Job Description
Company: Peace Winds Japan (PWJ)
Position: Finance Assistant (10 Position)
Location: Kenya – Kakuma Field Office & Nairobi
Contract Duration: 12 Months (December 2026 – December 2027)
Reports To: Head of Support Services (HoSS)
Application Deadline: 25th December 2026
About Peace Winds Japan (PWJ)
Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is a Japanese humanitarian non-governmental organization founded in 1996 that provides emergency relief, humanitarian assistance, and development support to vulnerable communities affected by displacement and disasters worldwide. In Kenya, PWJ has operated since 2012, implementing donor-funded humanitarian projects focused on shelter, WASH, infrastructure development, food security, logistics, and livelihood support for refugees and host communities.
The organization works closely with national and county governments to promote sustainable refugee solutions in Turkana and Garissa Counties, supporting initiatives aligned with Kenya’s development plans including KISEDP and the Shirika Plan.
Candidates searching for NGO finance and accounting opportunities in East Africa can explore additional vacancies through job vacancies in Kenya where humanitarian and nonprofit job opportunities are regularly updated.
Job Summary / Job Description (JD)
The Finance Assistant will support day-to-day financial management activities under the supervision of the Head of Support Services (HoSS) while ensuring compliance with PWJ financial policies, donor regulations, and accounting standards.
The position plays a critical role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting payment processing, payroll support, petty cash management, financial reporting, and ensuring accountability in financial operations for both Nairobi and Kakuma offices.
The successful candidate will work closely with the finance, HR, and management teams to ensure smooth financial operations that support humanitarian programming.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Management & Accounting
- Support the HoSS in managing USD and KES bank books.
- Assist in preparing and submitting monthly financial reports to headquarters on time.
- Maintain accurate and updated cashbooks in the NetSuite ERP system.
- Support monthly account reconciliations including:
- Bank reconciliations
- Mpesa reconciliations
- Financial transaction verification
- Ensure proper donor financial reporting support.
Petty Cash & Payment Processing
- Manage petty cash operations and conduct weekly cash counts every Friday in the presence of the HoSS or Finance Officer.
- Ensure proper documentation and filing of petty cash transactions.
- Support payment processing through the NetSuite ERP system.
- Verify that payment documents are:
- Complete
- Signed
- Dated
- Properly supported
- Ensure original invoices are obtained and correctly filed.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate filing of:
- Payment vouchers
- Invoices
- Supporting financial documentation
- Bank and Mpesa transaction records
- Ensure invoices are stamped with the PWJ/Donor “Paid” stamp and signed by suppliers.
- Maintain organized chronological filing systems for financial records.
Professionals interested in humanitarian finance, nonprofit accounting, and donor-funded project management may also find related opportunities via job vacancies in Ghana across NGOs and international development organizations.
Payroll & Administrative Support
- Support the Finance Officer and HR Officer in monthly payroll processing.
- Maintain updated financial records for audits and compliance.
- Assist management with financial tracking and reporting requirements.
- Perform additional responsibilities assigned by supervisors.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications:
Option 1:
- Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Related discipline
AND
- Minimum three (3) years of relevant professional experience.
Option 2:
- Diploma in:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Related discipline
AND
- Minimum five (5) years of relevant work experience.
Added Advantage
- CPA Part I qualification will be considered an added advantage.
Experience Requirements
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Experience in financial management, accounting, and budget control.
- Previous work experience in humanitarian, NGO, or nonprofit environments is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of:
- Accounting principles
- Taxation regulations
- Financial reporting standards
- Donor compliance procedures
- Proven ability to work under strict deadlines.
Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
- Strong proficiency in NetSuite ERP system (mandatory requirement).
- Good knowledge of accounting systems and financial reporting tools.
- Strong computer literacy skills.
- Report writing and documentation skills.
Professional Competencies
- Strong planning and organizational skills.
- Excellent time management abilities.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in financial operations.
- Problem-solving and multitasking capabilities.
Personal Attributes
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Strong integrity and accountability.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to perform effectively under pressure.
Job seekers exploring finance and accounting careers within NGOs across Africa can also browse job vacancies in Tanzania for nonprofit and humanitarian job openings.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: Not disclosed
Applicants are required to indicate their expected salary in the application letter.
Additional potential benefits may include:
- Professional experience in international humanitarian operations.
- Exposure to donor-funded financial systems and reporting.
- Career growth opportunities within humanitarian and nonprofit sectors.
- Training and practical experience in ERP-based financial systems.
Training & Professional Development
The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience and exposure in:
- NetSuite ERP financial management
- Humanitarian finance operations
- Donor compliance and financial accountability
- Payroll support and reconciliation processes
- Financial reporting and audit preparation
- NGO financial systems and controls
How to Apply
Qualified and interested candidates should submit:
- Resume/CV (Maximum 2 Pages)
- Cover Letter (Maximum 1 Page) detailing relevant experience
Applications should be sent via email to:
Email Subject Line:
“Application for Finance Assistant – Kakuma & Nairobi”
Important Application Requirements
- Include expected salary in your application letter.
- Hard copy applications will not be accepted.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity & Safeguarding
PWJ encourages applications regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or ethnicity.
Important Compliance Notes:
- Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Candidates must pass an anti-terror screening process as part of recruitment.
- Successful applicants must comply with:
- PWJ Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Staff code of conduct and organizational ethics standards.