Finance Intern (Lagos, Nigeria) at Heifer International - MY NGO JOBS

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Employment Type: Full-time (Learning & Development focus)

Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

Start Date: Early 2026

Empowering Global Change Through Financial Integrity

In the world of international development, every dollar accounted for is a step toward a family’s self-reliance. At Heifer International, we believe that sustainable change begins with institutional transparency and meticulous stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. By joining our regional finance team, you aren’t just managing numbers; you are ensuring that the financial infrastructure supporting thousands of farming households remains robust, ethical, and efficient.

Job Summary

The Finance Intern will provide vital support to the Regional Office’s accounting operations, ensuring that all financial activities align with both global standards and local Nigerian regulations. This hands-on role is designed for a detail-oriented professional looking to gain practical experience in payment workflows, audit readiness, and rigorous financial compliance within a prestigious international non-profit environment.

Key Responsibilities & Learning Objectives

Disbursement & Vendor Verification (40%)

Collaborate with Procurement and Administrative teams to validate the accuracy and legitimacy of vendor documentation.
Conduct thorough reviews of incoming invoices to ensure they meet organizational compliance standards before processing.
Support the Regional Finance team in the end-to-end payment cycle to facilitate timely disbursements.
Learning Outcome: Master the intricacies of internal financial controls and cross-functional operational coordination.

Audit Readiness & Regulatory Compliance (30%)

Assist in the preparation of internal and external audits by retrieving records and conducting preliminary documentation research.
Support the team in maintaining adherence to IFRS, local GAAP, and Nigerian statutory laws.
Help address specific audit queries by organizing high-quality evidence and financial justifications.
Learning Outcome: Gain a deep understanding of compliance requirements and the application of accounting principles in the NGO sector.

Records Management & Data Integrity (20%)

Oversee a systematic and secure filing system for all accounting records to ensure easy retrieval and long-term traceability.
Perform weekly audits of financial files to ensure completeness, accuracy, and adherence to data retention policies.
Learning Outcome: Develop advanced organizational skills and a professional appreciation for data traceability and transparency.

Special Projects & Adaptive Support (10%)

Contribute to ad-hoc financial initiatives and regional projects as directed by the Finance Manager.
Participate in team meetings to understand broader regional financial strategies.
Learning Outcome: Build professional adaptability and problem-solving skills in a dynamic, multi-country workspace.

Requirements & Qualifications

Academic Foundation: A Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent in Finance, Accounting, or a closely related business field.
Early Professional Experience: At least two (2) years of cumulative experience, which can include internships, national service (NYSC), or volunteer roles in an accounting capacity.
Analytical Prowess: A strong ability to interpret financial data and identify trends or discrepancies.
Technical Knowledge: A foundational grasp of basic accounting principles; prior exposure to invoice processing is a significant plus.
Interpersonal Excellence: The ability to communicate diplomatically and work effectively within a multicultural and diverse team.
Ethical Standards: A demonstrated commitment to integrity, professional excellence, and ethical conduct.

Why This Internship Matters

The Finance Intern is the guardian of the “back-office” operations that make field-work possible. Without accurate payment processing and audit compliance, the vital resources intended for rural farming communities cannot be deployed. By ensuring that vendor payments are accurate and records are transparent, you are directly protecting the organization’s reputation and its ability to continue transforming lives across Africa.

Benefits of Joining Heifer International

Hands-on Mentorship: Work directly under seasoned finance professionals in a global NGO setting.
Skill Acquisition: Gain rare exposure to IFRS applications and international non-profit financial management.
Mission-Driven Culture: Experience the “Pass on the Gift” philosophy firsthand in a workspace that values humility and innovation.
Competitive Compensation: This internship offers a competitive stipend and a supportive learning environment designed to launch your career in international development.

About the Organization

Heifer International is a global leader in the fight against hunger and poverty, focusing on sustainable community development and environmental stewardship. For over seven decades, we have moved beyond simple aid to empower rural farming families in more than 125 countries to achieve self-reliance. Through our unique model of “Passing on the Gift,” partner families share their knowledge and resources with others, creating a powerful, ever-expanding network of hope, dignity, and economic stability across the globe.

Application Instructions

How to Apply: If you are ready to apply your financial skills to a greater cause, please submit your application through our online portal.

APPLY NOW

Please ensure your CV clearly highlights your previous accounting experience or internships. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Tips for Applicants

Detail Your Systems Experience: If you have used any accounting software (like Excel, SAP, or QuickBooks) during your studies or previous roles, mention this explicitly.
Focus on Accuracy: In your cover letter, provide an example of a time you identified an error or managed a complex task with high attention to detail.
Align with Values: Heifer values “Humility” and “Empathy.” Show how your professional goals align with the organization’s mission to help people feed themselves.