Cost Accounting Analyst

Title: Analyst, Cost Accounting Report: Sr. Manager, Cost Accounting

Department: Global Controller Location: Baltimore (Open to Telecommuting)

About CRS

A leading global humanitarian and development agency, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) reaches over 130 million people across more than 110 countries, without regard to race, religion, or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, health and social services, agriculture, education, water and environment, small enterprise and justice and peacebuilding. Since 1943, we have built strong partnerships with local communities, governments, and organizations around the world, creating renowned programming and operations that produce tangible results and make us a trusted partner. Our mission is lasting transformation of individual lives and entire societies.

Job Summary:

The Analyst, Cost Accounting collaborates and works closely with the respective country program team to ensure accuracy of valuation and accounting entries, in compliance with CRS fi nance policies and procedures, GAAP and applicable donor regulations. The Analyst, Cost Accounting supports with the reconciliation and monitoring of all the activities related to the cost accounting entries making sure that the data is recorded timely and accurately. The Analyst, Cost Accounting supports Country Programs in identifying cost accounting errors and miscoding and proposes solutions to correct them.

Commodity Accounting and Reporting

• Review the completeness of documents and accuracy of the valuation of locally Gift In-kind (GIK), FIFO valuation and accounting entries. Communicate CPs for any issues identified during the review process, follow up and resolve issue before the month end closure.
• Review and validate Supply Chain cost accounting processes and accounting entries.
• Support CP cost accountants in identifying cost accounting errors for timely resolution.
• Review and clear all the exceptions coming SCM module prior month-end closure.
• Perform SCM vs Project module and GL reconciliation on a monthly basis.
• Prepare monthly inventory roll-forward report for in-kind and purchased commodities at the GL account level.
• Regularly check GL used for recording in-kind donation revenue, expenses and inventory accounts and ensure the balances are accurate and reconciled.
• Review survey cover letters and check the agreement of the cover letter balance against GL. Communicate and resolve any discrepancies noticed with the CP and send confirmation e-mail to LifeLink on a timely basis.
• Review Survey Fee and Re-bagging costs and advise CPs to clear wrong charge(s) before the month end close.
• Review monthly Commodity Loss/Excess Cargo reports and ensure the reports balance are supported with properly approved Survey Reports and other necessary documents.
• Regularly review purchase inventory account balance and ascertain the accuracy of the balance by taking reasonable samples and reviewing supporting document used for establishing inventory.
• Monitor and review accounting documents and reports from the field for accuracy and completeness. Resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities.
• Conduct monthly analysis for payment made from co-mingled bank account on behalf of monetization projects and facilitate timely inter-fund payment by sharing the analysis with country programs.
• On a monthly basis analyze commodity loan account balances (both in quantity and value) and pass price adjustment for fully settled loans.
• Prepare monthly shipping administration expense allocation and post the allocation entry before the month end close. Perform any related allocation adjustment at year-end.
• Reconcile, analyze and review general ledger accounts in preparation for month end close to ensure accuracy and validity of accounting transactions.
• Ensure proper set up of in-kind projects in ERP.
• Work with CPs and close inactive and/or expired in-kind projects by performing all the necessary clean-up and reconciliation.

Record Keeping and Report follow up:

• Ensure commodity records are maintained in compliance with standard policies and procedures and donor guidelines. Maintain a neat organized and chronological filing system for locally received GIK, in-kind valuation documents, Lifelink shipping pipeline reports.
• Review and organize Survey Cover Letters, USG Commodity Shipping documents such as Bill of Lading, Certificate of Donation, Confirmation of Arrival etc.

Accounting control and Audit Support:

• Support with Uniform Guidance (UG) audit, Single Global Fund and other donor audits with data and support documentation collection from CPs related to commodities.
• Support in reviewing external auditor’s year-end physical count reports.
• Review year-end packages and documents submitted by CPs.

Qualifications:

1. Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or related field. Master’s preferred.
2. Minimum 3-5 years of accounting experience and financial management of U.S. Government grants.
3. Strong knowledge of all MS Office programs required, especially MS Excel. Knowledge of Oracle Cloud preferred.
4. Knowledge of U.S. Government regulations for non-profit organizations, and other major public donor financial regulations.
5. Knowledge and experience in GAAP.

Personal Skills:

1. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects concurrently under deadline pressure and changing priorities in a high-volume setting.
3. Strong analytical/problem solving skills and advanced accounting knowledge.
4. Ability to recognize the need to elevate advanced support requests to the appropriate team members.
5. Desire to work in a collaborative, proactive, and multicultural team environment, but able to work independently. Ability to maintain strong customer service.
6. Willingness to work additional hours during critical implementation periods.

What we offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.