Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an International non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs, therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to programs in every country in which CRS operates. CRS has been active in Ghana since 1958 and is currently implementing programs in the areas of Health and Agriculture/Livelihoods.

The Finance Specialist is responsible for managing reporting, compliance, and sub recipient management in line with Country Program financial management systems and processes. He/She is in charge of financial reporting, financial grant management and compliance, communication, and capacity building of finance staff as well as capacity strengthening of sub recipients in the area of financial management.

Functional Responsibilities

Financial Management and Analysis

•   Ensure that preparation and tracking of contractual instruments for sub recipients are in line with donor and CRS compliance regulations.
•   Track and advise Project Chief of Party (CoP) on project spending, trends and forecasts to stay within project targets.
•   Contribute to CRS’ monthly financial reporting.
•   Lead the process of analysis and interpretation of financial reports to ensure that accurate financial data is provided to budget managers to inform decision making.

Planning & Budget Administration

•   Contribute to the Annual Program Planning of budgets within the CRS system
•   Provide analysis of variances to budget comparison reports to CoP and senior management, as requested

Sub recipients’ Financial Management and Capacity Building

•   Build and strengthen the capacity of sub recipients in the area of financial management. Plan and organize regular trainings and other capacity building initiatives such as exchange visits to ensure that sub recipients acquire and maintain the skills required to manage the financial resources provided by CRS and other donors.
•   Assess and regularly monitor sub recipients’ ability to safeguard financial resources entrusted to them. In addition, assess and monitor their ability to accurately record and post all financial transactions. Work closely with sub recipients to ensure that they design and implement effective internal control improvement plans.
•   Ensure donors’ requirements are included in sub recipients’ agreements, and systems are in place to promote compliance.
•   Maintain good working relationships with sub recipients based on mutual respect and effective communication and work closely with Chief of Party, Country Representative, Operations Manager, Head of Programming and Program Managers to ensure coordinated and consistent partner strengthening efforts.
•   Ensure sub recipient advances and liquidations are managed in accordance with the Sub recipient Financial Management Policy and the terms of the related sub recipient agreements.

Reporting

•   Ensure all levels of financial reporting are in line with donor regulations and CRS policy.
•   Ensure timely interpretation of monthly financial management reports based on the country program’s protocols.
•   Supervise the preparation and submission of financial reports to HQ, donors and local government entities based on CRS’ policies, local laws and donors’ requirements in consultation with CRS Finance manager.
•   Oversee timely and accurate financial year-end closure and submission of year-end reports.

Grant Management

•   Monitor grant agreements to ensure spending is within obligated budgets and the approved project periods; communicate with HQ/ Finance when new agreements are signed or existing agreements are modified.
•   Proactively set up systems that enable CRS to respect the agreements’ financial terms and requirements, such as special reports, supporting documents and justification of cost.
•   Coordinate the submission of monthly, quarterly and final financial reports to the donor in accordance with donors’ regulations or as stated in agreements and CRS’ Grant Reporting Policy.
•   Ensure small grant program is set up correctly and on a timely basis in CRS’ financial systems.
•   Ensure grant liability balances are analyzed and reconciled on a regular basis.
•   Liaise with Program Managers and/or Chiefs of Party and ensure that cash due from donors is collected in accordance with CRS policies and donors’ terms and conditions.

Risk Management and Compliance

•   Ensure adherence to the Agency’s financial policies and procedures and compliance with all donors’ financial requirements.
•   Ensure internal control systems are in place and followed.
•   Support the Finance manager on internal and external audit teams as requested.
•   Promptly apprise the Senior Management Team of any known or suspected instances of fraud or of ethical violations.

Agency wide competencies
These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.

•   Serves with Integrity
•   Models Stewardship
•   Cultivates Constructive Relationships
•   Promotes Learning

Internal Key Working Relationships:
Chief of Party, Finance Manager, Country Representative, Operations Manager, HOP, Program Managers, Procurement Manager, Administrative Manager,  HQ Finance, DRD for Management Quality, RFO, Internal Auditors.

External Key Working Relationships:

Government Entities, Donors, Sub recipients, Suppliers and External Auditors

Qualification Required & Experience

•   University Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field or equivalent work experience required. A professional certification in Accounting or a related field highly desired.
•   Minimum of five years professional experience in a financial management position of responsibility, at least three years of supervisory experience required.
•   Budgeting and budget management experience required.
•   Proven ability to analyze reports or issues and to provide appropriate recommendations required.
•   Availability to perform work assignments out of the country required.
•   Sound knowledge of local law in the areas of taxation and local regulatory reporting obligations is required.
•   Knowledge of SunSystems financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software highly desired.
•   Strong knowledge of effective management practices desired
•   Knowledge of public donor regulations highly desired.

Requirements

•   Strong leadership, management, and analytical skills.
•   Strong customer service orientation and effective communication skills (good listener, positive, supportive, clear, constructive, and accessible) both written and verbal.
•   Excellent communication skills in English are required.
•   Excellent skills in Excel required.  Knowledge of other application software, such as Word, Visio and PowerPoint highly desired.
•   Strong planning and organizational skills.
•   Ability to prepare training materials and to present training materials.
•   Ability to learn quickly and adapt quickly to change.
•   Willingness to work the hours needed to meet deadlines, and work well under pressure.
•   Desire to work in a collaborative and proactive team environment, but able to work independently.

Language Requirements
Excellent communication skill in English required; knowledge of French is a plus.

Location: Accra and Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and letter of interest to:-

GH_jobs@global.crs.org

Closing Date: 08 September, 2014

•   Application must be saved with this format:- Application.CV.(Name). Financial Specialist, HAP
•   CRS is an equal opportunity employer.
•   Female candidates meeting position requirements are strongly encouraged to apply

Disclaimer Clause: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.