Financial Service Support

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to provide relief and development assistance, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives in need, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization engages in various programs, including emergency response, health initiatives, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The Financial Service Support position within the Global Controller department is designed to provide comprehensive financial service support. The role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including account analysis, ad hoc reporting, and the preparation of financial surveys. The employee will monitor and analyze donor-restricted funds, manage accounting for trade receivables, employee receivables, pension liabilities, and other assigned accounts. The position requires the preparation of general ledger account reconciliations, journal entries, and related financial reporting. The employee will also assist in the ongoing monitoring of financial information to support the Global Controller department in reporting financial results and ensuring compliance with CRS policies and donor regulations. This role is pivotal in performing account analysis and financial reporting as requested by both internal and external parties, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in financial surveys and reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Financial Service Support position include:

• Providing account analysis and ad hoc financial reporting as requested by the Global Controller department and other stakeholders.
• Reconciling assigned balance sheet accounts and related revenue and expenditure accounts, including trade receivables and pension liabilities.
• Preparing and recording journal entries related to financial transactions.
• Conducting financial analysis to review variances in accounts and investigating discrepancies.
• Completing financial surveys accurately and on time, including reports for charity watchdog organizations and US census reporting.
• Ensuring that project subledgers reconcile with the general ledger at month-end and coordinating meetings to address any variances.
• Collaborating with the Systems Team to provide support and clarification on financial processes.
• Assisting colleagues with financial information requests and supporting documentation for auditors.
• Analyzing monthly and quarterly fluctuations in assigned accounts and proposing necessary adjusting entries. 1
• Performing financial reviews of emergency and non-emergency restricted fund balances, producing monthly reports, and coordinating meetings with fund managers to review variances. 1
• Conducting configuration reviews for new projects to be added to the financial ERP system.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Financial Service Support position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• A minimum of 2-5 years of accounting experience.
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or being a current candidate for CPA certification.
• A thorough understanding of accounting standards and principles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent computer skills, particularly in financial systems and analytical tools.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls and financial reporting processes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, which provides the foundational knowledge necessary for the financial responsibilities associated with this position. This educational background is essential for understanding complex accounting principles and practices that will be applied in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-5 years of relevant accounting experience. This experience should include practical knowledge of financial reporting, account reconciliation, and financial analysis. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of accounting standards and have hands-on experience with financial systems, particularly ERP systems, to effectively perform the duties of the role.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. While not required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where CRS operates.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working with international teams. CRS is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding training. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS has offices. Additionally, all positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance.