Finance Specialist

Overall purpose of the role:

This role has a country focus and is responsible for providing specialized knowledge and operational know-how on financial matters, and acts as “Technical focal person” to finance and program staff.

Under the supervision of the Finance Manager (FM), Finance Specialist supports in reviewing area office financial activities in DRC Dynamics, review of budget/budget revisions and other duties as per the JD and is the lead focal point between the area office finance staff and Finance Manager.

Responsibilities:

Accounting / Finance

• Review Bank Transfer requests from Field Offices before submission through DRC Dynamics for HQ approval.
• Review and update the delegation scheme and update the bank signatories, as and when required.
• Monitor the liquidity levels of the field offices and ensure that the cash requests are done on time.
• Monthly Expatriate salary allocation in DRC Dynamics and preparation of monthly expat taxes.
• Review Monthly Resource Scheduling from Area Offices as per the Finance Calendar.
• Review monthly payroll and share feedback with Finance Manager and CO HR and Admin.
• Coordinate with the area finance staff to ensure adequate liquidity request and compiled and forwarded to Finance Manager.
• Review settlement of main accounts and other interim accounts and follow up with Area Office Finance staff to ensure all nominal accounts are cleared within approved time frame.
• In close cooperation with Managers (both area and country) reinforce existing procedures and systems for financial management and control in compliance with guidelines of DRC’s Operations Handbook, internal guidelines and donor requirements
• Liaise with relevant Managers on key financial issues for all programs in the country, including co-funding, financial reporting, key variances and any remedial action
• Collecting cash forecasts from all Area Managers/HoPs and forwarding requesting funds in a timely manner to Finance Manager
• Budgeting and Reporting
• Support to Develop annual budgets for DRC Somalia offices (Master budget) and ensure all data are accurate.
• Monthly BFU/TDL reviews & monitor actual spending and advice AM/Program team to avoid overspend and plan on underspending.
• Review donor budgets from area operation offices & support Program and Finance staff on the same.
• Support the Country Finance Manager in budget re-alignment
• Support timely delivery of quality financial reports to donors and internal reports to area and Country.
• Preparation of Interim/final donor reporting.
• Support area offices in preparing and reviewing partner financial reporting.
• Maintain a continuous overview of funding levels and pay particular attention to shared support costs, including staff salaries

Others

• Support in roll out of DRC Dynamics including training of new staff and the existing light users.
• Minimize financial risks by ensuring that DRC/DDG financial policies and procedures as set in Operations Handbook and any other CO/RO/HQ instructions are strictly adhered to through predefined effective internal control system.
• Check on the completeness, accuracy and validity of information regarding payment documents during field visits & during review of scanned vouchers.
• Support in the implementation of recommendations raised through internal & external audits, compliance audits etc.,
• Support to Review and monitor partners’ financial reporting /capacity building, provide additional technical assistance to partners as necessary to maintain high standards of compliance.
• Participate in conducting trainings for staff in the field offices and develop their technical skills by ensuring all processes related to organizational policies, donor guidelines and governmental requirements are adhered to.
• Support Finance Manager in internal and external audit processes by ensuring all required documentation for financial audits in cooperation with area staff and country.

Local Tax management

• Coordinate with Area Finance, HR/Admin staff and/or with NGO Liaison bodies to obtain relevant local tax laws/requirements and ensure DRC/DDG is in compliance with same. This includes obtaining tax exemptions (i.e. Value Added Tax [VAT]) letters on yearly basis.
• Ensure compliance with relevant country statutory and other financial obligations such as tax, levies and statutory returns.
• Coordinate with HR and Admin department to ensure all taxes related to staff salaries are paid on timely manner to the relevant departments. This included taxes for Expatriate salaries, where applicable.
• Support the Finance to coordinate with the Supply Chain department to ensure the relevant taxes (if applicable) are indicated in all supplier documentation and paid to the relevant departments on timely manner.

The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

About you

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 act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• At least three year’s work experience in field of financial management/accounting/book keeping in an NGO or the commercial sector.
• University degree in Finance/Accounting/Commerce/Business Administration
• Proven experience in managing large budgets
• Proven experience in working with national partners, local/government authorities
• Hands-on experience/skills in MS Excel (experience in working with formulas).
• Working experience in preparation of Donor reporting for Danida/SIDA/USAID/EU/UN guidelines will be an advantage.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in local spoken languages.

Desirable:

• Ability to prepare basic training modules on accounting management and conduct on the job trainings.
• Ability to prepare donor budgets will be an advantage.

Conditions

Contract: 12 Months with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for National Staff in Somalia; Employment band Non-Management G2

Availability: 15 November 2022

Duty station: This position is based in Mogadishu – Somalia

Reporting Line: Finance Manager

Providing equal opportunities We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process