Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve the poor and vulnerable, 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 promotes a collaborative, mission-driven culture among its staff.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer will play a crucial role in assisting project implementation by working closely with local partners and community members. This position involves coordinating various project activities and events that support the mission of Catholic Relief Services. The Finance Officer will ensure that local partners and communities are engaged and benefit from the project, applying best practices and continuously striving to improve the project's impact. The role requires strong service and community relations skills to facilitate effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer will be responsible for reviewing and validating supporting documentation before processing financial transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness. This includes maintaining all necessary data for processing financial transactions in the Insight financial accounting package, recording delegated financial transactions, and reviewing accounts for irregularities. The officer will evaluate subrecipient financial management processes, assist in strengthening the capacity of partners in financial accounting, and prepare financial reports as needed. Additionally, the Finance Officer will monitor disbursement schedules, alert project staff of due payments, and maintain communication to ensure timely financial resource management. Other tasks may be assigned by the Head of Finance as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a B.A. degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration, with a strong preference for those who have completed courses in accounting or hold a qualification in accounting such as CPA, ACCA, or ICAN. A minimum of two years of accounting experience is required, with a preference for candidates who have three years of continuous experience in an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO).

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration. Additional qualifications in accounting, such as CPA, ACCA, or ICAN, are highly preferred, indicating a strong foundation in financial principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant accounting experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have three years of continuous experience working in an INGO. This experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of financial management processes and the ability to work effectively in a complex organizational environment.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Hausa is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with local partners and community members.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Officer position may require travel up to 90%. 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 will be based on the country of employment. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. The position is open to Nigerian nationals only.