Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian organization that delivers medical assistance to populations affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Operating in numerous countries across the world, MSF is guided by principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality, ensuring that assistance is provided solely on the basis of need.
As part of its ongoing operations and financial management needs, MSF is seeking to recruit a Cashier based in Nairobi. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the effective handling, control, and recording of cash transactions in line with MSF standards and local finance policies. The Cashier will support the organization’s financial integrity by maintaining accurate records, verifying documentation, and ensuring that all cash-related activities are conducted transparently and efficiently.
This role is offered on a fixed-term basis for twelve months, commencing with a three-month probation period. Renewal of the contract will be subject to performance and operational requirements. The position is suitable for a candidate with accounting experience who is able to work in a structured financial environment while adhering strictly to organizational policies and procedures.
Position Overview
The Cashier will be responsible for performing and monitoring all cash transactions, ensuring that supporting documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with MSF financial guidelines. The role requires close collaboration with the Finance and Accounting Manager, as well as coordination with other teams, including the Dadaab team, on cash-related matters.
The position demands a high level of attention to detail, integrity, and accountability. The Cashier will be entrusted with managing cash movements, reconciling balances, following up on advances, and supporting monthly financial closures. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate reliability, confidentiality, and consistency in the execution of daily financial tasks.
Main Purpose of the Role
The primary purpose of the Cashier position is to carry out cash transactions, verify supporting documentation, and maintain accurate financial records in accordance with MSF standards and applicable local finance policies. Through diligent cash management and record-keeping, the role contributes to the organization’s overall financial control framework and supports the smooth functioning of operations.
By ensuring that all cash movements are properly documented, coded, and recorded, the Cashier helps safeguard organizational resources and supports informed financial decision-making. The role also contributes to compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and donor expectations.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Cash Management and Transactions
The Cashier is responsible for controlling and monitoring all cash payments made from the cashbox. This includes ensuring that each payment is supported by appropriate and authorized documentation before disbursement. All transactions must be processed in line with MSF financial procedures and internal controls.
The role involves coding and recording all cash transactions accurately in the daily cashbook or designated accounting system. This requires careful attention to detail to ensure that account codes are correct and that transactions are recorded in the appropriate period.
The Cashier will perform daily cash counts to verify that physical cash balances match recorded balances. Any discrepancies identified during cash counts must be promptly investigated, documented, and reported to the Finance and Accounting Manager. The Cashier is expected to take immediate corrective action, in line with procedures, to resolve any variances.
Advances and Follow-Up
A key responsibility of the role is to follow up on cash advances issued to staff or other authorized requesters. The Cashier will ensure that advances are issued only to individuals on the authorized requesters list and in compliance with internal approval processes.
The Cashier will monitor outstanding advances and ensure that they are settled within the required timeframes. This includes tracking advance documentation, verifying supporting receipts, and recording settlements accurately in the accounting system. Effective follow-up on advances is essential to maintaining financial discipline and minimizing exposure to risk.
Cash and Safe Transfers
The Cashier will carry out transfer requests between the cashbox and the safe, ensuring that all movements are properly authorized, documented, and recorded. This responsibility requires strict adherence to security procedures and segregation of duties to safeguard cash assets.
All transfers must be clearly reflected in the cashbook or accounting system, and supporting documentation must be filed appropriately for audit and reference purposes.
Invoice and Documentation Verification
The role includes checking the validity of invoices prior to payment. This involves verifying that invoices are complete, accurate, and supported by relevant documentation. The Cashier will confirm that approval signatories are valid and that the correct account codes have been applied.
By ensuring that only valid and authorized invoices are paid, the Cashier contributes to effective financial control and compliance with organizational policies.
Currency Exchange Operations
When required, the Cashier will perform currency exchange operations in line with MSF guidelines. This includes applying approved exchange rates, documenting transactions accurately, and ensuring that any gains or losses are properly recorded.
The Cashier must ensure transparency and accuracy in all currency exchange activities, as these transactions can have a direct impact on financial reporting.
Salary and Payroll Support
The Cashier will assist with the preparation of salary payments as required. This may include supporting payroll processing by preparing cash payments, verifying payroll documentation, and ensuring that salary disbursements are executed accurately and on time.
While the Cashier may not be directly responsible for payroll calculations, the role supports the payroll process through careful handling and documentation of salary-related cash transactions.
Reconciliations and Monthly Closures
The Cashier is responsible for performing monthly reconciliations before the closing of monthly accounts. This includes reconciling cash balances and ensuring that all transactions for the period have been accurately recorded.
Where applicable, the Cashier will manage bank reconciliations and review monthly bank statements. This involves comparing bank records with internal accounting records, identifying discrepancies, and working with the Finance and Accounting Manager to resolve any issues.
Accurate and timely reconciliations are essential for ensuring the integrity of financial reports and supporting internal and external audits.
Coordination with Dadaab Team
The role requires liaison with the Dadaab team on cash-related matters. The Cashier will serve as the focal point for Dadaab funds transfers, including payments to suppliers, daily workers, and other beneficiaries.
This responsibility involves coordinating transfer requests, ensuring that documentation is complete and accurate, and following up on transactions to confirm successful disbursement. Effective communication and coordination with the Dadaab team are essential to supporting field operations.
Additional Finance Support Duties
The Cashier will assist with advance management follow-up, particularly in relation to operational advances. This includes monitoring advance usage, supporting settlements, and ensuring compliance with procedures.
The role also involves contract follow-up, supporting the monthly accountancy file, and ensuring that financial documents are properly archived. The Cashier may be required to carry out other finance-related tasks as assigned by the supervisor or requested by authorized stakeholders.
These additional duties contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the finance function and support the smooth operation of the organization’s activities.
Requirements
Education
The position requires a Diploma in accounting, finance, or business administration. A CPA qualification is considered an added advantage and may support enhanced performance in the role.
Experience
Candidates should have a minimum of one year of experience in accounting or a related finance role. Experience in handling cash transactions, maintaining financial records, and working within structured financial procedures is particularly relevant to this position.
Languages
Proficiency in English and Swahili is required, as both languages are used in daily communication and documentation within the organization.
Knowledge
The role requires computer literacy, particularly in the use of word processing and spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Familiarity with accounting systems or financial software is beneficial for effective performance.
Competencies
The Cashier is expected to demonstrate strong results and quality orientation, ensuring that tasks are completed accurately and in line with established standards. Teamwork and cooperation are essential, as the role involves collaboration with finance colleagues and other departments.
Behavioural flexibility is important, as the role may require adapting to changing priorities and operational demands. Commitment to MSF principles is fundamental, given the organization’s humanitarian mandate and ethical framework.
The role also requires a strong service orientation, with an emphasis on supporting internal stakeholders efficiently and professionally. Cross-cultural awareness is essential, as MSF operates in diverse and multicultural environments.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit their applications. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and an application letter. Both documents must be combined into a single PDF file and saved using the applicant’s full names.
Applications should be submitted through the designated application platform by clicking the Apply Now button. Only applications submitted in the specified format will be considered.
