Finance & Administration Officer

Organizational Context

Job Purpose

The purpose of the Country Finance Officer is to support the management of a strong internal control environment, including segregation of duties, and the application of finance policies, processes and procedures throughout the region.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates the accounting and administrative functions of the regional office in line with Norwegian Red Cross rules and procedures.
• Supports the regional and country offices in all aspects of financial management enabling humanitarian programs.
• Contributes to International Programmes and Preparedness Departments global efforts to harmonise and improve administrative procedures and processes between the Regional and the Country Office.
• Support the Head of support services to ensure adequate financial management, including the preparation of detailed budget.
• Work closely in the Country Finance Unit, to implement Norwegian Red Cross’ guidelines, rules and regulations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Budgeting

• Coordinate and assist in the preparation of the office and NS programme and project budgets consistent with plans.

Accounting

• Ensure that all the offices’ financial transactions are appropriately processed into Agresso using the correct account, activity and donor code.
• Ensure monthly closure of accounts within required deadlines and the preparation of the office cash request.
• Quality assures all cash requests in the field location.

Reporting

• Prepare accurate, regular and timely financial reports.
• Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly reports as may be determined by the Head of support services.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations for bank, and accruals of the country office.

Compliance and audit

• Support the Senior finance officer in the preparation of internal and external audit.

Monitoring

• Ensure that all project expenditure authorization process is as per approved Accountability Matrix.
• Ensure that all procurements are in line with Norwegian Red Cross policy and procedures at the point of clearing the payments.
• Review and analyse the monthly financial analysis report prepared and take appropriate measures to clear issues of concern raised by country programme managers/Case holders.
• Responsible for the review the NS reports, provide feedback where necessary to both Senior finance officer and the NS in the field location.
• Perform delegated responsibilities on all financial matters to ensure that internal control is in line and effective as required.
• Review general ledgers of Country Offices on monthly basis and advise relevant staff in case of irregularities.

Modality

• Ensure that programme advances to the NS are controlled and cleared with acceptable documentation and vouchers.
• Work closely with the National Societies/country finance officers to ensure timely and quality reporting of advances.
• Support the Senior finance officer in evaluating and rolling out the new financial working modality within the supported NSs.

Treasury

• Manage petty cash for day-to-day cash payments in the location.
• Prepare bank payments ensuring all relevant supporting documentation is provided.

Education

Professional qualification in accounting or Business Administration – accounting option

Experience

Professional qualification in accounting (Chartered accountant, CPA or equivalent) Or A degree in accounting or Business Administration – accounting option

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Advanced knowledge of accounting concepts, financial management and use reporting applications (e.g. Agresso)
• Advanced use of Microsoft Excel
• Understanding of internal control and treasury management concept
• Intermediate skills in computer productivity applications (Word, PowerPoint and Outlook) 

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Ability to work towards achieving objectives and results
• Ability to convince and gain acceptance
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to be solution oriented