Financial Management Officer

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 worldwide. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS's work encompasses various sectors, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its talent acquisition procedures reflect a commitment to the rights and dignity of all people. The agency has a significant workforce and operates in numerous countries, focusing on impactful humanitarian work.

Job Overview:
The Financial Management Officer is responsible for ensuring high levels of resource stewardship and strict financial accountability within the Country Office (CO) and its partners. This role involves managing financial management systems, processes, and practices to support high-quality programs aimed at serving the poor and vulnerable. The officer will anticipate and address financial management service needs and delivery challenges, implementing improvement solutions to minimize financial risks. The position requires a proactive approach to service delivery, advising managers and staff on managing the project cycle, ensuring compliance with CRS policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and donor regulations. The officer will also oversee budget development and management, ensuring accuracy and consistency of financial data, and safeguarding resources. Additionally, the role includes preparing financial data and analysis to support decision-making and managing financial risks effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Financial Management Officer will develop and manage financial processes in accordance with organizational policies, providing proactive service delivery and support to managers, staff, and subrecipients throughout the project cycle. Key responsibilities include:

• Directing and coordinating effective budget development and management, ensuring accuracy and consistency of financial data.
• Ensuring integrity of accounting information by reviewing compliance issues and establishing quality control over transactions and reporting.
• Overseeing maintenance of supporting documentation for audit trails.
• Leading the preparation of accurate financial data and analysis for decision-making.
• Managing talent and supervising finance and grant personnel, fostering team dynamics and staff well-being.
• Providing coaching and performance management for direct reports.
• Overseeing timely submission of financial reports to stakeholders.
• Assessing financial management capacity of staff and subrecipients, ensuring capacity strengthening as needed.
• Leading efforts to address audit financial management findings promptly and sustainably.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a B.A. degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration with relevant accounting courses, or a qualification in accounting (CPA/ACCA or equivalent). A Master’s degree in a related field with a focus on Accounting is preferred, along with a professional certification in Accounting or a related field. The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in a similar role, preferably within an International NGO. Additional education may substitute for some experience, and candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, ethical conduct, and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a B.A. degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration, with specific courses in accounting. A Master’s degree in a related field, particularly with a focus on Accounting, is preferred. Additionally, candidates should hold a professional accounting certification such as CPA or ACCA, which is highly valued for this role.

Experience:
The Financial Management Officer should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in financial management, preferably in a similar position within an International NGO. This experience should encompass substantial budgeting, budget/expense analysis, and accounting responsibilities. Candidates with additional education may have some of their experience requirements waived, but practical experience in financial management is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. While not explicitly stated, proficiency in additional languages may be considered beneficial, particularly if they align with the regions where CRS operates or with the communities served.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel up to 20%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as needed.