Finance Assistant

Validity Foundation (formerly the Mental Disability Advocacy Centre – MDAC) is looking for a Finance Assistant to join the team in our Budapest office.

The post holder will provide financial and administrative support across Validity’s operations with a particular focus on ensuring financial and administrative compliance of Validity’s European Commission co-funded projects which are implemented with multiple consortia partners across several different European countries. The incumbent will lead in ensuring smooth financial management of all projects in full compliance with grant agreement criteria, relevant EU financial regulations and Validity’s internal policies.

The Finance Assistant will provide finance and administrative support to the Project Managers and Finance Officer, liaise effectively with consortia partners and external experts, manage project financial and administrative documentation, and compile financial reports in line with the relevant financial requirements. The post-holder will work closely with project and finance staff in partner organisations to support and guide them in correct documentation and procedures. The incumbent will also provide general financial and administrative support to Validity’s Finance Officer as required.

Role Description

• Supports the Finance Officer to keep financial and related administrative documentation up-to-date and filed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Provides technical financial expertise to support the Finance Officer in producing internal financial reports, donor reports, and evaluating balances against forecasts.
• Leads on ensuring administrative and financial compliance in European Commission (EC) co-funded projects under the direction of the Finance Officer, in particular liaising with project partners to ensure timely submission of accurate administrative and financial documentation in compliance with grant agreement and EU requirements.
• Compiles interim and final financial reports and supporting documentation for EC co-funded projects in accordance EU requirements in close cooperation with the Project Managers and Finance Officer.
• Maintains strong and effective relationships with external partners, especially EC co-funded project consortium partners.
• Organises and ensures clear and comprehensive filing and storage of project financial data and financial information, to comply with Validity and EU reporting requirements.
• Supports the Project Managers and Finance Officer in compiling financial reports to Validity senior management, the European Commission and other donors.
• Supports the Administrative Assistant to manage Validity’s office administration functions to ensure it operates in a timely, efficient and cost-effective manner.

Note: Candidates must hold the right to reside and work within the European Union; preference will be given to people who self-identify as having a disability. This position will be based at Validity’s headquarters in Budapest.

Qualifications and experience

• Professional qualification in finance or accounting
• A minimum of five years’ relevant experience in financial management or accounting, of which a minimum of two years must be in an international setting
• Demonstrable experience in the financial administration of European Commission co-funded projects
• Experience in non-governmental or non-profit finance an advantage
• Experience working in a multicultural, international environment an advantage

Knowledge and skills

• The highest commitment to Validity’s mission and campaign goals
• Excellent spoken English with the ability to draft high quality written English language outputs
• Knowledge of Hungarian is an asset
• Advanced Excel skills, ability to use a range of Microsoft products and online communication platforms (Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams etc.), quick to adapt to new financial software. Experience using Serpa an advantage.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Positive attitude towards building and maintaining effective professional relationships. Respectful and professional communication at all times. Strong inter-personal skills and communication with a can-do approach, including when working remotely
• A proactive, solution-oriented and resourceful individual, who can take the initiative and approach challenging situations constructively and calmly

Salary: 470-500,000 HUF gross per month (approx. EUR 1,270 – 1,350 depending on exchange rates)

Downloadable job description and further information on open positions available on our website: Vacancy – Finance Assistant – Validity Foundation – Mental Disability Advocacy Centre – Validity Foundation – Mental Disability Advocacy Centre