About this role
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.
CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.
CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Summary:
The Finance Officer Sr supports the effective implementation of the Country Program’s (CP) overall financial management systems, policies, and procedures in alignment with CRS accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donor regulations, and local legal requirements. The Finance Officer Sr is responsible for consolidating CP's financial processes, including transaction reviews, account analysis, compliance monitoring, and financial reporting, to ensure strong stewardship of resources across all projects. The incumbent will provide technical guidance to field and project finance staff and contribute to strengthening internal controls and improving CP‑wide financial efficiency and accuracy.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
• Review and validate supporting documentation before processing of financial transactions to ensure all required documents are accurate and complete and authorizations are in place. • Ensure setup and maintenance of all data required for processing financial transactions for assigned accounts in SunSystems financial accounting package. • Record financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review and analyze various accounts to detect irregularities. Advise on corrective actions and prepare correcting entries and adjustments, as necessary. • Monitor disbursement/receipt schedules, alert relevant staff of due payments/liquidations, and maintain appropriate communication and follow-up to facilitate timeliness of financial resource management. • Evaluate and monitor subrecipient financial management processes in accordance with policy and strengthen capacity of partner in financial accounting and transactions. • Prepare various, periodic and ad hoc financial reports, as needed, and perform variance analyses to assist with decision-making and proper management of financial resources. • Provide information to subrecipients and staff on financial accounting policies and procedural compliance issues and contribute to capacity strengthening. • Perform assigned treasury (cash payment/receipt, cash forecast, etc.) duties, as long as segregation of duties is ensured.
Required Languages - Proficiency in English and Portuguese is required
Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 50 %.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of the relevant public donors’ regulations preferred. • Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications. Knowledge of SunSystems financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in an international or local NGO, or a financial/banking institution. • Knowledge of financial reporting software. • Knowledge of the relevant public donors’ regulations.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Key Working Relationships:
Internal
External
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration with courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting (CPA/ACCA or equivalent). • Minimum of Five years' experience in INGOs. local NGO, or a financial/banking institution. Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions. • Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest. • Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions. • Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams. • Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things. Agency Leadership Competencies:
• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation. • Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance. • Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities. What we offer CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.