Finance Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee due to conflict and crises. With a presence in around 31 countries and approximately 14,000 staff members, NRC employs a rights-based approach to advocate for the rights of displaced individuals as outlined in national and international laws. The organization is committed to principles of humanity, neutrality, independence, and impartiality, and works to secure the acceptance of local stakeholders for its activities. NRC Geneva serves as the organization's representation with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and UN agencies, coordinating donor engagement with Swiss and UN donors. The organization strives to assist and protect vulnerable and displaced people during crises, particularly in conflict situations, and promotes durable solutions for those affected.

Job Overview:
The Finance Technical Officer position at NRC Geneva involves ensuring accurate and compliant day-to-day accounting in accordance with Swiss law, Swiss GAAP, donor regulations, and internal financial procedures. The role requires solid knowledge of Swiss accounting standards and VAT rules, and the officer will work closely with the NRC Geneva Head of Support and the Finance Manager. The main functions include performing daily bookkeeping, processing accounts payable, handling VAT-related obligations, preparing monthly bank and balance-sheet reconciliations, supporting monthly and annual closing processes, and assisting in the preparation of internal and external audits. The officer will also support the financial cycle of institutional grants, providing financial data and analysis to grant managers and alerting them to variances or risks. This position is crucial for maintaining the financial integrity of the organization and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Technical Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including: performing daily bookkeeping and posting of financial transactions in the accounting software (Unit4); processing accounts payable by controlling supplier invoices and executing payments (both domestic and international) while ensuring correct cost allocation; handling all VAT-related obligations, which includes preparation and submission of VAT returns, reconciliation of VAT accounts, and ensuring compliance with Swiss VAT regulations; preparing monthly bank and balance-sheet reconciliations; supporting monthly and annual closing processes and contributing to the preparation of statutory accounts under Swiss GAAP; ensuring proper electronic and physical filing of all supporting documents; assisting in the preparation of internal and external audits, including those by Swiss certified auditors and donor audits; supporting the financial cycle of institutional grants by monitoring budgets, checking expenditure eligibility, and preparing and submitting financial reports and payment requests to donors; providing financial data and analysis to grant managers and alerting them on variances or risks; and performing any other tasks as delegated by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Technical Officer position must possess a Bachelor or Master degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 4 years of experience in accounting or finance is required. The ideal candidate will have solid knowledge of Swiss accounting standards (Swiss GAAP RPC / FER) and VAT rules, excellent command of Excel, and good knowledge of accounting software. Knowledge of the social-insurance system and/or payroll is considered a strong advantage. Experience in grant financial management within the humanitarian sector is also a plus, as it aligns with the organization's mission and operational context.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor or Master degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or an equivalent field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of financial management, accounting standards, and compliance with regulations that govern the financial operations of the organization.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in accounting or finance. This experience should ideally include familiarity with Swiss accounting standards and VAT regulations, as well as practical experience in financial management within the humanitarian sector. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of financial processes and the ability to navigate complex financial environments effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the organization's operational context or the populations served.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a permanent, full-time contract with NRC in Geneva. Candidates must be EU/EFTA citizens or possess a valid work permit for Geneva, Switzerland, to be eligible for this role. The salary and benefits are in accordance with NRC’s salary scale and terms and conditions, with this position classified as grade 6 on NRC Geneva's 12-grade salary scale. The organization also offers flexible working hours as per its Hybrid Working Policy. NRC values dedication, innovation, teamwork, and accountability, and seeks individuals who share these values to contribute to its mission of assisting displaced individuals.