Project Accountant

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, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from the regions in which it operates. The agency's processes and policies reflect its dedication to these values, ensuring that all staff members adhere to a strict Code of Conduct. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where it has offices.

Job Overview:
The Project Accountant will play a crucial role in coordinating and implementing the policies and procedures of the DRC OCHA Humanitarian Fund project in accordance with established accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donor regulations, and legal requirements. The primary expectation from this position is to provide effective accounting services by documenting financial transactions, compiling, analyzing, and verifying account information, preparing accounting entries, and delivering financial reporting throughout the project cycle. Depending on the complexity of the project/grant portfolio, the Project Accountant may be responsible for providing accounting and financial reporting services for both payable and receivable transactions. This role is essential in ensuring that quality programs are delivered to serve poor and vulnerable populations, and it requires a proactive approach to financial management and compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Accountant will be responsible for defining and monitoring rigorous accounting and financial reporting procedures for project beneficiaries and partners according to established standards. Key duties include ensuring the setup and maintenance of all necessary data for processing financial transactions for assigned project accounts in the Insight financial accounting package. The accountant will review and validate supporting documents before processing financial transactions to ensure that all required documents are accurate and complete, and that proper authorizations are in place. Recording financial transactions following appropriate authorizations, examining and analyzing various accounts for irregularities, advising on corrective measures, and preparing necessary journal entries and adjustments are also part of the responsibilities. The accountant will evaluate and monitor the financial management processes of sub-recipients in accordance with policy and enhance partner capacity in financial accounting and transactions. Additionally, the Project Accountant will track disbursement/collection schedules, alert project staff about due payments/settlements, and maintain appropriate communication and follow-up to facilitate timely financial resource management and compliance with deadlines. The role also involves preparing various periodic and ad hoc financial reports and conducting variance analyses to assist project staff in decision-making. Budget management support for effective financial resource management is also expected, along with providing information to staff, sub-recipients, and project partners on financial accounting policies and compliance issues, and conducting training and capacity-building activities. The Project Accountant will fulfill assigned cash management functions for the project, ensuring that the separation of duties is maintained.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business administration with coursework in accounting, or a professional accounting qualification (CPA/ACCA or equivalent). Candidates should have a minimum of two to five years of experience in a similar role, preferably within an international or local NGO, or a financial/banking institution. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment are essential. Candidates should demonstrate personal accountability, integrity, and the ability to build trust within the team. Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and online conferencing tools is required, along with excellent analytical skills to detect and report inconsistencies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business administration, with specific coursework in accounting. Alternatively, a professional accounting qualification such as CPA, ACCA, or an equivalent credential is acceptable. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management and compliance in the context of humanitarian projects.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have between two to five years of relevant experience in a position with similar responsibilities. This experience should preferably be within an international or local NGO, or in a financial or banking institution. The candidate should demonstrate a solid understanding of financial management practices and the ability to navigate the complexities of donor regulations and compliance requirements.

Languages:
Fluency in French (both written and spoken) is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position may require occasional travel, up to 10%. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, ensuring the protection of program participants, community members, staff, and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The duration of the assignment may be influenced by the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency. CRS's talent acquisition procedures reflect a commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.