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, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, and emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture. CRS has a strong commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values.

Job Overview:
The Finance Manager plays a critical role in ensuring effective financial stewardship and accountability within the Country Program (CP) of CRS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This position is responsible for overseeing financial management systems, processes, and practices that support high-quality programs aimed at serving the poor and vulnerable populations. The Finance Manager will anticipate financial service needs, address delivery challenges, and implement solutions to minimize financial risks for both the CP and its partners. The role requires a proactive approach to service delivery, advising managers and staff on financial matters throughout the project cycle, from design to close-out, ensuring compliance with CRS policies, GAAP, and donor regulations. The Finance Manager will also lead the finance team, manage team dynamics, and support staff development, while ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with local laws and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Manager's duties include developing and managing financial processes in accordance with organizational policies and local laws. This involves providing guidance and support to project managers and staff regarding budget development and management, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of financial data, and safeguarding resources. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining supporting documentation and ensuring a reliable audit trail. Additionally, the Finance Manager will prepare financial data and analyses to support leadership in decision-making, manage the finance team effectively, and oversee the performance of reporting procedures. The role also includes assessing the financial management capacity of staff and subrecipients, leading efforts to address audit findings, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration, with coursework in accounting or a professional accounting qualification such as CPA or ACCA. A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in a similar role is required, with substantial experience in budgeting, budget analysis, and accounting. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a related field, a professional certification in accounting, and experience working with international NGOs and public donors' regulations. Familiarity with financial reporting software and experience managing a team of finance professionals are also advantageous.

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. Candidates with a Master’s degree in a related field, particularly with a focus on Accounting, will be preferred. Additional qualifications such as CPA or ACCA certification are highly desirable and demonstrate a commitment to professional standards in financial management.

Experience:
The Finance Manager position requires a minimum of 6 years of experience in a similar financial management role. Candidates should have substantial experience in budgeting, budget analysis, and accounting practices. Experience in an international NGO setting is preferred, as is familiarity with donor regulations and financial reporting software. The ability to manage a team of finance professionals and provide leadership in financial management is essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in both French and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as they will be required to interact with diverse stakeholders, including local government entities, donors, and team members. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and may require travel of up to 10-15%. The Finance Manager will have supervisory responsibilities over the finance team and is expected to uphold the agency's competencies, including personal accountability, integrity, and collaboration. 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 will be 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.