Job Vacancy at International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Finance Officer (ECHO)

Grade: 8B

Location: Bo

Reports To: Finance Officer - Bo and Finance Manager in Freetown on Technical Responsibilities

Closing Date: 5th July 2021

BACKGROUND:

IRC has been in West Africa for over ten years and has been implementing programs in Sierra Leone since1999.The programs broadly encompass community reintegration, education, gender-based violence, and health.

Since peace was declared in early 2002, IRC has focused on post conflict development and reintegration services for Sierra Leonean returning home from neighboring countries. As Sierra Leone is now a country in transition from relief and rehabilitation to development IRC has made a commitment to post conflict development programs. The IRC country program is managed from the head office in Freetown and has three field offices in Kenema, Kono, Bo, and Kailahun. Besides, IRC is working with different partners.

Responsibilities

The Finance Officer is in charge of the Finance review processes on the Finance office and works with the other members of the finance department to ensure an efficient and effective processing of the financial documents. The finance officer will have a thorough knowledge of IRC financial and administrative policies and procedures. He/she will also maintain cash books and reconciliation, compiling monthly cash projections and cash/bank transfers request, take part in month end closing process.

The Finance officer will technically report to the Lead Finance Officer in Bo ,Finance Manager in Freetown and work closely with the Freetown Finance team and field staff. Some field visit within project communities, will be required.

ACCOUNT PAYABLE:

• Ensure that the documents reviewed are following the IRC policy and procedures.

• Ensure that accounting information is accurately presented on source documents submitted to finance for review; this includes ensuring that accounting codes and analysis codes are corrected recorded.

• Perform the review of Purchase Requests (PRs) ensuring the necessary approvals have been obtained, correctness of coding and availability of funds.

• Perform financial review of Bid Analysis and other procurement documents; to ensure conformity with IRC policies and procedures as well as donor regulations.

• Perform financial review of payments requests; ensure adequacy of supporting documentation and compliance with IRC policies and procedures.

• Perform financial review of travel authorization, advances ensuring compliance with IRC policies and procedures.

• Provide orientation of new staff on financial processes.

• Participates in the periodic review of warehouses and other IRC storage facilities, including the review of fixed assets on a regular basis.

• Perform surprise cash counts for petty cash floats where applicable.

• Ensure that payments are processed in a timely manner and in accordance with IRC policy and procedures.

• Attend to vendors on matters concerning payments.

• Ensure statutory deductions (taxes, NASSIT, and EOSB) are remitted on time.

• Monitor cash and bank balance to ensure sufficiency based on needs

• Ensure that cash received including incoming funds transfers are receipted and accurately recorded.

• Review internal controls and disbursements processes to ensure proper management of cash and bank accounts.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Make cash and Cheque payments on authorized and approved vouchers

• Ensure that all vouchers are properly supported and stamped, and disbursements documented

• Participates in daily cash counts, ensure daily cash and spreadsheet balances agree

• update monthly cash and bank books with all transactions and their relevant T codes, ensuring that cash balances is correct at all times

• Cover for finance manager during the period of leave or absence

• Ensure all vouchers and finance documents (field receipt books, cash receipts books, and request for payment books, fuel coupons) for current fiscal year are properly filed for easy reference, and older documents are properly archived.

• Perform any other tasks assigned to you by your supervisor and Senior Management staff

Month-End Closing

• Co-ordinates with finance team, review all financial documents for sufficient and appropriate documentation and provide feedback to other field and Freetown finance team

• Review all cashbooks (expenditure worksheets) for accuracy and completeness.

• Review cashbooks(spreadsheets) and validates in Q&A

• From time to time participate in month end and year end closing processes

QUALIFICATIONS

Education (Knowledge):

• Bachelors’ degree in Accounting, commerce, or Business Studies.

• Qualification in professional Accountancy will be an added advantage

Experience

• Minimum 3-4 years’ experience in a busy finance department with an International NGO.

• Experienced working with computerized accounting is required: SUN preferable

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

External:  Bank, social security, national Revenue Authority

INTERNAL: Finance Controller, Field Finance Manager Field Coordinator, Field Mangers and Supply Chain at field levels

Maintains Work Relationship:

Internal: Technical aspect

• Deputy Director, Finance

• Finance & Compliance Coordinator, Senior Finance Managers, Finance Manager, and officers

Internal:  Others

• Field and Program Coordinator Program and Support Managers

External: Others

• SLCB Bank Management

• Service Providers/Vendors

Standards for professional Conduct (IRC Way)

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Mode of Application: 

All applications must be done using the below link and should include a cover letter, updated CV, names of three referees and their active telephone and email contacts, copies of professional certificates and testimonials.

Please ensure that all attached files are less than 2 megabytes (2MB) for any one message that is sent.