Finance Officer - Catholic Relief Services

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been working in Ghana since 1958 in Health, Agriculture, Peacebuilding, Water and Sanitation, Microfinance, and Education programs.

Job Description

• Department: Finance
• Grade: 6
• No. of Positions: 2
• Reports To: Deputy Finance Manager

Job Summary

You 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 the preparation and delivery of financial services.

The Finance Officer will report directly to the Deputy Finance Manager and is responsible for delivery of accounting and financial reporting services for the Country Program ensuring strict compliance to Country Program/Agency policies and Donor Fund regulations

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Review and validate supporting documentation before processing of financial transactions to ensure all required documents are accurate and complete and authorizations are in place 
• Ensure timely recording of financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review and analyze various accounts to detect irregularities. Advise on corrective actions and prepare to correct entries and adjustments, as necessary. 
• Help ensure maintenance of all data required for processing financial transactions for assigned accounts in Project Insight, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) financial accounting package.
• Record delegated financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review various accounts to detect irregularities.
• Help evaluate sub-recipient financial management processes in accordance with policy and help strengthen the capacity of partners in financial accounting and transactions.
• Prepare delegated financial reports, as needed, 
• Help share information with sub-recipients and staff on financial accounting policies and procedural compliance issues.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned 

Required Skills or Experience

• B.A. degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Business Administration is strongly preferred. Courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting (CPA/ACCA or equivalent).
• Minimum of two (2 ) years of accounting experience, preferably with an international or local NGO, or a financial/banking institution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the relevant public donors’ regulations is a plus.
• Proficient in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Project Insight, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software a plus.

Required Languages – English

Travel - include a percentage of required travel, if applicable. Could be stated as Must be willing and able to travel up to 20 %.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent analytical skills with the 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-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and are used by each staff member to fulfil his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Integrity 
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships 
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: none

Key Working Relationships

Internal: All CP staff

External: None