Deputy Finance Manager, Bangui, Central African Republic

Job Description

Position Title: Deputy Finance Manager

Dept/Location: Bangui, CAR

Job Band: D

FLSA: Exempt

Reports To: Finance Manager

Length of Assignment: One to Two years

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Job Background/ Summary:

CRS has been working in CAR since 2007, with the main office in the capital Bangui and current field offices for a USAID-funded program in the provinces of Mbomou and Haut-Mbomou located in the cities of Obo, Zemio, Rafai, Bangassou and Bakouma in the southeast of the country.

CRS expanded programming to respond to the emergency and early recovery needs of the people of CAR, who have been, and continue to be, severely impacted by the events in the aftermath of the coup of March 2013. Field offices were established in Ouham province (Bossangoa) and in the process of opening an office in Lobaye province (Boda). CRS program portfolio includes: community-based early warning systems, food security, agriculture recovery, and peacebuilding, social cohesion and reconciliation.

The Deputy Finance Manager provides support to the Finance Manager in the daily operations of financial accounting and regular monitoring of all account balances (cash, credit and debit balances, partner advances, donor funds) following the procedures of CRS.

Job Responsibilities

1. Reporting and System Management

• Update exchange rates in Sun System ledger according to the HQ/Finance policy/procedure
• Ensure that field offices transmit financial reports or transaction templates within established deadlines.
• Run cost allocation monthly for all 3 pools (Vehicle, Facility and Project Support). Review to ensure the accuracy of all information entered and confirm that the pool balances are zero at the end of each month.
• Ensure that a complete and accurate package of the monthly financial report is prepared before the 5^th of the following month and submitted to the Finance Manager for review
• Incorporate feedback from HQ Finance and CARO RFO to ensure all comments and recommendations are implemented before the subsequent month close.
• Follow through the financial closure of projects, in collaboration with the Finance Manager, Grants and Compliance Officer and Program Managers, particularly for externally funded projects.
• Prepare monthly financial report to be submitted to CARO.
• Support the FM in the Year end close

1. 2. Accounting and Quality Assurance

• Perform weekly system analysis to identify irregularities such as wrong combinations of DSPN, use of wrong account codes etc. and propose immediate corrective actions to the Finance Manager.
• Review all financial vouchers for accuracy and ensure that there is adequate supporting documentation
• Ensure that vouchers are posted on a daily basis or at a minimum, 3 times a week
• Review intra agency files from HQ and post the file once it is confirmed that all charges are legitimate/valid expenses incurred on behalf of the CP
• Review and post suspense files within 2 days of notification from the HQ/analyst
• Ensure the overall monitoring of partner advances in adherence to the SRFMP
• Ensure monthly monitoring of travel advances, employee receivables and other advances to staff in accordance with CRS policies, and ensure close out of staff advances in timely basis.
• Monitor all project budgets in the country program and ensure that spending is withinthe project budget; immediately report any risk of overspending.
• Monitor the OCH expenditures from the field offices and oversee the liquidation of each report. Visit field offices to provide training support as needed.
• Ensure that there is an updated T4 codes listing in Sun systems Address book based on approved Vendor listing and Patriot Act check.
• Support the training and capacity building of partners in addition to financial monitoring of partners expenditures.
• Support the FM in closing internal and external audit findings

1. 3. Staff Management and supervision

• Provide on-going technical support and coaching to finance officers in Bangui and the field offices
• Monitor staff performance and take adequate and on time actions to address performance issues

1. 4. Banking and Cash Management

• Review cash forecasts submitted by PMs and ensure that their requests are within approved budget
• Conduct and document weekly cash counts in Bangui and each time a visit is made to the field offices.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations for the FMs review

1. 5. General Management

• Serve as Finance Manager in the absence of the incumbent.
• Other duties as requested by CRS.

Requirements:

1. Strong customer service orientation and effective communication skills (good listener, positive, supportive, clear, constructive, and accessible) both written and verbal.

2. Knowledge of English is required.

3. Excellent skills in Excel required. Knowledge of other application software, such as Word, Visio and PowerPoint highly desired.

4. Strong planning and organizational skills.

5. Ability to prepare training materials and to present training materials.

6. Ability to learn fast and adapt quickly to change.

7. Willingness to work the hours needed to meet deadlines, and work well under pressure.

8. Desire to work in a collaborative and proactive team environment, but able to work independently.

Qualifications:

1. University Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field or equivalent work experience required. A professional certification in Accounting or a related field highly desired.

2. Minimum of three years professional experience in a financial management position of responsibility, at least one of which is in a supervisory position required;

3. Budgeting and budget management experience required.

4. Knowledge of SunSystems financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software highly desired.

5. Sound knowledge of local law in the areas of taxation and local regulatory reporting obligations is required

6. Strong knowledge of effective management practices desired

7. Knowledge of the relevant public donors’ regulations will be highly desired.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none):

Internal Key Working Relationships:

Finance Manager, finance team, HoOPs, HOP, Program Managers and Chief of Party, Country Representative, Procurement Manager, Administrative Officer, HR Officer, IT Officer, HQ Finance, DRD/MQ, RFO, Internal Auditors.

External Key Working Relationships:

Donors, Subrecipients, Suppliers and External Auditors

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.

• · Serves with Integrity
• · Models Stewardship
• · Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• · Promotes Learning

Disclaimer:

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

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

NOTE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.