Country Finance Manager

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the supervision of the Head of Support Services, the Finance Manager will ensure that all financial functions in the country programme including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, grant financial management and compliance are done effectively and in a timely manner. The Finance Manager ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as DRC’s internal policies and procedures and local Government regulations such as tax, social security. The Finance Manages is directly managing and supervising the Finance staff at the Country Office and is technically supervising the Finance staff in Field Offices. This role also provides financial support to Program staff in budgets and budget status reports.

Responsibilities:

Financial Accounting, Management and Reporting

• Maintain internal financial procedures compatible with the country’s law, DRC’s Operations Handbook and donor requirements.
• Ensure that proper financial procedures are adhered to and maintained at the Country Office, in collaboration with Budget Holders and in compliance with DRC rules and regulations.
• In collaboration with the Head of Support Services, work with and support Budget Holders in budget preparations, realignments, monitoring and follow ups.
• Ensure day-to-day accounting functions, including regular cash verification, cash/bank reconciliation, monthly cashbooks closing, advances’ reconciliation, timely submission of accounts to HQ finance desk.
• Ensure payments to suppliers and recurrent expenditures from the Country Office are made in a timely manner and authorization done as per IDRA and CT authorization.
• Gather information from the relevant Area Offices to consolidate budgets for project proposals according to projects’ needs and donor constraints; Propose sufficient programme and support budgets including mission’s investment plans in close collaboration with the Head of Support Services.
• Maintenance of the Country Master Budget monthly and highlighting any foreseen gaps to the Head of Support Services for the gap management. Also responsible for dissemination of the same to the respective Area Offices.
• Ensure a controlled and smooth cash flow management process for Iraq Country Programme and ensuring all Area Offices have sufficient cashflow for operations.
• Oversee the management of bank accounts in Erbil, as well as oversee Cash management and safe(s).

Team management and Capacity Development

• Works closely with the Head of Support Services to implement, improve and maintain financial management policies, systems, structures, and procedures within the Country Office
• Update the Job descriptions of finance department staff when required.
• Provide technical support to the Area offices-based finance staff as well as providing leadership to the finance staff in the Country Office.
• Proactively identify and act upon capacity Building needs of Finance staff based in the Country Office, providing training and other capacity-building where necessary to ensure that finance staff capacity is continuously developing.
• Conduct on-the-job training for Budget Holders, guiding them through Budgeting, donor compliance and compliance to DRC handbook.
• Plan field monitoring visits by the Country Office Finance staff to Area and Field office for field teams’ support

Compliance and audit management

• Ensure compliance with relevant country statutory laws, DRC operational handbook, SoPs developed at CO/ FO level and donor specific guidelines.
• Train support services and program teams over donor compliance rules and monitor compliance.
• Focal person for financial reviews to ensure compliance with DRC standards and practices.
• Coordination with CO over audit findings, develop and execute post audit improvement plan.
• Audit focal person for internal and external audits, conducted in the assigned field offices, this includes coordination with CO and field PMs in gathering the required info for the auditors.
• Developing audit register and track audit findings through program managers’ orientation over common issues
• Ensure an ongoing, accurate both physical & digital data filing system for all Finance vouchers in the Country Office and relevant documentation in the program finance offices.

DRC Dynamics ERP System

• Ensure proper training and application of DRC Dynamics finance processes in the area/field offices.
• Apply reports and data analytics from DRC Dynamics finance system to improve finance performance.
• Ensure ERP finance functionalities are properly used by concerned staff and team has proper knowledge and access to information to use DRC Dynamics.
• Focal person for area finance teams in relation to Dynamics.
• Assist with any other reasonable task as directed by the Support Services / Area Manage/ CO
• Ensure master in the DRC Dynamics (ERP) System and responsible for training other finance staff in the Country Office as well as in the Area offices.

Technical Support to Sub-Partners/consortiums

• Work closely with partnership manager and team for assessment, review, and selection.
• Provide technical support on budget development, review, and finalization.
• Review and validation of partners’ financial report
• Provide capacity building on financial aspects, reporting, etc to Sub partners.

Experience and technical competencies: 

• At least 5 years of experience working with an INGOs and in a senior financial management position.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in team management
• Excellent communication skills
• Proven experience in managing large budgets and working experience with relevant donors (e.g., BPRM, GAC,WRA, ECHO,GIZ,DANIDA)
• Advance proficiency in Excel
• Experience working with Automated accounting and Finance Software
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent financial and analytical skills
• Ability to work in multi-cultural environment and a good team player.
• Highly collaborative and able to establish positive working relationships with senior level management and all other stakeholders to maximize cooperation and productivity.
• Must be able to maintain highest level of confidentiality regarding work-related information and data.
• Proven experience in working with national partners, local/government authorities, consortium setting

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance or Accounting (or related degree). Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
• Certified Accountant Qualification coupled with 8 years’ relevant experience will be considered in lieu of bachelor’s degree

Languages: (Reading and Writing)

• English (fluent)
• Kurdish (Desirable)
• Arabic (Desirable)

Key stakeholders:

• Head of Support Services
• Country Director
• Area Managers and Budget Holders.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment

WE OFFER

• Contract Length: 1 year (renewable upon funding availability)
• Salary Band: F Level 1 (Management)
• Start Date: 1 January 2024
• Comprehensive health insurance for staff, spouse, and up to two children under 18.
• Personal Accident insurance coverage in the event of work-related accidents during working hours.
• Psychosocial support for staff and family members.
• Learning & Development opportunities for professional growth.
   

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff.