Organizational Context
Job Purpose
The purpose of the Country Finance Officer is to support the management of a strong internal control environment, including segregation of duties, and the application of finance policies, processes and procedures throughout the region.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Coordinates the accounting and administrative functions of the regional office in line with Norwegian Red Cross rules and procedures.
- Supports the regional and country offices in all aspects of financial management enabling humanitarian programs.
- Contributes to International Programmes and Preparedness Departments global efforts to harmonise and improve administrative procedures and processes between the Regional and the Country Office.
- Support the Head of support services to ensure adequate financial management, including the preparation of detailed budget.
- Work closely in the Country Finance Unit, to implement Norwegian Red Cross’ guidelines, rules and regulations.
Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)
Budgeting
- Coordinate and assist in the preparation of the office and NS programme and project budgets consistent with plans.
Accounting
- Ensure that all the offices’ financial transactions are appropriately processed into Agresso using the correct account, activity and donor code.
- Ensure monthly closure of accounts within required deadlines and the preparation of the office cash request.
- Quality assures all cash requests in the field location.
Reporting
- Prepare accurate, regular and timely financial reports.
- Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly reports as may be determined by the Head of support services.
- Prepare monthly reconciliations for bank, and accruals of the country office.
Compliance and audit
- Support the Senior finance officer in the preparation of internal and external audit.
Monitoring
- Ensure that all project expenditure authorization process is as per approved Accountability Matrix.
- Ensure that all procurements are in line with Norwegian Red Cross policy and procedures at the point of clearing the payments.
- Review and analyse the monthly financial analysis report prepared and take appropriate measures to clear issues of concern raised by country programme managers/Case holders.
- Responsible for the review the NS reports, provide feedback where necessary to both Senior finance officer and the NS in the field location.
- Perform delegated responsibilities on all financial matters to ensure that internal control is in line and effective as required.
- Review general ledgers of Country Offices on monthly basis and advise relevant staff in case of irregularities.
Modality
- Ensure that programme advances to the NS are controlled and cleared with acceptable documentation and vouchers.
- Work closely with the National Societies/country finance officers to ensure timely and quality reporting of advances.
- Support the Senior finance officer in evaluating and rolling out the new financial working modality within the supported NSs.
Treasury
- Manage petty cash for day-to-day cash payments in the location.
- Prepare bank payments ensuring all relevant supporting documentation is provided.
Education
Professional qualification in accounting or Business Administration – accounting option
Experience
Professional qualification in accounting (Chartered accountant, CPA or equivalent) Or A degree in accounting or Business Administration – accounting option
Knowledge, Skills and Languages
- Advanced knowledge of accounting concepts, financial management and use reporting applications (e.g. Agresso)
- Advanced use of Microsoft Excel
- Understanding of internal control and treasury management concept
- Intermediate skills in computer productivity applications (Word, PowerPoint and Outlook)
Competencies, Values and Comments
- Ability to work towards achieving objectives and results
- Ability to convince and gain acceptance
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to be solution oriented