Organization: COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale
Location: Abuja (FCT), Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time
Application Closing Date: 28th April, 2026
POSITION OVERVIEW
COOPI is seeking a highly qualified Finance Manager to oversee the financial health and compliance of our country operations in Nigeria. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our financial systems are transparent, efficient, and fully aligned with international donor regulations, organizational policies, and Nigerian laws. You will be responsible for the accuracy of project accounts, the integrity of financial reporting, and the management of internal risks across all COOPI projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Financial Oversight & Month-End Processes
- Accounting Accuracy: Receive and verify monthly accounting records, cash/bank reconciliations, and expenditure forecasts from Project Administrators.
- Coordination: Ensure Country Coordination expenses are correctly integrated into project forecasts.
- Corrections: Identify and implement necessary corrections in alignment with COOPI and donor rules.
- Reporting: Share verified financial data with Regional and Country Administrators and the Audit Manager.
2. Donor Reporting & Compliance
- Quality Assurance: Verify the accuracy of interim and final financial reports before donor submission.
- Archiving: Maintain a rigorous physical and electronic archive of all financial reports and supporting documentation.
- Donor Rules: Ensure all expenditures and reports strictly adhere to specific donor regulations (e.g., USAID, ECHO, UN).
3. Internal Controls & Risk Management
- Systems Maintenance: Establish and maintain robust internal control systems and anti-fraud measures.
- Audit Support: Lead the preparation for internal and external audits, ensuring timely closure of any audit findings.
- Budgeting: Support program teams in proposal development, budget revisions, and financial realignments.
4. Ethics & Professional Conduct
- Integrity: Promote COOPI’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and adhere to the Code of Ethics and Conduct.
- Humanitarian Values: Ensure financial operations respect the UNCRC and CEDAW conventions.
CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS
Education & Professional Status
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
- Certification: Professional certification (ACCA, ICAN, or CPA) is strongly preferred.
Experience & Skills
- Background: Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management, specifically within the humanitarian NGO sector.
- Context: Proven experience managing donor-funded projects in emergency/complex contexts.
- Tech: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial management software.
- Resilience: Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a high-stress environment with minimal supervision.
Core Values
- High integrity and ethical standards.
- Strong leadership and analytical problem-solving skills.
- Sensitivity to diversity and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and qualified candidates should apply via the COOPI recruitment portal.
Note: Females are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. COOPI is an equal opportunity employer.
Success Blueprint: COOPI Finance Manager
The Finance Manager role at COOPI is a “Guardian of Integrity.” To be successful in your application, you must demonstrate more than just “math skills”—you must show you are a strategic compliance expert.
1. Highlight Your “Donor Fluency”
Humanitarian finance is defined by donor rules (ECHO, USAID, BHA, UNHCR, etc.).
- The Task: You must verify that accounts are consistent with “donors’ regulations.”
- Strategy: On your CV, don’t just list “Accounting.” List specific donors you have managed budgets for. Mention your experience in managing Multi-Donor funding streams and how you handle “allowable vs. unallowable” costs.
2. The Power of Advanced Excel & Systems
COOPI requires accuracy in expenditure forecasting and reconciliations.
- Technical Depth: “Advanced Excel” means more than just sums. It means Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and complex budget modeling.
- Pro-Tip: If you have experience with specific NGO accounting software (like SAGA, QuickBooks, or Microsoft Dynamics), highlight this prominently.
3. Internal Audit & Risk Mitigation
This role works closely with the Audit Manager.
- Success Factor: Show that you are proactive about risk. Mention a time you identified a “red flag” or implemented a new internal control that prevented financial loss or audit failure.
- Audit Readiness: Mention your experience in leading an organization through an external “Year-End” audit successfully.
4. Leadership & Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The Finance Manager is not “stuck in a back office.” You must work with Logistics, HR, and Program teams.
- Soft Skills: Highlight your ability to explain complex financial constraints to non-finance staff. Your role in “Proposal Development” and “Budget Realignments” requires you to be a collaborative partner to the Program Managers.
5. Ethical Leadership (The COOPI Way)
COOPI places a heavy emphasis on its Code of Ethics and the UN conventions (CEDAW/UNCRC).
- Culture Fit: In your cover letter, express your commitment to transparency and the “Zero Tolerance” policy for corruption. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s a core value the hiring committee will look for during the interview.
6. Application Checklist
- [ ] Professional Certification: If you are an ICAN/ACCA member, put your membership number on your CV.
- [ ] Gender-Inclusive Note: As COOPI encourages female applicants, women should feel empowered to highlight their leadership experience in high-pressure environments.
- [ ] Rolling Basis: Since they review applications as they arrive, submit today. Don’t wait for the April 28th deadline.
You are the financial foundation of COOPI’s mission in Nigeria. Apply with professional rigor.