The Research Organization for Development (ROD) is a registered Afghan non-governmental organization specializing in remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), climate analysis, hydrology, and agricultural development. ROD is seeking a qualified Finance and Administration Assistant to support daily financial operations, tax compliance, audit readiness, and general administrative functions.

The Finance and Administration Assistant will support ROD’s financial management systems, ensuring accurate record-keeping, timely payment processing, compliance with Afghan tax laws, and readiness for donor audits and financial reviews. The role is structured as approximately 80% finance and 20% administration, reflecting the organization’s priority need for strengthened financial capacity alongside essential administrative support.

Under the direct supervision of the Operation Manager and the Executive Director, the Finance and Administration Assistant will undertake the following responsibilities:

3.1 Payment Processing and Financial Transactions

1. Assist in processing payments, including salaries, vendor payments, and reimbursements.
2. Prepare payment vouchers and ensure proper supporting documentation.
3. Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems.
4. Record financial transactions in accounting systems.

3.2 Financial Reporting and Budget Monitoring

5. Support preparation of financial reports (monthly, quarterly, annual).
6. Assist in budget tracking and expenditure monitoring against approved project budgets.
7. Help reconcile bank statements and resolve financial discrepancies.

3.3 Tax Compliance and Government Liaison

8. Ensure accurate calculation and deduction of withholding taxes on salaries, vendor payments, rent, and services in accordance with Afghan tax law.
9. Prepare and submit monthly and annual tax returns to the Ministry of Finance.
10. Maintain updated knowledge of Afghan tax laws and advise ROD on changes and implications.
11. Liaise with relevant government authorities for tax clearance and compliance matters.
12. Ensure timely submission of tax forms to avoid penalties.

3.4 Audit Support and Donor Compliance

13. Support external audits and donor financial reviews, including those related to tax matters.
14. Prepare and organize financial documents for donor reviews and verification visits.
15. Ensure all financial documents are complete, accurate, and properly filed.

3.6 Administrative Duties (20%)

• Support general office administration, including correspondence, filing, and document management.
• Assist with procurement documentation and vendor file maintenance.
• Support logistics for meetings, workshops, and field activities as required.
• Maintain and update organizational administrative records and asset registers.
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Finance and Administration Manager.

Master's or Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a closely related field. A professional certification (e.g., ACCA, CPA, or equivalent) is a strong asset.

4.2 Professional Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience in finance, accounting, or financial administration, preferably with NGOs, international organizations, or development projects.
• Demonstrated experience with NGO financial management systems, including payment processing, voucher preparation, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting.
• Proven experience with Afghan tax compliance, including withholding tax calculation, tax return preparation, and liaison with the Ministry of Finance.
• Experience supporting external audits and donor financial reviews is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with donor financial reporting requirements is a strong asset.

4.3 Technical Skills

• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, or similar systems used in the Afghan NGO sector).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, financial tracking sheets) and Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Afghan tax law, withholding tax regulations, and Ministry of Finance reporting requirements.
• Understanding of NGO financial compliance frameworks, internal controls, and audit processes.

4.4 Personal Competencies

• High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality in handling financial information.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills for coordination with colleagues, donors, and government authorities.

4.5 Language

• Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto is required.
• Working knowledge of English is required for financial reporting, donor communication, and reviewing source documents.

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

• A cover letter (maximum one page) outlining motivation, relevant experience, and suitability for the position.
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least two professional references.

Applications should be submitted by email to: hr@rod.af

Subject line: "Finance and Administration Assistant – [Applicant Name]"

Closing date: Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted as suitable candidates apply. The position will be closed once a desired candidate is identified and contracted.