Senior Accountant - Global Leases

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development programs that include emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization 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. CRS has a diverse workforce and emphasizes the importance of integrity, accountability, and stewardship in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Accountant will play a crucial role within the Finance Division, focusing on lease accounting for CRS globally. This position involves providing direct accounting support to CRS staff across various country programs. Key responsibilities include preparing general ledger account reconciliations for leases, conducting account analysis and research, preparing journal entries, and generating related financial reports. The Senior Accountant will also monitor financial information to assist the global controller department in reporting financial results and ensuring compliance with CRS policies and donor regulations. This role requires managing the month-end close process related to leases, ensuring accurate and timely completion of lease accounting entries and reconciliations, and performing lease monitoring for CRS HQ and all country programs. The Senior Accountant will also drive projects, provide accounting guidance, and serve as the first point of contact for finance and business partners regarding lease-related issues. Additionally, the role includes advising Country Program Finance Managers on policies and procedures, presenting lease training, preparing financial reporting, and assisting with internal and external audits.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the month-end close process related to leases, ensuring accurate and timely completion of all lease accounting entries and reconciliations.
• Perform lease monitoring for CRS HQ and all country programs, managing leases through lease software, including adding, modifying, amending, and terminating leases.
• Prepare quarterly lease roll forwards and drive projects related to lease accounting.
• Provide accounting guidance and serve as the first point of contact for finance and business partners to resolve lease-related issues.
• Advise Country Program Finance Managers on policies and procedures regarding leases.
• Present lease training to new Country Program Finance Managers as requested.
• Prepare financial reporting, including financial statement disclosures, audit reports, and compliance with donor requirements.
• Assist colleagues with financial information requests and support internal and external auditors with documentation.
• Analyze monthly and quarterly fluctuations in assigned accounts for internal reporting and propose necessary adjusting entries. 1
• Perform other related tasks and ad hoc projects as assigned by the supervisor. 1
• Act as a subject matter expert for internal teams and finance staff in country programs on lease accounting under ASC 842.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of accounting experience.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or current candidate for CPA exam.
• Familiarity with GAAP research tools and the FASB codification.
• Familiarity with lease accounting under ASC 84
• Experience with researching and documenting support for accounting conclusions.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required for this position, providing the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex accounting principles and practices. This educational background is essential for performing the duties associated with lease accounting and financial reporting.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-4 years of accounting experience, which should include practical exposure to lease accounting and financial reporting. Candidates should have a solid understanding of accounting principles and practices, particularly in relation to U.S. GAAP and ASC 842.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for collaboration with internal teams and external partners. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position does not specify a deadline for applications, but it is noted that all interested applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor worldwide. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.