Finance and Operation Intern, Burkina Faso

Overview

ThinkWell is implementing the Strategic Partnership for Primary Health Care (SP4PHC) project in Burkina Faso, focusing on improving how pooled government resources are used to pay for primary healthcare services, particularly in family planning (FP) and maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH). The Finance and Operations Intern position is based in Ouagadougou and offers a valuable opportunity to learn and gain practical experience by supporting finance, operations, and HR-related tasks under the guidance of a Finance Specialist.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial Support:

·        Assist in preparing financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

·        Support the month-end and year-end close processes by reconciling accounts and verifying data accuracy.

·        Help maintain and update financial records in accounting software or databases.

·        Assist with accounts payable and receivable tasks, such as processing invoices, tracking payments, and maintaining vendor relationships.

·        Participate in budget preparation and expense tracking activities, including analyzing variances and preparing summaries for management.

·        Contribute to financial audits by organizing documents, preparing reports, and liaising with external auditors.

2. Learning from Finance Specialist

·        Work closely with the Finance Specialist to understand financial management principles, processes, and best practices.

·        Receive mentorship and guidance in developing skills in financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.

·        Observe and support the Finance Specialist in identifying and mitigating financial risks.

4. Operational Support:

·        Assist in daily operations and administrative tasks, such as coordinating meetings, maintaining office supplies, and handling correspondence.

·        Support the operations team in planning and executing projects by helping with logistics, scheduling, and communication.

·         Participate in developing and implementing operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency.

·         Help maintain and update operational databases and systems, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.

·        Contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, and other materials for internal and external stakeholders.

5. Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present data-driven insights and recommendations to the finance and operations teams.
• Assist in developing and maintaining dashboards and performance metrics for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).

6. Compliance and Risk Management:

• Assist in ensuring compliance with company policies, financial regulations, and internal controls.
• Support risk management activities by identifying potential risks and helping develop mitigation strategies.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and operational information.

WE ARE:

ThinkWell core values are our fundamental organizational guiding principles. They define our corporate culture, influence our behavior at work and help us achieve our mission. Our values are:

Think big
Influence the conversation
Empower others
Be exceptional
Always question
Relate authentically
Evolve by learning

YOU ARE:

ThinkWell core competencies are foundational skills and behaviors that align with our values and are expected of all employees.

An entrepreneurial, results-oriented ‘do-er’ with a willingness to take risk, think big and challenge conventional wisdom.

A change maker who reaches independent judgement with an open mind, influences the conversation, and seeks innovation.

Able to help create an empowering environment in which everyone feels free to take initiative, be accountable and fail intelligently (learn from mistakes).

A collaborative colleague who engages constructively with people from different cultures, orientations, and perspectives and maintains positive relations in a virtual world.

Principally motivated by a growth mindset, meaning the pursuit of knowledge, experience, and self-improvement. You constantly question and continuously learn.

Authentic, honest, direct, self-aware and open to giving and receiving feedback.

Requirements

·   Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.

·   Strong analytical and quantitative skills, proficient in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.

·   Basic knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.

·   Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

·   Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data handling and reporting.

·   Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

·   Proactive, self-motivated, and eager to learn and take on new challenges.

Preferred Skills:

·   Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle) and/or data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).

·   Understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements.

·   Experience with project management and operations processes is a plus.

·   Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.