Sub Regional Finance Director, Afghanistan (219384-927)

Job Description

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Afghanistan, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance. The Mercy Corps Finance Department ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures. In its role as a support to the Program Department, the Finance Department provides timely reports and assistance to the Country Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Working in Kabul under the direction of the Country Director, the Sub Regional Finance Director (SRFD) is responsible for all aspects of financial management of the country program, ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps internal policies and procedures as well as donor regulations. This position is the supervisor to the Mercy Corps Afghanistan Finance Manager, and is the senior Finance position for the Country program. The aim is that the SRFD will gradually build the capacity of the team to allow a smooth transition to occur, when that is appropriate. This will ensure that experience is gained and a high quality service is delivered to the Country Program. At all times the incumbent of this position will be responsible for the overall finances of the country program, and will have a dotted line in reporting to the RFO in Portland and Edinburgh.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Plan and implement systems for Grant based operations in both the main country office and in field offices in accordance with the Mercy Corps Field Finance Manual and donor regulations, including systems for budgeting, internal controls, financial reporting, financial record-keeping, grant management and compliance.
• Train and supervise Mercy Corps finance staff in country.
• Provide monthly management reports to the Country Director and Program Managers, including expenditures by cost center/project, sub grantee reporting and other financial information, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform internal audits and reviews as required to ensure compliance with Mercy Corps and donor requirements.
• Effectively stay abreast of donor policies, procedures, rules and regulations; compile and update applicable local policies; and train Mercy Corps program and partner staff in these policies.
• Review and monitor partners’ financial reporting and compliance. Provide additional technical assistance to partners as necessary to maintain high standards of compliance.
• Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps’ procurement policies and procedures for all goods and services.
• Develop and maintain local office policies and procedures and provide training for all issues related to local financial matters.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Prepare semi annual Government report..
• Prepare program Biweekly, monthly and quarterly reports.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Finance Team

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Country Director but works very closely with Operations Director.

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: HQ Regional Finance Officer (with authority for technical grant matters)

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• An internationally recognized accounting qualification is essential and membership of ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CPA is required.
• At least 5 - 7 years of relevant experience.
• Four years experience in grants management as well as an understanding of donor regulations is required.
• Demonstrated experience and skill with budget preparation and analysis, financial reporting preparation and presentation and the proven ability to translate technical financial data into informative reports.
• Strong accounting skills and experience, including management of the general ledger, journal entries, payroll, payables and balance sheet.
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel
• Prior management experience and strong organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written English skills

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training capacity is required. An ability to support programmatic objectives with timely and meaningful financial information is essential. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. An impeccable professional standard of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. The SRFD must be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The position will be based 50% in Kabul with extensive travel to the field and head office. Accommodation in Kabul is team housing with fairly reliable electricity and generators. The security situation is volatile and may spike into acute periods of insecurity. Internet access is available in Mercy Corps offices. Medical care is available in Kabul, however for serious cases evacuation is required, so staff must be able to be 24 hours away from medical care. S/he is expected to follow all security protocols including limited movement when necessary.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

About the Organization

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided over $575 million in assistance to 73 nations. The agency's programs currently reach 5 million people in more than 25 countries, including the United States. Mercy Corps is a nonprofit organization with headquarters offices in Portland (Oregon), Seattle (Washington), Washington, DC, and Edinburgh, Scotland. Known for its quick-response, high-impact programs, over 95 percent of the agency's resources are allocated directly to programs that help those in need.