Background: The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI) is an independent, non-partisan and a not-for-profit civil society organization working on issues of peace and development in Pakistan. It is registered under section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017. CPDI needs services of this advertised position for implementing the USAID’s Citizens’ Engagement Program (CEP), which will be implemented in selected districts of South Punjab and Northern Sindh over a period of five years. This program aims to strengthen effectiveness of citizen-led interventions; and improve government responsiveness to citizens’ concerns. Based on CPDI’s analysis of social change, political economy considerations, adverse impacts of natural calamities like floods and conflict dynamics in South Punjab and North Sindh, the program pathways and interventions focus on (a) enhancing quality of research, including about social trends, impact of recent floods on inter-communal relations, VE and conflicts, to inform policies and civil society engagement; (b) promotion of informed debates, dialogues and discussions to counter narratives that cause extremism and conflicts, especially involving journalists, media houses and young men/ women from diverse urban/ rural communities; (c) engaging legislatures and relevant executive bodies for effective policies, laws and oversight to achieve project objectives; (d) facilitating civil society/citizens’ engagement with journalists, legislatures and government institutions to discuss challenges, and collectively find ways to address perception of alienation or exclusion; (e) extension of technical support for strengthening government policies and legislative procedures (e.g. deployment of online Apps) for sharing information, engaging citizens, receiving feedback and complaints, and to become more responsive to citizens’ concerns; (f) leveraging and building upon the existing resources within communities (e.g. individuals respected across communities) that could help in improving inter-community relations by managing/resolving differences; (g) developing and promoting ideas and disseminating facts that help in strengthening counter narratives and mobilizing public support for peaceful and inclusive society/ communities; and (h) enabling young leaders to effectively engage authorities for promoting transparency and effectiveness of relief/ rehabilitation work in flood affected areas, especially for women and marginalized communities, and mitigating risks of alienation and social conflicts.

Job Description and Responsibilities:

The primary responsibility of the Finance Officer is to assist Manager Finance for the performance of daily transactions, processing of payments, reconciliations, book-keeping, and donor & management reporting. These will include the following:

1. Verification of invoices and supporting documents.
2. Preparation of vouchers (JVs, BPVs, CPVs) for project expenses daily.
3. Overseeing of daily transactions and maintaining accurate bookkeeping records.
4. Preparation of monthly bank reconciliations to ensure financial accuracy.
5. Management of project funds in alignment with CPDI and USAID policies and guidelines.
6. Coordination with the administration department for project-related bills and invoices.
7. Assistance for ensuring timely payments to implementing partners.
8. Generation of meaningful reports for regular analysis by the management and provision of support to the Finance Manager to ensure compliance.
9. Assist management in ensuring compliance with government regulations and project guidelines.
10. Collaborate with Admin & Procurement, Grants, and HR departments to ensure timely payments to vendors, consultants, and employee advances and settlements.
11. Maintain thorough and auditable documentation to ensure compliance with required policies.
12. Review of the financial documentation of the sub grantees and sub awardees.
13. Ensure close coordination with the partners in all financial matters.
14. Regularly deposit taxes deducted from staff salaries and payments for goods and services in accordance with income tax laws.
15. Timely filing of the GST exemption applications on the purchase of goods in accordance with sales tax laws.
16. Prepare and submit quarterly and annual WHT (Withholding Tax) statements in compliance with the guidelines outlined in the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.
17. Timely submission of regulatory filings, including taxes, EOBI (Employee Old-Age Benefits Institution), and other government-mandated charges.
18. Facilitation of external audits, internal audits, and donor audits as required.
19. Provide auditors with the necessary documentation in a timely manner and address their queries to facilitate the audit process.
20. Ensure the proper and timely closure of the project, including final settlements with implementing partners.
21. Any other, as assigned by the project manager.

Required Qualification: 

• A Master's degree in Finance or a degree in relevant field/finance.
• Experience of working with USAID funded programs would be preferable.
• 4-5 years of experience in this role or related roles.
• Excellent command on financial and accounting software such as QuickBooks.
• IT and communication skills.
• Ability to pay attention to detail, effective time management, and resourcefulness.
• Proficiency in both English and Urdu is essential for this role.