Roving Finance Controller at International Rescue Committee

Job Overview: 

Upon request, the Roving Finance Controller provides technical assistance to field programs and staff in matters of financial processes & procedures and will therefore be deployed to IRC field offices in various countries on a temporary basis. This position includes constant international travel to developing countries and requires high flexibility in terms of physical movement from country to country and duration of assignments.

Major Responsibilities: 

•  Temporarily assume the position of the country or program office’s Deputy Director Finance until permanent staff can be identified and trained (including);
  • Closely monitors financial activities and advises the Country Director on the financial performance of the office, issues with internal controls or financial management
  • Ensures monthly balance sheet reconciliations are completed on a timely basis
  • Manages the finance department activities and schedules to meet the financial reporting requirements and deadlines specified by headquarters and donors
  • Ensures in-country internal control reviews of operations are regularly undertaken
  • Facilitates external, internal, donor or government audits
  • Maintains current knowledge of local government requirements related to finance and complies with tax and other legal requirements
•  Deploy to country or program offices to act as a surge finance staff, lead budget developments, and contribute to other financial activities as needed
  • Oversee the preparation and revision of grant proposal budgets; supports programs with guidance on costing and inputs in creating budgets for submission
  • Prepares and maintains the country’s annual operating budget; ensures cost coverage for in-country operating costs and updates the operating budget regularly
  • Presents and facilitates the review of actual to budget expenditures with the Country Director and program managers
•  Assist field offices with onboarding for the new Deputy Director of Finance and/or Finance Manager as required
•  Provide training and support to financial and non-financial staff regarding IRC financial procedures and internal controls
•  Work with the Regional Finance Directors, Deputy Director Finance and Country Director to develop the job descriptions and Terms of Reference (TOR) of various finance field positions
•  Meet with the respective Country Director and Deputy Director, Finance at the beginning and end of each assignment to discuss terms of reference and the outcome of the deployment
•  Assist with the rollout of IRC's new ERP system
•  Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in IRC financial policy and financial systems
•  Assist HQ finance with other duties as required

Key Working Relationships: 

• Position Reports to: Associate Controller, Program Finance and Country Director (when Deployed)

Position directly supervises: None

Indirect Reporting: 

Other Internal and/or external contacts: 

Internal: Regional Finance Director, Deputy Director Finance, Regional VP, Country Director when deployed

External: Donor if applicable
  
Job Requirements: 
Work Experience: 

•  Minimum 6 years of progressive NGO accounting experience in an international development environment 
•  Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; Master’s Degree a plus

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies: 

•  Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Additional fluency in French is a plus
•  Ability and willingness to travel to different Country Programs as needs arise
•  Detailed knowledge of fund accounting, procurement and financial management of USAID and UN cooperative agreements
•  Ability to present sophisticated financial information in a succinct and compelling manner, and to solve complex matters through the use of analyses, data-sharing, and cooperation

Preferred experience & skills: 

•  Professional finance certification is highly desirable (e.g. CPA/CA)
•  Experience within a humanitarian emergency setting is highly desirable
•  Knowledge of US Government, European Union, and United Nations donor reporting regulations highly desirable
•  Previous work experience with a major general ledger software package – experience with MS D365 preferred
•  Highly reliable and flexible approach to professional responsibilities: the ability to change course at a moment’s notice yet remain focused and productive, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team
•  Excellent communication, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills: the ability to effectively liaise with colleagues in diverse multicultural environments
•  Solid organizational skills: the ability to be productive under pressure in a fast-paced team environment
•  Strong digital literacy: facility with MS Word, Excel, various accounting software, and email/internet software
•  Demonstrated ability to thrive in a matrix management environment