Finance Manager

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 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 children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, emphasizing the improvement of lives for the poor throughout the world.

Job Overview:
The Finance Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring high levels of resource stewardship and strict financial accountability within the Country Program (CP) and its partners. This position is responsible for managing financial risks and promoting effective financial management systems, processes, and practices. The incumbent will anticipate financial service needs and address delivery challenges while implementing improvement solutions to minimize financial exposure. The Finance Manager will oversee the entire project cycle, ensuring compliance with CRS policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and donor regulations. This role also involves leading a finance team, providing coaching, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data, which is essential for decision-making and effective financial risk management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Manager will develop, implement, and manage financial processes in accordance with organizational policies and local laws. Key responsibilities include providing proactive service delivery and support to managers and staff regarding project management, ensuring compliance with CRS policies and legal requirements. The incumbent will coordinate budget development and management, ensuring accuracy and consistency of financial data. They will maintain supporting documentation and establish quality control over accounting transactions and financial reporting. The Finance Manager will prepare accurate financial data and projections, support leadership in interpreting this data, and manage the finance team effectively. This includes overseeing performance reporting procedures, leading assessments of financial management capacity among staff and subrecipients, and addressing audit findings in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration with accounting courses, or a qualification in accounting such as CPA/ACCA or equivalent. A minimum of 6 years of experience in a similar position is required, with substantial experience in budgeting, budget/expense analysis, and accounting. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a related field with a focus on Accounting, a professional certification in Accounting, and experience in an International NGO. Familiarity with public donors’ regulations and financial reporting software is also advantageous, as is experience managing a team of finance professionals.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration, with specific coursework in accounting. A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred, particularly one that emphasizes accounting principles and practices. Professional certifications such as CPA or ACCA are also highly regarded and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The Finance Manager position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in finance management, particularly in roles that involve budgeting, financial analysis, and accounting. Candidates should have substantial experience in managing financial processes and systems, as well as experience in an international NGO setting. Experience in leading teams and managing financial reporting is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in French and English is mandatory for this position, with additional languages such as Lingala and Swahili considered advantageous. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel up to 10-15%. The Finance Manager will have supervisory responsibilities and is expected to demonstrate personal accountability, integrity, and the ability to collaborate effectively in diverse teams. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and retirement savings plans. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations.