Finance Officer - Local Recruitment (Samoan Nationals and Permanent Residents Only)

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Job Description

The Secretariat of the Pacific Region Environment Programme (SPREP) is the regional organisation established by the Governments and Administrations of the Pacific charged with protecting and managing the environment and natural resources of the Pacific. The head office is based in Apia, Samoa with other SPREP offices in Fiji, the Republic of the Marshalls Islands, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. SPREP has around 160 staff and has an annual budget of approximately USD51 million in 2026. The establishment of SPREP in 1993 sends a clear signal to the global community of the deep commitment of Pacific Island Governments and Administrations for better management of the environment within the context of sustainable development. The strategic direction for SPREP is clearly set out in the 2017-2026 SPREP Strategic Plan. The Plan outlines the mandate, vision and programmes for the organisation, and places strong emphasis on effective delivery of services to SPREP Member countries and territories.

To provide accurate and timely financial services and support across all areas of accounting, payroll, procurement, and project finance to ensure compliance, transparency, and efficiency in SPREP’s financial operations. Reports to Financial Accountant/Project Accountants.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Project Accounting and Reporting
Financial records for assigned projects and programmes are maintained accurately and updated regularly. Project expenditure and commitments are monitored and variances are highlighted for corrective action. Donor and partner reporting requirements are met within established deadlines. Accountable advances are verified, reconciled, and supported with valid documentation. Annual project audits are supported through timely provision of reconciliations and audit schedules.
2. Accounts Payable and Receivable
All invoices and payments are processed accurately and supported by complete documentation. Accounts payable and receivable ledgers are maintained and reconciled monthly. Vendor and customer information is updated and verified in the Financial Management Information System (FMIS). Outstanding invoices are followed up and resolved in accordance with policy. Internal controls over financial transactions are applied consistently.
3. Payroll
Payroll data is verified and processed in line with approved terms and conditions. Payments to staff and statutory agencies are accurate and released within deadlines. Payroll registers and reconciliations are maintained and reviewed monthly.
4. Budget Monitoring and Financial Analysis
Expenditure against budget is reviewed and variances are analysed. Monthly and quarterly budget monitoring reports are prepared and submitted to the Financial Accountant. Budget data for projects and operational activities is updated in the financial system. Staff and managers are provided with accurate financial information for decision-making. Budget forecasting and adjustments are supported in line with SPREP’s Work Plan and Budget process.
5. Risk Management and Compliance
All transactions comply with SPREP’s Financial Regulations, Procurement Policy, and donor requirements. Financial risks and irregularities are identified and reported promptly. Recommendations for process improvements are proposed to enhance efficiency and accountability. Participation in internal reviews and audits is proactive and solutions-focused. A culture of accuracy, timeliness, and integrity is demonstrated across all finance activities.
6. General Financial Services
Support and assistance provided to finance areas for timely and reliable financial services. Accounts and Bank Reconciliations conducted on time ensuring high standards. Assistance is provided for travel, procurement, and other finance-related transactions. Finance records, reports, and supporting documents are prepared and filed accurately.

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Planning	Deliver results by developing, reviewing or following a work plan, action plan or operational plan.
Systems and Procedures	Develop and/or apply procedures to assist the organisation achieve its goals.
Information Analysis	Make informed decisions by collecting and interpreting data and information
Documentation	Communicate using formal business writing.
Communication	Exchange information through verbal communication
Customer
Customer Commitment	Demonstrate a commitment to customer service - both internal and external customers.
Relationship Building	Build beneficial relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Quality Focus	Deliver quality.
Organisational Values	Display the organisation's image and value standards.
People
Team Orientation	Work in a team towards a common aim.
Problem Solving	Develop practical solutions to a situation.
Professional
Compliance	Comply with relevant laws and the policies and procedures of the organisation.
Financial Application	Apply financial principles and practices.
Mathematical Reasoning	Apply mathematical reasoning.
Technology Application	Apply technology.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Bachelor Degree	Accounting and Finance	Bachelor degree in Accounting/Finance

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Criteria 2: Minimum of 2 years experience in financial and accounting work (New graduates with no work experience but have lots of energy to be driven and shows initiative are strongly encouraged to apply)
2. Criteria 3: Sound knowledge and understanding of: a. Finance and Accounting policies and processes including experience in computerised accounting systems; b. Project financial analysing and reporting
3. Criteria 4: Demonstrates a positive approach to continuous learning and development as well as initiative and ability to think outside the box in dealing with multiple tasks, demanding deadlines and with little supervision
4. Criteria 5: Excellent communication skills with high command of spoken and written English with ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders, particularly presentation of financial and accounting information
5. Criteria 6: Good understanding and appreciation of teamwork and performance culture with a growth mindset and positive attitude to diverse opportunities and challenges
6. Criteria 7: Demonstrated ability to work with integrity, maintain confidentiality and use discretion when handling sensitive information and shows initiative and ability to be creative and to think outside the box
7. Criteria 1: A Bachelor degree in Accounting/Finance.

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Detail oriented	Attends to the small elements of a task/activity, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Enthusiastic	Shows high levels of excitement and interest, and expresses positive feelings.
Punctuality	Completes a required task or fulfills an obligation before or at a previously designated time
Reliable	Is able to be trusted to do what is expected or has been promised, puts in a great amount of effort believing in the value of work.
Interpersonal Styles
Objective	Impartial and honest in dealings with others, eliminating own feelings and view to reach a balanced judgement.
Team Oriented	Enjoys being with others as part of a group or team.
Trusting	Places confidence in others without misgivings, relying on their ability, character, and truthfulness.
Thinking Styles
Well organised	Controls tasks in a well thought out and critical manner.
Analytic	Able to separate things into their constituent elements in order to study or examine them, draw conclusions, or solve problems.

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