General Ledger Accountant – Finance Unit – Geneva, Switzerland

Mission

In situations of armed conflict, Geneva Call, as a neutral, impartial and independent international humanitarian organization, endeavors to strengthen the respect of humanitarian norms and principles by armed non-State actors, in order to improve the protection of civilians, while supporting local communities in their efforts to enhance their own protection. Appel de Genève/Geneva Call is a private, not-for-profit, humanitarian organization foundation under Swiss law, founded in 1998.

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all its staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Role

Geneva Call is seeking a talented and professional accountant who is a team player who will strengthen the existing team due to growth of budget and staffing over the past years and take the lead in preparing the financial statements for the organisation and provide management accounts on a monthly basis. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, you will be a key member of the Finance team. You will be responsible for ensuring the accounts are and tax returns are up to date, complete and timely. Working closely with the other finance areas to ensure alignment and adherence to good accounting practice and internal control. Liaise with the external auditors, authorities, and other key stakeholders to ensure the smooth production of all statutory submissions & returns.

Main activities

Financial accounting

• Keep up to date Geneva Call’s accounting and related systems, policies, procedures to ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards.
• Assume leadership role for the accounting system and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of all financial records.
• Manage the month-end and year-end closure procedures as well as the annual audit in close coordination with the rest of the finance team.
• Provide regular monthly management reporting analysis as well as ad hoc requests from the Directors or the Board.
• Liaise with the Geneva Call’s external auditors, tax advisors, bankers, lawyers, stakeholders and all relevant authorities.
• Ensure the overall financial integrity of the organization.

Internal Control System

• Assist with effective implementation of the internal financial controls and undertake all aspects of monitoring to ensure the control system is aligned with organisational needs.

Audit and legal compliance

• Liase closely with finance team for audits for both field and HQ projects and overall responsibility for the annual statutory audit.
• Be alert and proactive with respect to all financial regulatory changes and practices which may impact Geneva Call’s regulatory status.

Others

• Maintain the fixed asset register, ensuring assets are held within the business, and correct application of additions, disposals, depreciation, and impairment.
• Performs other duties as required and as they relate to overall financial management for the organisation.

Main qualifications

Education and experience

• Professional qualifications as a chartered accountant or certified accountant preferred.
• University degree in Finance, Economics, or Accounting with relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum five years of experience in a financial accounting role.
• Essential to have similar years of experience in financial accounting preferably within an international organization with complex donor requirements or multinational company with external offices/locations.
• Experience working in the humanitarian section is an advantage*.*

Technical skills

• Expert accounting skills are essential.
• Solid experience preparing financial statements required in Swiss GAAP or similar standard required.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to set priorities, complete work with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines.
• Advanced IT skills, particularly knowledge of Microsoft Office software. ERP such as Navision experience would also be a strong asset.
• Excellent team management skills.
• Ability to prioritise and manage competing demands.

Languages

• Excellent communication skills, with fluency (spoken and written) in English.
• Other languages, especially French, would be an asset.

Personal skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Experience of working in a multicultural environment.
• Self-starter with strong organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• An interest in Geneva Call’s mission.

Performance management

The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the GC Performance Management p. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

• The Job Description
• The individual Work- and Professional Development Plan
• The Competency Framework

Conflict of interest

Any candidate affiliated to, or openly supporting, one or more interest groups opposed to the Foundation’s principles and values, or whose previous position could engender safety issues for co-workers at Appel de Genève / Geneva Call, will be excluded from this selection process.

Conditions

• Position : General Ledger Accountant
• Type of Contract: Fixed term contract (based in Geneva)
• Activity rate: 100%
• Work place: Geneva, Switzerland
• Preferred start date: As soon as possible