Program Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons. The organization is dedicated to helping those in need by providing essential services such as health care, education, and economic development. The IRC employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively to achieve its mission of restoring hope and dignity to those affected by conflict and disaster.

Job Overview:
The Program Finance Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the financial and administrative functions of the IRC Elisabeth program team. This position is primarily responsible for the archiving and compilation of complete supporting documentation for all D1 transactions on a daily basis. The Program Finance Assistant ensures that all client payment documents, tracking records, and P-card reconciliation materials are accurate, complete, and properly stored in designated voucher folders. This role also supports core accounting functions, including accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, reconciliation of reports, month-end close activities, and preparation of adjusting journal entries. Reporting to the coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Finance Coordinator, the Program Finance Assistant is a key member of a three-person finance team, contributing to the overall financial health and compliance of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Finance Assistant include, but are not limited to: operating effectively in IRC’s proprietary ERP financial accounting system (Integra) and coaching program staff on its processes; processing payments through various methods such as ACH, Prepaid Cards, and Checks; supporting the program team with client payments primarily through USIO cards; assisting with client tracking, P-card reconciliation, mileage, and submitting other expenses in the Integra system; reviewing payment requests made in the financial system for accuracy and submitting them through the workflow; preparing a wide variety of month-end financial close journal entries within mandated deadlines; overseeing and reviewing the new vendor setup process; preparing weekly grant spending reports and resolving discrepancies with staff; preparing monthly Time & Effort reports, collecting signatures, and filing them; preparing weekly deposit and customer payment journals for posting to the financial system; creating aging reports for fee-for-service programs and following up on unpaid invoices; voiding checks as needed; overseeing, reviewing, and posting contributions-in-kind in accordance with grant requirements; assisting with internal and external audit inquiries and reporting; maintaining accounting files and records in accordance with IRC and donor requirements; and undertaking other projects and assignments as needed.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Program Finance Assistant position include a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in business, accounting, or finance, although professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. Relevant professional experience in finance and accounting is required, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a high degree of integrity and confidentiality, possess excellent problem-solving skills, and have the ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work products is essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes. A working knowledge of accounting software such as Microsoft Dynamics is a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Program Finance Assistant position should ideally hold a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in business, accounting, or finance. However, relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of formal educational qualifications. This flexibility allows for a broader range of applicants who may have gained significant practical experience in finance and accounting roles without formal degrees.

Experience:
The position requires relevant professional experience in finance and accounting, with a strong preference for candidates who have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in these fields. Experience in auditing is also preferred, as it provides valuable insights into financial processes and compliance requirements. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their ability to manage financial tasks effectively and contribute to the overall financial operations of the organization.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with team members and stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in diverse work environments where communication with non-English speaking clients or partners may be necessary.

Additional Notes:
The Program Finance Assistant position is based in the United States and offers a competitive compensation range of $26.50 - $28.04 per hour. This pay range applies to US-based candidates and is determined by various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The exact offer will be calibrated based on the work location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The organization adheres to core values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct, which include Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. The IRC is committed to creating a safe environment for its employees and clients, implementing policies on safeguarding, conflicts of interest, fiscal integrity, and reporting wrongdoing. Additionally, the IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a 403b retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program to support staff and their families.