Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. Established as a membership organization, it comprises National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The IFRC works alongside the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and National Societies as part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Its mission is to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote humanitarian activities by National Societies, aiming to prevent and alleviate human suffering while contributing to the maintenance of human dignity and peace globally. The IFRC operates through a Secretariat based in Geneva, with regional and country offices worldwide, focusing on governance support, setting norms and standards, ensuring accountability, and promoting collaboration within the Movement. The Kinshasa Country Cluster Delegation specifically supports activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, and is currently recruiting for multiple Finance Officer positions across various locations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer will report to the Senior Finance Officer and is responsible for coordinating and delivering daily financial and accounting services at their assigned duty station. This role is crucial for ensuring efficient support to IFRC operations while adhering to IFRC policies, procedures, and donor requirements. The Finance Officer will handle various tasks including accounting, expenditure monitoring, cash planning, financial reporting, and maintaining internal controls. The position emphasizes accountability and a strict zero-tolerance policy for fraud and corruption, ensuring that all financial activities are conducted with integrity and transparency. The Finance Officer will also be involved in the preparation of financial statements, monitoring of financial transactions, and providing necessary financial advice and support to the operations and programs team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer's duties include ensuring compliance with IFRC internal controls, validating financial transactions, and maintaining accurate financial records. They will work closely with National Societies to review financial reports and assist in the review and spot-check processes. The officer will ensure that all financial transactions are recorded in the ERP Financial systems (Microsoft Dynamics) and will perform monthly reconciliations of accounts payable and receivable. Regular accounting duties will be performed in accordance with Federation procedures, including the submission of financial statements and monitoring discrepancies in invoicing. The officer will also manage treasury functions, ensuring timely cash requests and monitoring bank account balances to minimize risks. Additionally, they will provide financial advice and support to program teams, assist in budget preparation, and maintain a confidential filing system. The Finance Officer will also be responsible for audit compliance, preparing bank reconciliation statements, and supporting the production of financial reports for donors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in finance, accounting, audit, management, or a related field. A Certified Public Accountant designation is required. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience in similar positions, with previous experience managing ECHO/USAID/EC grants being highly desirable. Experience working with the Federation Delegation, ICRC, or National Society is considered an advantage. Knowledge of accounting and reporting software, International Accounting Standards, and proficiency in MS Office applications are essential. Proven bookkeeping and accounting skills, including payroll and budgeting, are also required.

Educational Background:
A university degree in finance, accounting, audit, management, or a related area is required for this position. Additionally, candidates must hold a Certified Public Accountant designation, which demonstrates their professional qualifications and expertise in financial management and accounting practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in finance or accounting roles. Candidates with prior experience managing grants from organizations such as ECHO, USAID, or the European Commission will be preferred. Experience working within the IFRC, ICRC, or National Societies will also be considered a significant advantage, as it indicates familiarity with the organization's operations and financial management practices.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written French and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders, including donors and partner organizations. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves working in various locations across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including Tshopo, Ituri, Kasai, North Kivu, and Tanganyika. The specific duty station will be indicated in the employment offer. The role may involve international recruitment, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the region. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the recruitment process, and the organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity, integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all its operations.