Finance and Administrative Officer - Pure Earth

Pure Earth is a leading global environmental health nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and improving lives and protecting the planet by reducing disease-causing pollution and cleaning up toxic hot spots in low- and middle-income countries. Since its inception in 1999, Pure Earth and its field teams have completed more than 120 projects in 27 countries with pragmatic, cost-effective solutions.

Pure Earth prioritizes actions that protect the developing brains and bodies of children and pregnant women living in toxic hot spots with a specific emphasis on lead and mercury exposure. Partnering with governments, communities, and industry leaders, Pure Earth aims to elevate pollution as a global priority, create sustainable change, and support a healthier future.

Pure Earth Ghana aims to become a leader in driving awareness, interest and action on pollution and health issues in the country. 

Job Description

• Volunteer Placement Duration: July 1 – Sept 30, 2023
• Time Commitment: 37.5 hours/week (Hybrid)
• Location: Accra, Ghana

The Finance and Administrative Officer (volunteer) would report to the Country Director of Pure Earth Ghana.

Overview 

The Finance and Administrative Officer (volunteer) will support the management and compliance of all administrative, operations and financial aspects of the organisation, in close coordination with the Country Director, ensuring all deliverables are on time and of high quality.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Finance and Administrative Officer (volunteer) will be responsible for the following:

Finance

• Summarize current financial status by collecting information, preparing balance sheet, profit and loss statement and other reports.
• Verify, allocate, post and reconcile transactions
• Analyze financial information and summarize financial status
• Prepare financial statements and produce budget according to schedule
• Calculate PAYE, withholding tax and SSNIT contributions
• Ensure prompt payment of employee salaries and vendors
• Prepare books/ records for audit
• Comply with all company, local, state, and federal accounting and financial regulations
• Manage payroll systems
• Calculate staff benefits
• Advice on cost reduction procedures for purchases / financial transactions
• Create and update databases and records for financial information
• Support all budgeting procedures
• Manage expenses and expense reports
• Compile and present financial and budget reports.
• Ensure that financial statements and records comply with laws and regulations
• Keeping all organizational accounting systems up to date.

Administrative

• Assist with procurement of items needed for daily operations in an efficient and timely manner.
• Coordinate activities throughout the organization to ensure efficiency and maintain compliance with organizational policies.
• Maintain employee files.
• Ensure the purchase and delivery of newspapers and keep them systematically filed for future reference
• Keep track of employee vacation and sick leave
• Take minutes at meetings and attend meetings with directors for minutes taking as required
• Track and replace office supplies as necessary to avoid shortages
• Welcoming and directing visitors and ensuring they are well catered for.
• Respond to inquiries from visitors to the office
• Ensuring the office is safe, comfortable, and habitable for office work.
• Providing water/ snacks to staff and visitors during internal meetings.
• Make travel and logistics arrangements for directors
• Assist with the daily running of the office, including filing, receiving letters, and answering the phone
• Perform other administrative and programmatic support duties as tasked.

Benefits of Volunteer Opportunity

• Contribute to environmental health programs.
• Acquire experience leading to personal and professional growth.
• Access high-quality training and resources.
• Be part of an international network.
• Receive a Daily Stipend to cover transportation.

Required Skills or Experience

• A first-level university degree in combination with a part-level professional qualification in ACCA or ICA is required.
• Fluency in English is required, and other local languages is a plus.
• Minimum 2 – 3 years of relevant work experience in the field of finance and administration
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Good knowledge of basic accounting procedures and principles
• Experience with creating financial statements.
• Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process
• Aptitude for numbers and quantitative skills
• Intermediate understanding of accounting and reporting standards
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be currently living in Accra and able to commute to the Pure Earth/Blacksmith office. 
• Ability to commit to full-time, 3-month volunteer placement.  
• Flexibility in schedule
• Proficiency in standard software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 

Note: Individuals of all demographics, academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply, particularly women.