Senior Finance Officer

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 worldwide. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS engages in various programs including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and faiths who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The organization has a strong focus on ethical conduct and safeguarding policies, ensuring the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected and protected.

Job Overview:
The Senior Finance Officer will play a crucial role in coordinating and implementing the Country Program's accounting systems, policies, and procedures in compliance with established accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and donor regulations. This position is essential for ensuring high-quality program delivery to the poor and vulnerable populations served by CRS. The officer will be responsible for efficiently performing accounting services, which include documenting financial transactions, compiling and analyzing account information, preparing account entries, and delivering financial reporting services. Depending on the complexity of the Country Program portfolio, the Senior Finance Officer may oversee accounting and financial reporting services for the entire program, a specific field office, or manage either payable or receivable transactions. This role requires a proactive approach to financial management and a commitment to ethical conduct in all financial dealings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Finance Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: reviewing and validating supporting documentation before processing financial transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness; ensuring the setup and maintenance of all data required for processing financial transactions in the SunSystems financial accounting package; recording financial transactions following appropriate authorizations; analyzing various accounts to detect irregularities and advising on corrective actions; monitoring disbursement and receipt schedules and maintaining communication to facilitate timely financial resource management; evaluating and monitoring subrecipient financial management processes; preparing periodic and ad hoc financial reports and performing variance analyses; providing information to subrecipients and staff on financial accounting policies; performing treasury duties; preparing monthly staff payroll; supporting Country Office tax matters and statutory compliance; and any other tasks assigned by the Head of Finance.

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 Master’s degree in accounting is considered a plus. The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in a role with similar responsibilities, demonstrating a strong foundation in financial management and accounting practices.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business administration with relevant coursework in accounting. Professional qualifications such as CPA or ACCA are also acceptable. A Master’s degree in accounting is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile for this role.

Experience:
The Senior Finance Officer should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in financial management or accounting roles, preferably within an international or local NGO or a financial/banking institution. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to manage financial transactions, prepare financial reports, and ensure compliance with accounting standards and donor regulations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for performing the job functions effectively. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 40%, and candidates must be willing and able to travel as needed. 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. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, reflecting the organization's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. The position is subject to the candidate's ability to legally work in Nigeria, and all candidates must meet the unique work permit eligibility requirements of the country.