Finance Officer

About CRS

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. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. CRS has been working in Ethiopia for nearly 60 years, responding to natural and man-made disasters affecting Ethiopia's most vulnerable communities. Moving beyond emergency response, CRS' disaster mitigation and recovery projects in drought and flood-prone areas have rebuilt individual and community assets through non-food aid in the form of agriculture, livestock, health, nutrition, and water and sanitation assistance.

Job Title:                Finance Officer

Job grade:                      6

Required number:        One

Department:                 Finance

Employment Term:      Indefinite Term

Reports To:                   Administrative Manager - Adama

Country/Location:       CRS Ethiopia/Adama

Deadline:                        May 5, 2024

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 preparation and delivery of financial services. 

 Job Responsibilities: 

• Review and 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 the Insight financial accounting package. 
• Record delegated financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review various accounts to detect irregularities. 
• Help evaluate subrecipient financial management processes in accordance with policy and help strengthen capacity of partner in financial accounting and transactions. 
• Help in training field staff on Insight financial accounting system and ensure timely settlement of travel and procurement advances.
• Prepare delegated financial reports, as needed, and assist CO finance team to prepare financial reports.   
• Help share information with subrecipients and staff on financial accounting policies and procedural compliance issues. 
• Compile supporting documentation (liquidation/receipt package) to support processing of financial transactions. Communicate with staff, subrecipients, partners, suppliers to follow up on required documents. 
• Give support to Field Admin assistant for handling payment by cheque/transfer payments in accordance with CRS payment guidelines and signatory of Admin Manager.
• Prepare tax payment payroll sheet, check against tax documents, and process payment.
• Review and verify withdrawals/transfers of cash from the bank to pay CRS suppliers or service providers  
• Ensure Statutory payments like income tax, withholding tax and Pension are paid as per the government payment deadlines.
• Technically review and guide the work of Admin assistant and ensure all CRS financial procedures are followed.

Education and Experience 

• 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 the relevant public donors’ regulations a plus. 
• Proficient in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Insight financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software a plus. 

 Personal Skills  

• 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 

 Required/Desired Foreign Language  

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

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.

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