Recruitment Notice: Finance Officer

Requisition ID: req37947

Job Title: Finance Officer_Maroua

Sector: Finances

Employment Category: Fixed Term

Employment Type: Full time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Maroua, Cameroon

Job Description

1. Background

Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world. The IRC provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. Present in more than 40 countries, IRC’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and take charge of their future.

Faced with a growing humanitarian crisis, the IRC is launching emergency programs in the Far North, North West and South West regions of Cameroon. Planned programs include environmental health, food security, education and child protection, women’s protection and empowerment, and protection and rule of rights.

2. Summary

The Finance Officer works closely with the Finance Manager and other members of the finance department to ensure efficient and effective processing of financial transactions. The Finance Officer will have a functional link with the Finance Manager, but will report hierarchically to the Field Coordinator of the Maroua base. He/She should have a thorough knowledge of financial and administrative policies and procedures.

3. Area of ​​intervention

· The Finance Officer will be based in Maroua with travel to the intervention sites

4. Responsibility

· Responsible for payment processing for banking and cash transactions.

· Coordinates with banks and financial institutions regarding project activities.

· Assist in the closing of monthly accounts and the preparation of monthly expense reports for submission to the Central Project Office.

· Ensures completeness of payment documentation in accordance with IRC and donor policies and procedures.

· Ensures that internal control procedures are followed for all disbursements, receipts and transfers.

· Updates daily cash books and bank books with proper reconciliation of closing balances.

· Performs cash count according to IRC policy and schedule. Documents cash count books for records.

· Monitors cash usage and requirements and informs Finance Manager of possible unusual activity. Participates in and reviews physical audits of monthly/annual inventory.

· Helps the Finance Manager to identify the main problems and weaknesses of the system and provides recommendations to improve the processes or control procedures.

· Reviews all payment documents for proper coding and supporting documentation.

· Assists the Finance Manager in planning regular field visits for financial review and monitoring of activities.

· Maintains up-to-date reimbursement records for staff insurance, rents for all programs and their monthly amortization. Keep track of utility bills and travel expenses.

· Assists the Finance Manager in reviewing purchase orders and requisitions to ensure proper budget coding and adequacy prior to approval.

· Verifies and posts monthly transactions in the Excel spreadsheet as well as subsequent posting in the SUN system.

· Assists the Finance Manager in the preparation of budget development and donor financial reporting

· Drafts financial reports

· Follows up on monthly balance sheet items for the field office and takes appropriate action by coordinating with the team field and the finance manager.

· Serve as the finance focal person for the Maroua office and work closely with the field management team to support effective program implementation.

Represent the finance department in field meetings, such as Budget and Achievement Meetings (BVA), Project Cycle Meetings (PCM), Field Coordination Meetings, etc., to provide technical support on financial matters and working closely with the Senior Field Finance Manager and Deputy Finance Manager on issues that require senior level support and engagement.

· Participate in the training of operational and program staff in the field regarding IRC’s financial policies, accounting and budgeting procedures and financial requirements, as well as the activities of finance staff.

· Provide orientation for new employees, as required.

· Coach and supervise the Finance Assistant on regular financial tasks and provide comprehensive performance reviews.

· Performs other duties as needed and/or requested.

5. Job Characteristics

· Pay attention to detail to avoid mistakes.

· Work on several files at the same time and meet deadlines.

· Available for support from finance staff.

· Work independently in the order of execution of daily tasks.

· The work is checked regularly.

Qualifications

· Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
· Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar position.
· Experience with an international humanitarian NGO would be an asset.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; significant experience in MS Excel, knowledge of accounting packages (SUN system) will be an added advantage.
· The candidate must be mature and comfortable in a multicultural work environment, promote teamwork and be able to handle pressure with professional grace.
· Ability to work independently, make decisions and be flexible.
· Strong adaptability
· Have a highly developed sense of organization and listening
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged .
Deadline for receipt of application: February 23, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

Apply ONLY online via the form available at: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/37947?c=rescue