Finance Assistant

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 candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, dedicated to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world. With a strong emphasis on ethical conduct and accountability, CRS aims to build trust and maintain integrity in all its operations. The organization also prioritizes the rights and dignity of all individuals, ensuring a safe environment for program participants, community members, staff, and volunteers.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Finance Department by providing comprehensive information, clerical, and accounting services. This position is designed for someone who can efficiently execute processes and deliver service needs that support high-quality programs aimed at serving the poor and vulnerable. As part of an experienced finance team, the Finance Assistant will be responsible for applying clearly defined accounting and financial reporting processes, procedures, and service standards. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong commitment to meeting deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy in financial documentation and reporting. The Finance Assistant will also be expected to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including staff, subrecipients, partners, and suppliers, to ensure the smooth processing of financial transactions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be responsible for completing standard financial documents such as vouchers, wire transfer requests, and checks, following prescribed guidelines and templates. The role includes providing administrative and clerical support for financial transaction processing, which involves preparing, typing, photocopying, and scanning related documentation. The Finance Assistant will file accounting and financial reporting documentation as instructed and compile supporting documentation to facilitate the processing of financial transactions. Communication with staff and external partners will be essential for following up on required documents. The position also involves performing data entry for financial transactions, maintaining custody of various documents, updating the payment tracker daily, supporting bank reconciliation processes, and ensuring that all support documents are archived for easy retrieval.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BSc. or HND in Accounting, with a professional diploma or certificate in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration considered a plus. The role requires a minimum of 1-3 years of work experience in a similar position, with familiarity with standard accounting practices. Experience with an international organization is also preferred. The ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a strong customer service ethic. Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel and Word, is essential, along with hands-on experience with data entry into online databases and forms.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree (BSc) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting. Additional qualifications such as a professional diploma or certificate in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration are advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The Finance Assistant position requires candidates to have a minimum of 1-3 years of relevant work experience in a similar role. Familiarity with standard accounting practices is essential, and experience working with an international organization is considered a valuable asset. The candidate should be able to demonstrate a history of ethical conduct and accountability in their previous positions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this role, as it is the primary language used for communication and documentation. While English is the required language, knowledge of additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may require the successful candidate to travel up to 10%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment and the in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct, reflecting the organization's commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults.