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 serve those in need, CRS operates in over 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring that its processes reflect a dedication to protecting children and adults from abuse and exploitation. The agency welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and backgrounds who share its values and commitment to humanitarian service. CRS prioritizes hiring local candidates from the regions in which it operates, and if an expatriate is selected, the assignment duration will be determined based on job type and agency needs. The organization emphasizes integrity, collaboration, and personal responsibility among its staff, ensuring a trustworthy and respectful work environment.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer position is crucial for supporting the financial management of the organization’s systems, policies, and accounting procedures in accordance with established standards by CRS, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), donor regulations, particularly those of OCHA, and legal requirements. This role is based in Goma and is part of an experienced financial team responsible for coordinating daily financial activities through the preparation and delivery of financial services. The Finance Officer will play a key role in ensuring that financial transactions are accurately documented and compliant with organizational policies, thereby supporting high-quality programs aimed at assisting impoverished and vulnerable populations. The position requires a proactive approach to financial management and a commitment to ethical conduct in all financial dealings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer will be responsible for reviewing and justifying financial transaction documentation to ensure all required documents are accurate and complete. This includes maintaining necessary data for processing financial transactions for assigned accounts within the Insight financial accounting package. The officer will record delegated financial transactions after obtaining appropriate authorizations and will examine various accounts for irregularities. Additionally, the Finance Officer will assist in evaluating the financial management processes of sub-recipients in accordance with policy and will help strengthen the financial accounting and transaction capabilities of partners. The role also involves supporting the program manager in budget monitoring to ensure compliance with donor-approved budgets, preparing delegated financial reports as needed, and sharing information with sub-recipients and staff regarding financial accounting policies and procedural compliance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in finance or accounting, with a graduate degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business administration being highly recommended. Completion of accounting courses or a qualification in accounting (such as CPA/ACCA or equivalent) is essential. A minimum of five to seven years of experience in accounting is required, with additional training potentially substituting for experience. Experience working within an international NGO, particularly in a financial or humanitarian context, is preferred. Familiarity with relevant donor regulations is an asset, as is knowledge of financial reporting software.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a graduate degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business administration. Candidates should also have completed relevant accounting courses or hold a professional accounting qualification such as CPA or ACCA. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of financial management in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five to seven years of relevant experience in accounting. Candidates with additional training may have their experience requirements adjusted accordingly. Experience in an international NGO setting, especially in financial or humanitarian roles, is highly desirable. This experience will provide the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the financial landscape of the organization effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the region. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Officer position is not supervisory in nature and involves collaboration with internal teams such as program and operations teams, as well as external partners like Caritas and other humanitarian actors. The role may require travel up to 25% of the time. CRS emphasizes personal responsibility, integrity, and collaboration among its staff, and candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The job description provided is not exhaustive and may evolve as the needs of the organization change. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.