Finance Officer, Field Support

JRS-IO Job Description

Finance Officer, Field Support

Position Title: Finance Officer, Field Support

Duty station: Rome International Office

Reports to: Finance Specialist

Organizational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a ministry of the Society of Jesus, acting as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in 57 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome.

The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. The main services provided are in the field of education, reconciliation, livelihood activities and psychosocial support. Currently, almost 1 million individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects.

Operational Context

The Finance Officer, Field Support will be responsible for providing operational and financial support remotely and on site to Regional and Country offices. Reporting to the Finance Specialist in the International Finance Unit, s/he will provide assistance in implementing and interpreting financial processes and policies related to accounting, budgeting, reporting and auditing.

Key responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Finance Specialist, the incumbent will:

Accounting & Compliance:

• Review accounting records of assigned Country Offices (CO) and Regional Offices (RO), monitoring revenue and expenditure to ensure that they are in line with respective donor agreements and JRS regulations.
• Support COs in the monitoring of balance-sheet accounts, including intercompany accounts, fixed assets, donor receivables, staff advances, ensuring that appropriate follow up is done on outstanding balances.
• Work closely with the CO/RO finance staff to implement corrective actions as needed.
• Prepare financial management reports, based on agreed performance indicators, documenting the outcome of the financial review, flagging any material finding to CO management, supporting them in identifying possible solutions.

Country Office staff coaching and training

• Guide staff of assigned CO/RO on JRS financial policies and procedures, audit preparation and audit follow up.
• Coach finance staff of assigned CO/RO providing technical guidance on the accounting system functionalities and accounting issues.
• Serve as the first point of contact and support on System related issues, facilitate communication to the System Administrator when needed.
• Participate in the selection of CO finance staff for the assessment of technical skills.

Audit support

• Support assigned CO/RO to prepare for annual and project audits
• Work with CO/RO finance staff to act on auditors’ recommendations and ensure correct implementation within the agreed timeframe
• Conduct regular field visits to assigned CO/RO for monitoring and compliance checks; follow up on audit as well as on internal (SCO team) recommendations and propose ways of improving accountability.

Grants, Budgets & Reporting

• Support CO/RO staff in the preparation of budget proposals for projects ensuring a consistent approach on shared project costs.
• Assist staff in determining allowable and allocable costs for grants.
• Advice and train finance and programme staff on donor rules and regulations as needed.
• Review donor financial reports before submission to donors, ensuring appropriate reconciliation with accounting records, including recognition of indirect costs and revenue.
• Review Grant Agreement Letter for the allocation of donor funds to CO/RO, ensuring that needed donor requirements are clearly stated, that funds disbursements are in line with needs and policies.
• Monitor and check actual expenditure levels against budgets and funding obligations and proactively work with the field offices to ensure spending is within obligated amounts.

Qualification and Competencies.

• A University degree in accounting, finance, business and administration, project management or related areas.
• At least three (3) years of professional experience working in an accounting or finance-related role.
• Knowledge of Financial statements, financial reporting, cash flow analysis, budget development, and forecasting.
• Understanding of service centre, fringe, and indirect rate application and allocation methodologies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office package, Microsoft 365
• Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics Navision is highly desirable.
• Excellent command of Excel and other database applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French.

Desirable

• Field experience with an international/intergovernmental/non-governmental organisation
• Professional working knowledge of Spanish would be considered as an asset.

Travel

The position will require travel to JRS locations in the field (30%).

Core values and ethics

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; the ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity;
• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information;
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value.

Terms and Conditions

Please note that this position is only open to candidates who possess EU citizenship or other legal authorization to work in the European Union.

Successful candidates will be offered a regular contract under Italian law.