About the Organisation

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a renowned humanitarian organization working to eradicate poverty and uphold human dignity through long-term development, emergency relief, and peacebuilding programs. Founded in 1943 by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, CRS has become a trusted leader in international aid, supporting millions in over 100 countries. Known for its ethical service delivery, CRS excels in disaster relief, agriculture, health, education, and economic development.

The organization fosters a value-based work culture prioritizing integrity, compassion, and respect, offering significant career opportunities in an inclusive, diverse environment with flexible work arrangements. CRS collaborates with local businesses, leveraging cutting-edge technology and research-based solutions for maximum impact. Guided by Catholic principles of justice, stewardship, and solidarity, CRS engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives to benefit the vulnerable. For more information, visit www.crs.org.

Job Summary

The Finance Officer at Catholic Relief Services will assist the Finance Department in maintaining accounting systems, policies, and procedures in compliance with CRS accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donor regulations, and applicable laws. The role supports daily financial activities by preparing and providing essential financial services as part of an experienced finance team, ensuring high-quality services to aid the poor and vulnerable.

Roles, Duties, and Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Accounting

Establish and maintain sound accounting and financial reporting practices for projects, grants, subrecipients, and partners in compliance with specified standards
Ensure all necessary data for financial transactions in the Project Insight financial accounting system is properly configured and maintained
Review and validate supporting documents prior to processing financial transactions to verify accuracy, completeness, and proper authorization

Recording and Analysis

Process authorized financial transactions and record them accurately
Review and analyze accounts for discrepancies, recommend corrective actions, and prepare necessary adjustments or correcting entries

Subrecipient Financial Management

Review, analyze, and monitor subrecipients' financial management processes per CRS policy
Assist partners in improving transaction management and financial accounting skills

Monitoring Disbursements and Receipts

Monitor payment and receipt schedules, notify relevant project and grant staff of due payments, and follow up to ensure timely resource management and deadlines are met

Financial Reporting and Budget Support

Prepare regular and ad-hoc financial reports, provide variance analysis, and assist project and grants staff in making data-driven decisions
Assist in maintaining the budget to ensure proper fund management

Policy Guidance and Capacity Building

Assist project/grants staff, subrecipients, and partners in understanding and following financial accounting policies and procedures
Provide training and other capacity-building activities as required

Treasury Operations

Perform assigned treasury tasks for projects and grants, including cash payments, receipts, and cash projections, ensuring proper segregation of duties

Qualifications, Education, and Competencies

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Economics is highly desirable
Degree in accounting or an accounting course (CPA/ACCA or equivalent)
At least 5 years of accounting experience (further education may substitute for experience)

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

Knowledge of applicable public donor regulations
Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and web conferencing software
Knowledge of Project Insight financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software (preferred)

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Strong analytical skills to identify and disclose discrepancies
Precise, meticulous, and thorough with a keen eye for detail
Demonstrates ethical behavior consistent with professional and organizational standards
Proactive, resourceful, solution-focused, and results-oriented
Ability to work effectively in teams and with diverse groups

Required Languages

Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of local languages in RESAf districts is an advantage.

Travel

Willing and able to travel up to 30% of the time in the work area.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

Agency competencies articulate expected behaviors and attitudes for all employees, fostering an engaging workplace, empowering staff to excel, and helping CRS achieve its mission. Rooted in CRS's mission, values, and guiding principles, these competencies enable staff to perform their roles and achieve desired results.

Personal Accountability: Consistently takes responsibility for actions
Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with CRS's mission and principles; inspires trust by aligning words and actions
Builds and Maintains Trust: Ensures consistency between words and actions
Collaborates with Others: Works effectively in diverse teams
Open to Learn: Seeks experiences that challenge perspectives or foster growth

Agency Leadership Skills

Lead Change: Promotes flexibility, integrity, and innovation to strengthen the agency
Develops and Recognizes Others: Supports staff potential and enhances team and agency performance
Strategic Mindset: Translates and executes agency strategy and team goals