Deputy 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 around the world. The organization is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable without regard to race, religion, or nationality. CRS's work encompasses various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency's mission is driven by a collaborative culture that emphasizes the importance of improving lives globally. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, reflecting its commitment to ethical practices and the dignity of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Finance Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial operations of the Country Program (CP) within CRS. This position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and documentation of all accounting operations and financial reporting, which includes monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports. The incumbent will set standards for financial stewardship, maintaining and analyzing cash resources controlled by the CP. The role requires a proactive approach to financial management, ensuring compliance with CRS financial policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and donor regulations. The Deputy Finance Manager will also provide support and capacity building to staff and subrecipients, ensuring proper financial transaction records and internal controls are in place. This position is essential for the effective management of financial resources, contributing to the overall mission of CRS to serve the poor and vulnerable.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Finance Manager will oversee various accounting processes and policies, ensuring compliance with CRS financial management policies and procedures. Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining accounting controls and ensuring accurate recording of financial transactions.
• Updating the financial accounting package with relevant information to capture accurate financial data.
• Reviewing and analyzing financial reports to verify transactions and prepare balance sheet account reconciliations.
• Addressing irregularities and resolving accounting issues with staff.
• Serving as the key point of contact for financial transaction records.
• Providing advice and support to managers and staff to ensure compliance with standards.
• Generating and disseminating financial reports in a timely manner.
• Maintaining a filing system for documentation to ensure easy access and a reliable audit trail.
• Managing cash flows and monitoring cash balances, preparing bank reconciliations, and forecasting cash needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration with courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting such as CPA/ACCA or equivalent. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role is required, with substantial experience in budgeting, budget/expense analysis, and accounting. Knowledge of local tax and regulatory reporting procedures is essential, along with proficiency in MS Office packages and financial reporting software. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to act ethically in accordance with professional standards.

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 additional qualifications in accounting, such as CPA or ACCA, will be preferred. Relevant coursework in accounting is essential to ensure a strong foundation in financial principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in a role with similar responsibilities, particularly in financial management within an international NGO or similar organization. Candidates should have substantial experience in budgeting, budget/expense analysis, and accounting, demonstrating a strong understanding of financial operations and compliance requirements.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position involves supervisory responsibilities over 3 finance staff members. The role 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 retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, reflecting the agency's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. The position is contingent on the candidate's ability to legally work in Liberia, and candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of Liberia are prioritized.