Deputy Finance Manager - Projects at Catholic Relief

Job Summary: 

The Deputy Finance Manager – Projects will oversee all the financial management activities that ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and documentation of the Finance Department’s accounting operations and financial reporting (monthly, quarterly, yearly, and as needed) in support of high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. You will help set the standard for the Country Program’s (CP’s) financial stewardship through professional maintenance, utilization, and analysis of all cash resources controlled by the CP.

You will assist the Finance Manager assume leadership on all financial affairs of the country program, including coordination and management oversight of all financial activities in the country program as well as supervision the Projects Finance Officers and managing subrecipients' financial management activities.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee accounting processes, policies, and service delivery and maintain accounting controls to ensure accurate, complete, and timely recording and management of financial transactions and internal controls in compliance with CRS’ financial management policies and procedures, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donors’ rules and regulations, and legal requirements for the sub recipients (SRs).
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of SRs to ensure financial viability, compliance with CRS policies, and adherence to project requirements. Develop and implement strategies for mitigating financial risks associated with SRs.
• Oversee and manage the tracking of SRs Internal Control Improvement Procedures (ICIPS).
• Review and analyze partner liquidations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial regulations. Provide guidance and approvals for General Journal entries related to partner liquidations.
• Collaborate with partners to identify capacity-building needs in financial management. Develop and implement training programs to enhance the financial management capabilities of partners.
• Conduct thorough reviews of General Journals related to project liquidations, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
• Prepare, review, and follow up on status letters, ensuring clear communication of financial status to the partners including and any necessary actions.
• Generate and analyze Monthly BCR reports to identify variances and trends. Provide insights and recommendations for financial decision-making. Facilitate discussions with Budget Managers to review Monthly BCR reports, address concerns, and strategize corrective actions. Engage with Senior Management Team (SMT) and Leadership Team (LT) to discuss high-level financial performance, challenges, and strategic planning.
• Lead the preparation of Budget Maintenance Form (BMF) and track Budget Reconciliation Form (BRF) to maintain accurate project budgeting.
• Prepare and contribute to the development of New Project Forms, ensuring alignment with financial requirements, objectives and donor terms and conditions.
• Support the preparation of and analysis of donor reports and other financial reports for various internal and external stakeholders ensuring their timely submission and attend regular meetings with them when required.
• Support in the business proposal development in fundraising activities for both co-operative agreements and contracts with the business development team and be actively involved in the budget preparation including review of new project proposals for internal & external submission.
• Develop and implement cost allocation methodologies and calculators for new projects and proposals, ensuring accurate budgeting and cost recovery.
• Review reclassification entries to ensure proper accounting treatment and compliance with financial policies.
• Prepare, monitor, alert the program manager, facilitate, and manage the process of closing expiring grants within the ninety (90) days period as required in the grants closure period.
• Perform and support in assigned accounts payables and treasury duties (partner disbursements and liquidations) duties, as long as segregation of duties is ensured as per the job roles/personas.
• Serve as the key point person on all issues related to partner financial management. Provide proactive advice, support, and capacity building to managers, staff, and subrecipients to ensure compliance with standards and proper records of SRs financial transactions, as well as to support strengthening of internal control.
• Provide oversight and support for project audits, ensuring compliance with audit requirements and timely resolution of audit findings.
• Ensure compliance with CRS Gateway policies and procedures, contributing to the organization's commitment to accountability and transparency.
• Provide financial oversight and support to SRs in Somalia.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent analytical skills with ability to make sound judgment and decisions 
• Strong communications and presentation skills.
• Capable of working in a dynamic, results oriented environment; ability to multi-task across various work streams/priorities.
• Ability to build relationships and influence 
• Accuracy and completeness with a strong eye for detail
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented
• Ability to work collaboratively Ability to transfer knowledge to others 

Supervisory Roles: Senior/Projects Finance Officers

Required Languages – Excellent Communication Skills in both oral and written in English

Travel- Must be willing and able to travel up to 20%. This is subject to change depending on the operational context.

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Finance Manager, Deputy Finance Manager – Operations, Projects Finance Officers, Operations Finance Officers, Regional Finance Managers, Regional Finance Officer, Risk and Compliance Manager, Regional Ethics Unit, Headquarters HQ Overseas Accounting Unit OAU, HQ Global Controller, HQ Global Risk Compliance Team,  SMT, Budget Managers, relevant Operations staff relevant program/operations staff and HQ Internal Audit Team .

External: Partners Finance Staff, Public & Private Donors, External Auditors and Representatives 

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration with courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting (CPA/ACCA or equivalent). Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an added advantage
• Minimum of at least five years’ experience in a position with similar responsibilities, preferably with an International NGO with at least three years in management
• Candidates with audit experience are encouraged to apply
• Supervisory experience required.
• Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Substantial budgeting, budget/expense analysis, and accounting experience.
• Knowledge of the relevant public donors’ regulations preferred.
• Knowledge of local law in the area of taxation and local regulatory reporting procedures.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications. Knowledge of Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) financial accounting software package or similar financial reporting software preferred and an additional advantage.