Finance Officer Sr Cuba Crisis-Response

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's processes and policies reflect its dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults, ensuring they live free from abuse and harm. CRS also emphasizes the importance of local engagement, welcoming candidates from the regions in which it operates, and prioritizing citizens or permanent residents of those countries for employment opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer Sr plays a crucial role in supporting the effective implementation of financial management systems, policies, and procedures for humanitarian response programming in Cuba. This position is aligned with CRS accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donor regulations, and local legal requirements. The Finance Officer Sr is tasked with consolidating program financial processes, which include transaction reviews, account analysis, compliance monitoring, and financial reporting. The goal is to ensure strong stewardship of resources across all projects. This role also involves contributing to the strengthening of internal controls and improving financial efficiency and accuracy across the program. The Finance Officer Sr will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that financial operations are conducted smoothly and effectively, thereby supporting the overall mission of CRS and its partners in delivering essential assistance to vulnerable households in Cuba.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer Sr will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties that include reviewing and validating supporting documentation before processing financial transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness. This includes ensuring that all required documents are properly approved and authorized. The officer will set up and maintain all necessary data for processing financial transactions in the financial accounting systems. They will record financial transactions following appropriate authorizations and review various accounts to detect any irregularities, advising on corrective actions and preparing necessary adjustments. Monitoring disbursement and receipt schedules is also a key responsibility, as is maintaining communication with relevant staff to facilitate timely financial resource management. The Finance Officer Sr will evaluate and monitor subrecipient financial management processes in accordance with policy, contributing to the capacity building of partners in financial accounting and transactions. Additionally, they will prepare various periodic and ad hoc financial reports, perform variance analysis to assist with decision-making, and provide information to subrecipients and staff on financial accounting policies and compliance issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration with courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting such as CPA/ACCA or equivalent. A minimum of 2 years' experience in a similar role is required. Preferred qualifications include experience in an international or local NGO, or a financial/banking institution, as well as knowledge of financial reporting software and relevant public donors’ regulations. Experience in Latin America and the Caribbean is highly desirable, providing candidates with a contextual understanding of the region's financial landscape and challenges.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration, with specific coursework in accounting. Alternatively, candidates may hold a professional accounting qualification such as CPA or ACCA, which demonstrates a strong foundation in financial principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of experience in a role with similar responsibilities, indicating that candidates should have a solid understanding of financial management within the context of humanitarian response programming. Experience in an international or local NGO, or within a financial or banking institution, is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the complexities of financial operations in diverse environments.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position, as effective communication in these languages is essential for collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of partners and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last from July 1, 2026, to December 2027, indicating a fixed-term contract duration. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities, allowing the Finance Officer Sr to focus on financial management tasks. Candidates must be willing and able to travel up to 30% of the time, which may involve visiting project sites and engaging with local partners. CRS emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding program participants and community members, requiring the successful candidate to sign and adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. Additionally, CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect a commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.