Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Closing date: 06 Mar 2019
The Syria crisis is often described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. Inside Syria, 7.6 million people are internally displaced and 12.2 million are in need of humanitarian assistance, with 4.8 million in hard-to-reach areas. There are 4 million Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. This is no short-term humanitarian episode. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades. The destruction of relationships, communities, livelihoods, homes and infrastructure will take years to repair.
IRC is offering a robust humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. With an annual budget in excess of $140 million and a rapidly expanding portfolio, supported by more than 1,250 staff in the region, IRC is undertaking programs in Syria and the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the fields of health, child protection, education, women’s protection and empowerment, NFI and food distribution, cash assistance, water and sanitation, and livelihood programming. Our work in these challenging settings gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, security, funding and coordination. As the conflict in Syria has entered its seventh year, it is estimated that over 400,000 people have been killed in the county and a total of 13.5 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. Additionally, 6.6 million persons are displaced internally and over 4.7 million people are living in ‘besieged’ and ‘hard to reach’ areas. Within the Food Security Sector, as per the Humanitarian Needs Overview 2017, it has been assessed that 9 million people are in need of assistance, including 7 million considered as food insecure across the country.
Despite the efforts among a large number of International and Syrian NGOs and UN Agencies that have been providing assistance inside Syria, needs keep on increasing and coordination structures remain fragile as a result of continuous political sensitivity in Syria. As a result, the humanitarian community has embarked since 2014 on a Whole of Syria Approach in order to improve the overall humanitarian response based on a more integrated and connected coordination structure between the various “hubs” from which relief aid is being provided– either from Syria or cross-border operations from Turkey, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon. The Iraq Hub – more commonly called North East Syria (NES) – is growing in terms of partners and capacity.
Job Overview/Summary:
The Deputy Finance Controller is the most senior field based finance function for the NES IRC program. DFC reports to the Deputy Director Cross Border, and has a duel reporting line to the Iraq Finance Controller.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day accounting operations and financial management functions are performed in accordance with IRC and country office policy and procedures. Specific responsibilities within each functional area are as follows:
SUN Processing
• Control over and/or entry of changes to the Chart of Accounts, Analysis Codes and Exchange Rates
• Performing or supervising the posting of entries ensuring proper controls are enforced and appropriate systems in place to maintain all required supporting documentation.
• Production of required monthly and adhoc reports.
• Developing expertise to control the system, develop new reports and be able to train staff in processing of data.
• Ensuring budgets are loaded on a timely basis
• Ensuring a backup and retention procedure is in place and followed for all SUN master files
Donor Reports
• Preparation of draft donor reports for review by the Finance Controller
• Analysis of actual to budget results to identify problems in accounting or compliance
• Identification of procedural or training issues to be addressed to improve the quality of report data.
• Preparation of the creation of detail level budgets in IRC SUN format to ensure required donor reports can be produced form the accounting system
Field Office Training & Support
• Acting as the primary liaison for the field office finance staff for policy or procedure questions
• By frequent visits to the field offices providing training to finance staff on IRC accounting procedures and requirements, assists the Field Coordinators and program staff in finance related issues and activities.
• Review of financial data submitted by the field to identify weaknesses or problems being encountered by field finance staff and recommend corrective action.
• In conjunction with the Finance Controller developing or revising policy and procedures and assists in the implementation.
Balance Sheet Accounts
• Supervising or performing all balance sheet account reconciliation’s on a timely basis
• Ensuring differences or discrepancies are brought to the attention of the FC and that appropriate action is taken.
• Recommending standard formats for reconciliation’s and/or procedures to improve the underlying accounting, control or processing of transactions to minimize errors or omissions.
Procurement Accounting
• The review of and accounting for procurement transactions to ensure adequate supporting documentation, accuracy of amounts and control over payments
• Maintaining a system to track commitments and outstanding contract amounts.
• Providing input to Purchase Request approvals to ensure commitments are considered before further purchases approved
• Primary responsibility for liaison with logistics/procurement.
Cash/Bank – Processing
• Supervision of the processing of bank and cash transactions.
• Ensuring internal control procedures are followed for all cash disbursements, receipts and transfers
• Preparation or oversight of the preparation of the cash accounting worksheet
• Liaison with bank officials to resolve problems or facilitate improved service.
