Finance Officer

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Finance Officer, Ukraine 
Sector: Finance
Position Type: Full-Time  
Duration/Level of Effort: Short-Term (8 months with possibility of extension)  
Position Location: Kyiv, Ukraine  


SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The Support to Ukraine’s National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide is a CA $10 million project funded by Global Affairs Canada through its Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs). The project aims to promote increased resilience and safeguarding of Ukrainian cultural heritage and identity in conflict recovery and prevention, while aligning with Canadian and Ukrainian diplomatic and public diplomacy efforts to counter Russian influence through education and information. The project has four major areas i) enhancing the capacity of the Museum to generate and utilize high-quality research on the Holodomor, ii) increasing the management capacity of the Museum including in alignment with principles of gender equality, inclusion and diversity, iii) strengthening the operational continuity and sustainability of the Museum; and iv) increasing understanding and awareness, particularly among the international community of the Holodomor genocide, including its gendered impacts.


SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
Under the supervision of the Finance Manager, the Finance Officer will provide hands-on financial, accounting, and compliance support to the project. The Finance Officer will assist in maintaining robust financial systems, support adherence to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Cowater International financial policies, contribute to budgeting and financial reporting.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Transactions & Accounting

• Maintain and record primary accounting documentation in VantagePoint, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and proper coding.
• Process accounts payable, advances, expense claims, and other project-related payments.
• Control payroll calculations, ensuring compliance with Ukrainian labour and tax legislation. Ensure financial documentation is complete, consistent, and audit-ready.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Support the Finance Manager in budget planning, forecasting, and revisions.
• Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and proactively flag risks or inconsistencies.
• Assist in preparation of internal financial reports and donor-related financial inputs.

Support financial monitoring of consultants, service providers, and vendors.

 Compliance & Internal Controls

• Conduct financial spot-checks of procurement and contracting files, ensuring compliance with Cowater and donor requirements.
• Support vendor KYC, integrity, and due diligence processes, including risk-based assessments using tools such as YourControl or similar compliance platforms.
• Support financial and compliance aspects of procurement (amendments, payment schedules, payment terms).
• Liaise with vendors and consultants on financial and payment-related matters.
• Work closely with external consultants during contract execution and payment stages.
• Ensure compliance with Ukrainian tax legislation, Ukrainian labour law, Cowater International financial and compliance policies, GAC financial, procurement, and compliance requirements.
• Support internal controls, audits, donor reviews, and spot checks and contribute to strengthening financial and compliance processes and documentation standards.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in international companies or donor-funded projects.
• Prior experience in a Big4 firm (audit, advisory, risk, or compliance) is a strong asset.
• Proven experience supporting international development projects and donor compliance frameworks (GAC preferred): accounts payable, payroll control, primary accounting documentation, budget support and financial monitoring.
• Practical experience working with Ukrainian tax and labour legislation.

Essential Skills

• Strong working knowledge of ERP/accounting systems (VantagePoint, QuickBooks, SAP).
• Advanced Excel skills (budget tracking, reconciliations, analysis).
• Experience using compliance and risk assessment tools (e.g. YourControl, open-source checks).
• Solid understanding of Ukrainian tax regulations, Ukrainian labour law, contract-based financial management and compliance.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confident communication with vendors, consultants, auditors, and internal stakeholders.
• Commitment to human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion principles.
• Candidates must possess an advanced professional proficiency in English and Ukrainian.

Language Proficiency

• Professional abilities in English and Ukrainian are essential.  

Employment Conditions

• The position will be full-time and based in Kyiv. Only candidates with the existing ability to work in Ukraine will be considered.  

APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by January 23, 2026.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

About the Organization

ABOUT US

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.