Finance Manager

BACKGROUND
Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its headquarters in New York and London. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England, a programme that is rapidly growing.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

The Purpose of the Role

The Finance Manager will oversee the UK Operational Finance which includes the Accounts Payable/Receivable (excluding grants) functions, the month end close and annual accounts. The Finance Manager is expected to provide high quality support to the Financial Controller and deputise as required.

Scope and Authority

Authority:

Line management of one Accounts Payable Officer and one Senior Accounts Payable Officer.

Scope:

All aspects of IRC-UK Operational Accounting functions (including fundraising donations).

Key Working Relationships

Internal: All staff in the UK office, NY Office

External: Suppliers, Bank, Auditors, Payroll Bureau, Sun System Support, Microsoft 365-Integra

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Key Stakeholders and Relationships

• Accountable to Financial Controller
• Close coordination with UK colleagues – finance team and wider organisation on finance related matters.
• Close working relationship with international colleagues – finance teams in Europe offices and in New York.
• Close coordination with auditors
• Covering for the Financial Controller in their absence.

Key outputs

• Lead on the UK Operational Finance month end closure ensuring all relevant balance sheet reconciliations and other month procedures are complete with no material outstanding queries.
• Ensure all relevant balance sheet reconciliations and other year end procedures are complete with no material outstanding queries.
• Ensure Statutory Accounts year end schedules are completed on time and to quality and the Year End folder ready for review by Financial Controller and audit at the agreed dates
• Review and sign off journals and check monthly reporting including accruals and prepayments
• Improving controls in line with Financial Controller and/or auditors recommendations
• Provide ongoing process improvements
• Completion of other tasks as directed by the Financial Controller
• Provide leadership and mentoring to direct reports
• Provide support to the Financial Controller in delivering a sound implementation of Microsoft 365-Intergra
• Ensure company credit cards are issued and used appropriately, including any temporary credit limits are duly approved by the Financial Controller
• Ensure that all staff adhere to processes in place and direct any issue to relevant team (procurement, HR etc).
• Ensure mandates are kept up to date at all times.
• Ensure delegated authority list is kept up to date at all times
• All other tasks as deemed necessary by the Financial Controller

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Qualified accountant – CCAB recognised body with demonstrable post qualification experience in a busy finance department
• Good knowledge of GAAP
• Team player, willing to help colleagues to complete tasks when required
• Organised and able to prioritise effectively to meet tight deadlines, adapting quickly to new challenges
• Excellent attention to detail and orgainsational skills
• Able to adapt to changes and be flexible when responding to challenges
• Strong data analysis and problem solving skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of computerized accounting software and ERPs
• Ability to build good working relationships with staff at different levels, functions and in different locations.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and productively in a fast paced environment

Experience:

• Demonstrable experience of working in a comparable finance or role since qualifying as an accountant
• Experience of audit processes
• Good experience of providing financial management and monitoring support
• Experience in the charity sector
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Experience of Sun and Microsoft 365 (ideal but not essential)