Finance Officer

Job Title:                             Finance Officer (Ref: 2023/006)

Department:                      Country Finance

Band:                                    6

Reports To:                         Deputy Finance Manager

Country/Location:           Somalia/Mogadishu

Length of Contract:         1 year

About CRS

CRS is an International non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 100 countries around the world. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need, without regard to race, religion, or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through programs such as emergency response, health, livelihoods, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

CRS has a long history of supporting local civil-society organizations in Somalia and has implemented development and emergency programming in multiple sectors, primarily supported by the United States Agency for International Development. CRS’ work in Somalia supports populations across 6 regions of Somalia, with emergency presence concentrated in the South-Central area. CRS Somalia’s large flagship project currently covers the sectors of WASH, Health, Nutrition, Protection for the most vulnerable populations (SHARPEN). CRS has been working closely with and channelling resources and support to local organizations in Somalia since the 1960s. In addition to high-value emergency response and peacebuilding projects, CRS is also working on developing additional activities, including the newly funded Cash Assistance, Nutrition, and Accountability project (CashNCaps).

Job Summary:

The Finance Officer will support the Finance department’s management of accounting systems, policies, and procedures in compliance with CRS’ established accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donors’ rules and regulations, and legal requirements to support high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. As part of an experienced finance team, you will help coordinate daily financial activities through preparation and delivery of financial services.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

·         Review supporting documentation of financial transactions to ensure all required documents are accurate and complete.

·         Help ensure maintenance of all data required for processing financial transactions for assigned accounts in Insight financial accounting package.

·         Accurately and properly register all financial transactions by using CRS entry vouchers such as CD, CR, GJ and Import Files based on the transaction’s accounting nature, submit for verification, entered in the Insight Oracle systems, and posted.

·         Set and monitor sound accounting and financial reporting procedures for project subrecipients and partners following established standards. Help to implement and advise on the sub-recipient financial monitoring policy and other partner capacity assessments.

·         Help evaluate subrecipient financial management processes in accordance with policy and help strengthen capacity of partner in financial accounting and transactions.

·         Prepare and manage accounts receivable and payables for both staff and vendors ensuring monthly statements are prepared and disseminated monthly.

·         Record financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review and analyze various accounts to detect irregularities. Advise on corrective actions and prepare correcting entries and adjustments, as necessary.

·         Support in month end closure to ensure the month is closed on time i.e., before 10th of following month.

·         Process payments/disbursements in accordance with CRS’s set policies and procedures. 

·         Prepare delegated financial reports, as needed.

·         Help share information with subrecipients and staff on financial accounting policies and procedural compliance issues.

·         Assess, evaluate and monitor subrecipient financial management processes in accordance with policy and strengthen capacity of partner in financial accounting and transactions. Review, Monitoring and Annual Audit

·         Monitor disbursement/receipt schedules, alert relevant project staff of due payments/liquidations, and maintain appropriate communication and follow-up to facilitate timeliness of financial resource management and compliance with set deadlines. Review, Monitoring and Annual  Audit

Basic Qualifications

• B.A. degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration strongly preferred. Courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting (CPA/ACCA or equivalent).
• Minimum of two years accounting experience, preferably with an international or local NGO, or a financial/banking institution.
• Familiarity with the relevant public donors’ regulations a plus.
• Proficient in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of SunSystems financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·         Excellent analytical skills with ability to detect and report inconsistencies.

·         Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail

·         Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics

·         Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results oriented.

·         Ability to work collaboratively.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

·         Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.

·         Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.

·         Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.

·         Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.

·         Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

·         Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.

·         Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.

·         Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Required Languages - Excellent verbal and written communication in English and Somali is required.

Travel - Position will be based in Mogadishu, Somalia. Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% to project field locations, as security conditions permit

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Internal: Program managers, Deputy of chiefs, head of programs, head of emergency, Finance Manager, Deputy Finance Manager, 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 

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

What we offer:

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

CRS’ emphasis on family values supports benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, policies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, the availability of a baby room at the office, and flexible working hours where possible.

We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS Somalia strives to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and work, stay, and do their best.

CRS provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition and any other status protected by law.

As an equal opportunity employer, CRS will recruit, hire, train and promote persons solely on their qualifications and abilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviours related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

If your qualifications and experience meet this job requirements, please submit a written application, quoting the job title and reference number, and updated CV including daytime contact phone numbers, as well as names and contact information of three references to reach the below mentioned by close of business, December 15, 2023.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Human Resources Manager

Catholic Relief Services-Kenya/Somalia program

Email: [email protected]

Note: CRS does not charge any fees from applicants for any recruitment. Further, CRS has not retained any agent in connection with this recruitment.