International Rescue Committee in Nigeria Job Vacancy for Senior Finance Manager

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in more than 30 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by conflict or disaster. IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Background:

The IRC has been present in Nigeria since 2012 when the organization responded to flooding in Kogi state. In February 2014 the IRC moved into Adamawa State in NE Nigeria to provide humanitarian interventions through a multi-sectoral, integrated approach for conflict affected populations. IRC Nigeria now operates a country office in Abuja and field offices in Mubi and Yola of Adamawa State, Maiduguri and Monguno of Borno state and Damatru of Yobe State. Currently, IRC Nigeria implements programs primary health care, nutrition, environmental health, women’s protection and empowerment, protection, child protection, education, food security & livelihoods.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Finance Manager is responsible for overall accounting and consolidation of financial data, treasury management and payments for the Nigeria operation.

Responsibilities:

The Finance Manager will report to the Finance & Controller and will work closely with the Assistant Finance Controller, field finance staff and NY Headquarter finance staff. The Finance Manager will directly supervise the Finance Managers in Abuja office. He/she will provide indirect oversight of the accounting activities and processes.

SUN Processing

• Control over and/or entry of changes to the Chart of Accounts, Analysis Codes, Validation Tables and Exchange Rates in accordance with IRC global policy.
• Supervising the posting of entries ensuring proper controls are enforced and appropriate systems in place to maintain all required supporting documentation.
• Determination and communication of monthly, quarterly, year-end processing schedules for the Abuja and field offices to ensure completion of accounting cycles and submission of data to IRC global headquarters in accordance with the global timetables.
• Production of required monthly and adhoc reports
• Develop expertise to manage accounting system; train finance staff in SUN Accounting System.
• Ensuring budgets are loaded to SUN Accounting System on a timely basis
• Ensuring a backup and retention procedure is in place and followed for all SUN master files

Field Office Training & Support

• Acting as the primary liaison with field offices finance staff for SUN maintenance / processing, accounting policy or procedure questions
• Review of financial data submitted by the field to identify weaknesses or problems being encountered by field finance staff and recommend corrective action.
• Based on errors or omissions encountered during the posting of field journals, prepare feedback report to filed Finance staff (copied to Assistant Finance Controller) to support improvement on quality of financial accounting at the field offices.
• In conjunction with Finance & Controller and Assistant Financial Controller contribute towards revision and formulation of policy and procedures to improve systems and process.

Balance Sheet Accounts

• Supervising Nigeria Balance Sheet account reconciliation’s monthly and in a timely manner.
• Resolving outstanding items in a timely manner;
• Bring to the attention of Assistant Finance Controller (with a copy to Finance & Controller) accounts that need follow-up with Provincial offices.
• Bring in a timely manner to the attention of Assistant Finance & Controller any unresolved differences or discrepancies that require intervention.
• 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

• Supervise the review of and accounting for procurement transactions to ensure adequate supporting documentation, accuracy of amounts and control over payments
• Providing input to Purchase Request approvals to ensure commitments are considered before further purchases approved

Payments

• Supervision of the processing of bank and cash transactions for the Abuja office; including ensuring internal control procedures are followed for all cash disbursements, receipts and transfers
• Review of payments processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness; and reduce cycle times.
• Oversight of the preparation of the all offices accounting worksheets and adjusting entries
• Liaison with bank officials to resolve problems or facilitate improved service.

Cash Forecasting

• Supervision of consolidation of cash forecasts and preparation of CTR for the country program
• Monitoring cash balances, usage and requirements to ensure sufficiency of cash balances for Nigeria operations; Advises Finance Controller of possible unusual activity or requirements
• Ensure field Offices have sufficient funds for program implementation and that cash balances at month-end are maintained at reasonable levels.

Staff Performance and Management

• As part of his/her supervision responsibility, set and agree with Finance Managers on key performance objectives for each financial year in line with the Accounting Department goals.
• Provide the Finance Managers a conducive work environment; business tools, support and relevant training necessary for them to perform their work.
• Monitor the performance of Finance Managers through the year providing regular feedback on progress towards meeting agreed objectives and any improvement needed.

Foreign Currency Management

• Primary responsible for keeping foreign currency balances at minimal level.
• Coordinate with Finance Controller and IRC/UK schedule of cash transfer for non-USD grants.
• Prepare analysis and comparison of monthly projected expenses and actual expenditures. Report any unusual discrepancy.
• In accordance with IRC Global Finance Policy, calculate monthly conversion rate of all foreign currency holdings.

Cost Accounting.

• Providing recommendations for cost allocation systems in accordance with donor regulations
• Assisting in or reviewing physical inventory counts and ensuring proper valuation and accounting for inventory or supply items.

National Payroll

• Supervision of the review of national payroll and preparation of the necessary related accounting entries including salary allocations
• Serving as primary liaison with Administration and the field offices on payroll related accounting issues
• Liaison with local government to ensure compliance with national tax and labor regulations.

Internal Audit

• Together with the Finance Controller, work with Internal auditors in the audit of Nigeria operations

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Finance Controller Position directly supervises: 2 Finance Managers

Indirect Reporting:

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: All Departments

External: Banks

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Commerce, Economics or Business Studies and or Certified Accountant.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a mid-level finance function, with at least 2 years of which must have been at a manager level performing Final Accounts and supervising staff.
• Experienced working with computerized General Ledger system, preferably SUN Systems.
• Prior experience working for an NGO and knowledge of Fund Accounting and international donor regulations preferable.
• Ability to work in English
• Able to work comfortably in a high pressure environment with competing demands.
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision
• Ability to adapt and fit in a multi-cultural work environment.

Working Environment: The position will be based in Abuja with frequent travel to other field office locations.

Professional Standards

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.