Responsibilities
Context and General Purpose of the Position:
The Finance Officer is responsible for managing and overseeing the financial operations of the project, ensuring the proper utilization, recording, and documentation of project funds. The position oversees project budgeting, cost allocation, accounting transactions, asset management, and cash and bank accounts management, while ensuring compliance with donor regulations, audit requirements, JRS policies and procedures, and internationally recognized accounting principles.
In addition, the Finance Officer leads and supervises the project finance team, ensuring the timely and accurate execution of financial processes, the capacity development of team members, and adherence to established financial procedures and controls.
Main Responsibilities
1. Prepare, record, post and supervise project financial entries in the accounting system, ensuring all expenditures are accurately documented, properly allocated to the relevant budget lines, and compliant with donor regulations, approved budgets, and allocation plans.
2. Oversee the management of project cash and bank accounts, including cash forecasting, cash custody, liquidity planning, and the timely preparation and review of bank and cash reconciliations. and submit them to the Country Office on monthly basis.
3. Review and analyze monthly expenditures against approved budgets (Budget vs. Actual Analysis - BVA), identify variances, and communicate findings and recommendations to the Project Director and relevant project staff to support informed decision-making.
4. Prepare and share periodic budget monitoring reports with program and Project Director to support budget oversight and decision-making.
5. Review the purchase requests and verify budget availability prior to approval to ensure compliance with approved budgets and funding allocations.
6. Review the procurement process to ensure compliance with JRS procurement policies, donor requirements, and internal controls.
7. Participate in tendering processes, including the review of bidding documents, bid evaluations, and tender committee activities as required.
8. Ensure that cash counts and cash box reconciliations are conducted on a weekly and monthly basis, promptly reporting any discrepancies or irregularities to the Project Director and Country Head of Finance.
9. Conduct monthly financial reviews to ensure the completeness and accuracy of reconciliations, payable and receivable balances, rent contracts, financial documentation, and SharePoint archives and cash count reports.
10. Ensure that finance team members receive adequate orientation, training, coaching, and ongoing support on JRS financial policies and procedures, financial systems, donor requirements, and other relevant areas of professional development.
11. Provide financial guidance and support to project staff to ensure compliance with financial procedures, donor regulations, and organizational policies.
12. Contribute to the preparation and development of project budgets and funding proposals in close coordination with the Project Director and other key project staff.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
2. 3 - 5 years of relevant professional experience in finance and accounting, preferably within the humanitarian, non-profit, or development sector.
3. Strong knowledge of financial management, budgeting, accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal control systems.
4. Demonstrated ability to analyze financial information, identify risks, and provide recommendations to support decision-making.
5. Fluency in English (written and spoken).
6. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
7. Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines under pressure.
8. leadership and team management skills.
9. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint; experience with accounting software or ERP systems is an asset.
10. Commitment to integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
Specific Vacancy Requirements
Core values and Ethics:
• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision, and values.
• Living the values of the Jesuit Refugee Service of solidarity, support, and compassion.
• Working in accordance with the Code of conduct and child safeguarding policy.
• Compassion and strong commitment for refugees and other displaced people.
• Highly approachable, trustworthy, and confidential.
• High degree of professionalism and ethical standards.
• handle sensitive information with integrity and maintain confidentiality.
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- Policy and Procedures for Preventing and Responding to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Policy Child Safeguarding.
- JRS has a policy of zero tolerance of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by volunteers. All volunteers shall protect against and prevent sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).
- JRS has a robust Child Safeguarding Policy and accompanying procedures, and all volunteers must adhere to a culture of child centered best practice and uphold the JRS Child Safeguarding Policy and follow the related procedures.