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. Founded in 1933, the IRC has been at the forefront of providing assistance to those in need, helping people to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. The organization operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees, dedicated to delivering essential services and support to vulnerable populations. The IRC's mission is to help people affected by conflict and disaster to regain control of their lives and achieve self-sufficiency, while also advocating for their rights and needs on a global scale.

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 ensuring that all financial transactions are accurately documented and archived. The Program Finance Assistant will compile supporting documentation for all D1 transactions on a daily basis, ensuring that client payment documents, tracking records, and P-card reconciliation materials are complete and properly stored. This role also involves supporting core accounting functions such as accounts payable and receivable processing, reconciliation of reports, month-end close activities, and preparation of adjusting journal entries. Reporting directly to the coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Finance Coordinator, the Program Finance Assistant is an integral member of a three-person finance team, contributing to the overall financial health and accountability of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Finance Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: operating effectively within IRC’s proprietary ERP financial accounting system (Integra) and providing coaching to program staff on its use; 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 by staff 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 set-up process; preparing weekly grant spending reports and resolving discrepancies with staff; preparing monthly Time & Effort reports and collecting signatures; preparing weekly deposit and customer payment journals for posting; creating aging reports for fee-for-service programs and following up on unpaid invoices; voiding checks as necessary; 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:
Candidates for the Program Finance Assistant position should possess a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in business, accounting, or finance, although relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. A strong background in finance and accounting is required, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a high degree of integrity and confidentiality in their work, possess excellent problem-solving skills, and have the ability to multi-task and prioritize duties effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work products is essential, as is proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with accounting software such as Microsoft Dynamics.

Educational Background:
The ideal educational background for the Program Finance Assistant includes a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in business, accounting, or finance. However, candidates with significant professional experience in finance and accounting may be considered even if they do not hold a formal degree. This flexibility allows the organization to consider a diverse range of applicants who possess the necessary skills and competencies for the role.

Experience:
The position requires relevant professional experience in finance and accounting, with a minimum of 2 years strongly preferred. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to perform financial tasks accurately and efficiently, and experience in auditing is considered a plus. The role demands a self-starter who can manage multiple responsibilities and work effectively in a team environment.

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 regions where the IRC operates.

Additional Notes:
The Program Finance Assistant position is based in the United States and offers a competitive compensation package, with a pay range of $26.50 - $28.04 per hour. This range is applicable to US-based candidates and is determined by various factors including labor market conditions, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment 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 offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance, dental and vision coverage, a 403b retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program for staff and their families.