Cash Forecasting
• Preparation of cash forecasts and CTR for the country program
• Monitoring cash usage and requirements and advises the Finance Controller of possible unusual activity or requirements
• Working with field and program coordinators to help them develop more accurate cash forecasts
National Payroll
• The processing of the national payroll ensuring standard financial controls are maintained
• Ensuring payroll reports and cash is distributed to the required locations in time for all staff to be paid by the last day of the month.
• Preparation of the necessary related accounting entries including salary allocations
• Serving as primary liaison with Administration and the field offices on payroll related issues
• Liaison with local government to ensure compliance with national tax and labor regulations.
Internal Audit
• Internal audit activities as required by the Finance Controller
• Reviews of controls and monitoring of compliance with established procedures.
• Preparation of written reports for review by the Controller which identify key issues and provide recommendations for improving control processes or procedures
Budgets
• Assisting in the preparation and maintenance of the country’s Operating Budget to ensure data is complete and maintained on a timely basis.
• Preparation of monthly management reports analyzing the use of unrestricted funding versus approved allocation.
• Assisting in the development and preparation of cost allocation processes for overarching costs that comply with donor regulations on allowable costs.
• Working with program staff to prepare grant budgets to support new proposals or realignments to ensure adequate coverage of country operating costs and NY direct and indirect costs.
• Review of actual vs. budget results to ensure maximum utilization of budgeted amounts and to provide recommendations for realignments as required.
Sub-grant
• Review the adequacy and effectiveness of IRC Nigeria's partners/sub-grantees systems and internal policies, rules and guidelines, ensuring that these controls offer adequate protection against error, fraud and loss of all kinds.
• Produce regular partner compliance reports with findings and issues identified during the audit, give appropriate recommendation and actions, providing advice and suggestions on improvements to systems and procedures where appropriate.
• Provide in-person and remote capacity building and/or training to partners in financial management, reporting and compliance.
• Build IRC Nigeria Finance staff capacity building on review of sub-grants financial report and uploading to financial system
• Review and monitor sub-grantees financial reporting and compliance. Provide additional assistance to partners as necessary to maintain high standard of compliance.
• Review partner procurement and financial transactions to ensure adequate supporting documentation, accuracy of amounts and control over payments
Communications
• Model and encourage active practice of the principles of the “IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct” throughout the NES team.
• Maintain a healthy and empowering office environment that encourages open, honest and productive communication among IRC staff
• Communicate with Finance Controller on security issues within the office and outside the office.
• Report to the Finance Controller any irregularities that occur within the IRC office, staff compound and camps on policy and procedures.
• Hold monthly BVA meetings with key management from all departments.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Deputy Director-Cross Border and Iraq Finance Controller
Other Internal and/or external contacts: Iraq Country Director, SMT, X-Border Program and other team, Finance XB Leads in Jordan
Job Requirements:
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or Finance or CPA. Advanced Diploma in Accounting from recognized College/Institutions with a minimum of three (3) years of accounting experience
Work Experience:
• Demonstrated ability to prepare budgets and manage project finances.
• At least 5 year experience in accounting and financial management
• At least 3 years of experience with an international organization or international experience.
• Remote management experience a plus; INGO experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
• A commitment to IRC’s mission and vision
• Leadership experience managing an Finance and accounting function for large budget programs in the INGO sector is strongly desired
• Ability to function independently in a loosely structured but complex work environment, working and prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) to staff at all levels.
• Strong management, interpersonal and negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to promote harmonious/cohesive teamwork, in a cross cultural context.
• Proven ability to plan long-term, organize priorities and work under administrative and programmatic pressures with detail orientation and professional grace.
• Analytical ability in creating effective finance solutions while adhering to local laws and donor compliance;
Language/Travel:
• English required, and Arabic or Kurdish desirable
• Travel: North East Syria (Hassekeh and Raqaa governorates), Dohuk/Erbil Iraq and regional travel for workshops and meetings as needed.
Professional Standards: IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
Returning National Candidates: We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a national of the Country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, the Syria Response Region has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing, and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply. IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs.
How to apply:
Applications to be submitted on: https://rescue.csod.com/ats/careersite/jobdetails.aspx?site=1&c=rescue&id=3563