurate financial processing and record-keeping.

Accounting, Record-Keeping, and Document Management

• Collaborate with the Accountant to provide reliable support for financial accounting, with a focus on month-end transactions, bank payments, petty cash reconciliation, and payroll transfers.
• Ensure that all transactions are accurately coded, authorized, and promptly uploaded to cashbooks.
• Update and reconcile petty cash daily, with entries uploaded to Pastel on daily basis..
• Maintain well-organized financial records in both digital and physical formats, ensuring all documents are appropriately stamped and filed.
• Assist with document retrieval for audits and support the preparation of monthly financial reports for review and submission to Oxfam Novib..

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES

ESSENTIAL

• Self-awareness
• Humility
• Relationship Building
• Systems thinking
• Mutual accountability

In addition

• CPA II and/or a Bachelor of accounting or Business administration

• Minimum of 2 years working experience in accounts, with thorough knowledge of bookkeeping
• Working understanding of project cycle

• Manages resources and deadlines with minimum supervision.
• High level of initiative
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Shows evidence of high level of planning skills.
• Responsible, flexible and adaptable.

• Good team player and builder.

Working at Oxfam Novib

• All our work is guided by our core values: Empowerment, Accountability, Inclusiveness, Courage, Solidarity and Equality.
• At Oxfam Somalia/Somaliland, we work according to the Feminist Principles - Oxfam Policy & Practice.
• Oxfam Somalia/Somaliland is committed to offer you a motivating work environment at our offices. We offer a one-year contract from start (including a 2 - month probation period), with the possibility to extend. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• Only applications received before the closing date  4 August 2026 and submitted via our application portal will be considered.
• Only applicants shortlisted for the post will be contacted. 
• This job opening is posted internally first. Internal candidates are given preference if they are sufficiently qualified or can be obtained in short term. We believe it’s important in our organization that our employees are offered maximum opportunities for growth in new themes and competencies. Priority for internal candidates supports this.
• Oxfam Somalia/Somaliland seeks talented individuals who share our values and commitment to preventing misconduct. We maintain a strict policy against all forms of abuse, exploitation, power abuse, and financial misconduct, which is also integrated into our recruitment process. As part of a job offer, we request valid references, and candidates may undergo integrity screenings, including criminal record and financial background checks.