Position Title:             Finance and Account Assistant (Tamil Nadu India)

Open Period:               6 November 2024 – 5 December 2024

Background:                The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia 

(RIMES) is an international and intergovernmental institution, owned and managed by its Member States, for the generation and application of early warning information. RIMES evolved from the efforts of countries in Africa and Asia, in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, to establish a regional early warning system within a multi-hazard framework for the generation and communication of early warning information, and capacity building for preparedness and response to trans-boundary hazards. RIMES was established on 30 April 2009 and was registered with the United Nations on 1 July 2009. RIMES operates from its regional early warning center located at the campus of the Asian Institute of Technology in Pathumthani.

Position Description:  The Finance and Account Assistant is to support the RIMES South Asia Regional Office by managing financial transactions, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, and maintaining proper documentation and archiving of financial records. This role will adhere to established accounting, procurement, and contract management procedures and policies within RIMES.

Contract Type: Full-Time Contract 

Duty station: RIMES Office, Tamil Nadu, India

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance Management.

• Knowledge of bookkeeping and generally accepted accounting principles.

• Knowledge and hands-on experience with Infor SunSystems or other accounting software (for non-profit organizations).

• Knowledge of Indian laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the operation of inter-governmental organizations.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in finance administration and procurement in private, development, international, national, or non-profit organizations, or academia.

• Ability to apply conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills in accounting operations.

• Experience in preparing and maintaining full sets of accounts.

• Experience in analyzing data and preparing management reports.

• Work experience with reputable audit firms, international organizations, or donor organizations.

Skills and Abilities:

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrable ability to work effectively and efficiently with a wide range of people.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent coordination and organizational abilities.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills to effectively manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying and resolving issues in procurement and administration.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a multi-tasking and multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrable ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The Finance and Account Assistant, reporting to the RIMES Finance and Accounting Manager, will be responsible for supporting financial operations and administration across the RIMES South Asia Regional Office, covering India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Specific tasks include:

• Overseeing the validation of transactions and verifying their overall impact on the general accounts.

• Contributing to updating financial and accounting policies, tools, systems, technologies, and related procedures.

• Reviewing financial paperwork and procedures, providing recommendations, and making necessary changes.

• Ensuring all expenses are within the assigned project budget and verifying the completeness of all required supporting documentation for all payment vouchers.

• Preparing payments, bank transfers, and conducting bank transactions.

• Reviewing and processing staff timesheets, advance requests, and travel expense reports.

• Ensuring timely and accurate monthly and year-end closure of accounts, including bank reconciliation, and submitting reports as per prescribed deadlines.

• Preparing invoices for the projects for services and cost-sharing.

• Ensuring account receivables and payables activities are performed accurately and timely.

• Settling amounts due or recovering outstanding receivables.

• Identifying and resolving invoicing issues, accounting discrepancies, and other financial-related issues.

• Ensuring timely and effective follow-up to audit observations and recommendations.

• Ensuring that accurate and complete accounting, reporting, and internal control systems are functioning and that all relevant records are maintained.

• Maintaining an assets register for equipment bought using project funds.

• Backing up all financial data in a separate secured database with access only to authorized personnel.

• Processing payment of VAT and taxes as per the country law, ensuring compliance with VAT and tax policy before booking.

• Controlling the effectiveness of VAT and tax payments deposit into the bank.

• Keeping separate files for VAT and tax payment records.

• Undertaking any other responsibility as provided by the supervisor.

Reporting to:  the Head of Operational Support under the supervision of the RIMES Procurement and Administrative Officer

Duration:  The contract will initially be for one year and will be extended upon satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary term and each annual performance review.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send your application letter, resume, salary expectation and 2 references in PDF format to rimeshra@rimes.int by midnight of 5 December 2024, Bangkok time. Please state “Finance and Account Assistant (Tamil Nadu India): Your Name “the Subject line of the email. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Ms. Dusadee Padungkul

Head-Operational Support

Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System

AIT Campus, 58 Moo 9 Paholyothin Rd., Klong 1, 

Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120 Thailand.

RIMES promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Well-qualified applicants particularly women are encouraged to apply.