Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, providing essential services and support to millions of displaced individuals. The organization is recognized for its commitment to high-quality aid and advocacy for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC fosters a culture of responsibility, professional growth, and innovation among its employees, ensuring a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue with management. The organization is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to create a safe and respectful workplace for all employees. Safeguarding is a core principle of NRC's operations, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer is responsible for the daily management of financial and accounting activities within the organization. This includes recording transactions, monitoring payments, verifying supporting documents and vouchers, and performing necessary financial reconciliations for periodic reporting. The Finance Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with NRC's internal procedures and controls while maintaining transparency and reliability in accounting data. The position requires a proactive approach to financial management, with an emphasis on adherence to policies and guidelines set forth by NRC. The Finance Officer will also contribute to the overall financial health of the organization by ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting and documentation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer will ensure compliance with NRC policies, manuals, and directives. Responsibilities include daily accounting of transactions, rigorous verification of supporting documents, and proper physical and electronic archiving of financial documents. The officer will report any difficulties encountered during task execution to their supervisor and suggest improvements to financial and accounting processes. Specific duties include utilizing accounting tools for expense tracking, executing payments through established platforms, and ensuring timely archiving of monthly documents. The officer will conduct regular visits to the archive room to ensure proper classification and preservation of documents. They will verify payment-related documents according to NRC standards and perform periodic financial reconciliations to ensure timely monthly closures. The Finance Officer will also contribute to monthly closure activities by analyzing assigned balance sheet accounts and participate in the reconciliation of deliverables, ensuring accuracy. Collaboration with sub-base assistants is essential to meet financial review needs and provide necessary support. The officer will assist in project audits by providing required financial information and documentation in a timely manner, and will verify financial statements for tax declarations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess general professional skills, including experience as a Finance Officer in a humanitarian context with similar responsibilities. Previous experience in complex and unstable environments is essential, along with a proven track record of fulfilling job responsibilities effectively. Proficiency in computer tools, particularly Excel and Word, is required, with advanced Excel skills being a significant advantage. A strong command of French, both written and spoken, is mandatory, while English proficiency is considered an asset. A minimum of one year of experience in a similar role is required, and candidates with lower educational qualifications but at least four years of relevant experience may also be considered.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a university degree (three years of higher education) in accounting, management sciences, economics, or related fields. A minimum of one year of experience in the finance sector is required. Applications from individuals with lower educational qualifications but with at least four years of relevant professional experience in similar positions will be considered. Knowledge of local languages is an asset, as is familiarity with the Congolese financial system.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in a similar role, preferably within a humanitarian context. Candidates should demonstrate a successful track record in managing financial responsibilities and navigating complex environments. Experience in financial reporting, compliance, and auditing processes is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, both written and spoken. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, while knowledge of local languages is advantageous for effective communication within the community.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time, and the organization is open to recruiting both nationally and internationally. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process. The NRC emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and expects all employees to contribute to a safe working environment, adhering to policies against exploitation and abuse.