Deputy Director Finance

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization that responds to the world's most severe crises, providing essential support to those affected by war and disaster. Established in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC has grown to operate in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions of displaced individuals. In Somalia, the IRC has been active since 2006, delivering critical services to communities impacted by conflict and disaster, particularly in the Central Somalia regions of Mudug and Galgadud, Puntland, and Mogadishu. The organization has reached over 300,000 people affected by conflict and drought, implementing programs in various sectors including livelihood, governance, gender-based violence (GBV), water, sanitation, and health.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director Finance plays a crucial role within the Country Program Senior Management Team, providing leadership and management to ensure that the financial infrastructure and systems align with the strategic vision and mission of the IRC. This position is responsible for developing and monitoring the country program's financial plans, ensuring compliance with both US and local laws, as well as donor requirements. The Deputy Director Finance acts as the principal finance business partner to the Senior Management Team and the Country Director, ensuring effective financial management practices are in place. This role involves collaborating closely with various departments to troubleshoot issues and develop solutions, contributing to the overall strategic action plan of the country program, and reporting directly to the Country Director with technical oversight from the Regional Controller.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Financial Controllership: Ensure compliance with IRC and donor policies, lead the implementation of new policies, monitor financial activities, manage finance department schedules, oversee balance sheet reconciliations, prepare donor financial reports, conduct internal control audits, and maintain knowledge of local financial regulations.
• Budget and Forecast: Oversee grant proposal budgets, maintain the annual operating budget, ensure cost coverage, flag funding gaps, and provide financial information for decision-making.
• Treasury: Supervise bank relations, establish cash management policies, oversee bank reconciliations, and maintain accurate cash forecasts.
• Staff Management and Leadership: Define finance department roles, conduct performance reviews, develop training programs, and support non-finance staff in financial skills improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce, or Finance, with a recognized professional accounting certification (such as CPA) or a Master’s degree in Accounting preferred. Extensive experience in development or humanitarian settings is required, including at least five years in relevant fields within developing and transitioning countries. A minimum of five years of managerial experience in finance is essential, along with proficiency in computerized accounting systems and standard spreadsheet/database programs. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory, along with a proven ability to identify and communicate potential problems and propose solutions effectively.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce, or Finance is required. A recognized professional accounting certification such as CPA or a Master’s degree in Accounting is preferred, indicating a strong foundation in financial principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience in a development or humanitarian context, specifically at least five years of experience living and working in relevant fields in developing and transitioning countries. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of managerial experience in finance, demonstrating a solid understanding of financial management in complex environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, with a focus on senior management responsibilities. The role may involve international recruitment, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in a complex and dynamic environment. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job ad.