Job Description & Skills/Qualifications Required
The Opportunity
The University of the South Pacific invites suitably qualified applicants for the Finance Assistant position based in Tonga.
The appointee will be responsible for assisting the Finance Coordinator in verifying, recording, processing and administrating the finances of the Institute of Education. The Finance Assistant will provide efficient assistance to the Institute with effective delivery of financial and administrative support services across the Institute of Education’s regional offices in Tonga, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Samoa.
The incumbent is expected to operate under the direct supervision of the Finance Coordinator whilst ultimately reporting to the Director of the Institute of Education. He/she is expected to be efficient in the performance of the stated responsibilities within the Institute of Education with the following required competencies:
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse and multi-disciplinary teams;
- Experience in using MS Word, MS Excel, PDF Adobe and good computer skills;
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and one Pacific language;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
Specific Duties
Specific duties may include:
Include but are not limited to:
- Verify, record and process financial transactions in line with the University and donor requirements;
- Prepare source documentation and process payment vouchers for local and international payments;
- Liaise with suppliers/vendors, collect quotes and invoices, and facilitate petty cash expenses;
- Assist in compiling programme and project activity plan budgets for the Institute’s regional offices;
- Maintain fixed asset register and ensure all finance documents are electronically filed;
- Issue cash advances, prepare acquittal reports and ensure proper acquittal of all accountable advances;
- Support financial and administrative requests across the Institute of Education’s offices in Tonga, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Samoa;
- Develop logistics budgets for meetings and workshops, ensuring procurement processes are followed.
The Person we Seek
To be considered for this position, applicants must have:
- Completion of a diploma level qualification in Accounting/Finance/Business/Commerce with one (1) year of relevant work-related experience; or
- Certificate level qualification with three (3) years post-certificate relevant work experience; or
- An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
Desirable:
- Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting, Finance or Business Administration;
- Some work experience in related fields;
- Accounting software skills (e.g. MYOB);
- Proven experience in project works and understanding of Pacific cultures, values, beliefs and knowledge systems;
- Certificate and/or proven training in computer systems/software.
Enquiries and further information: Ms. Jamie Sa, Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator, Institute of Education, Tonga Campus; Email: jamie.sa@usp.ac.fj
Ph#: + (676) 29055/29240
The position is available for a term of three (3) years and may be renewed by mutual agreement, subject to successful performance outcomes.
Salary Range
TOP 25,964.86 - TOP 33,772 per annum
Closing Date
The closing date for applications: 12 April 2026
How to Apply
Click the Apply button to apply for this position online.
The advertisement criteria is available on our University website (www.usp.ac.fj) under Employment Opportunities.
Please include the following documents in your application: Academic Credentials/Transcripts, Cover letter clearly addressing key Selection Criteria and Resume with names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor. Referees will only be contacted if you are selected.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The University of the South Pacific is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that protects the rights of children; nurture, promote and facilitate mutual respect, constructive empowerment and progress amongst its employees, students, stakeholders including visitors, without being hampered by any form of sexual harassment, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. We reserve the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure a safe environment.
USP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. USP encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.
Job Functions
Industry
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier provider of tertiary education in the Pacific region and an international centre of excellence for teaching, consulting and training on all aspects of Pacific culture, environment and human resource development