Senior Finance Officer

The Senior Finance Officer will work closely with the Deputy Finance Controller Accounting and the Project Coordinator on all financial matters related to the UNICEF project in South Kivu, specifically budget monitoring, reporting, accounting, and working within the Intégra system. The position supervises the finance assistant/cashier and reports directly to the Project Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Develop and submit financial reports for the UNICEF project according to contractual periodicity and deadlines
• Ensure rigorous and continuous budget monitoring to align with project objectives and available funding
• Update the Spending Plan monthly in collaboration with program teams
• Analyze and explain any variance greater than 10% from budget forecasts on main project lines
• Contribute to the preparation and annual revision of the UNICEF project budget
• Lead and organize monthly Finance Review Meetings with stakeholders including Finance, Programme, Logistics and Supply Chain
• Monitor monthly cost-effectiveness report performance and propose necessary adjustments
• Prepare bank and cash reconciliations within deadlines and submit to hierarchy
• Produce monthly cash forecast analysis and submit report to Deputy Finance Controller Accounting
• Coordinate with departments to develop accurate and realistic monthly spending plans
• Ensure availability of cash at bank and cash following IRC replenishment procedures
• Supervise daily cash counting and document each operation with minutes for secure archiving
• Ensure electronic and physical archiving compliant with IRC policies and accessible to authorized persons
• Produce monthly balance sheet reconciliations within deadlines
• Provide detailed reports on accounts receivable related to project staff and other departments to the financial controller
• Ensure justification of advances by staff within deadlines and forward follow-ups to Project Manager and Deputy Finance Controller Accounting
• Ensure accuracy and updating of financial data in Intégra
• Prepare correction journals for expenses and supporting documents before monthly accounting period closure
• Preliminary review of field office payroll for accuracy and share anomalies with HR
• Ensure precise preparation of accounting entries including payroll allocations
• Review and validate program financial documents such as payment requests and advance justifications
• Train internal teams and sub-recipients on donor and IRC financial policies
• Reconcile contractual payments and internal/external commitments with program and supply chain teams
• Support field activities when financial assistance is needed
• Conduct field visits to verify direct payments to beneficiaries
• Assist program teams in inventory of inputs provided to supported health structures
• Verify project expenses compliance with donor requirements and IRC accounting policies
• Ensure approval procedures and deadlines for financial files are respected
• Monitor fiscal and legal obligations imposed by government on finance and accounting
• Facilitate external audits, government or donor control missions and document anomalies impacting IRC image
• Participate in grant closing and opening meetings
• Collaborate with Project Finance Analyst on finance, compliance, budget and cost-effectiveness aspects of the UNICEF project
• Contribute to monthly accounting closure of the South Kivu office
• Perform any other tasks assigned related to financial responsibilities of the position.

Requirements

• Minimum 4 years of experience in a similar position with budget responsibility, preferably within international NGOs
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Financial Management, Economics, Commerce or Finance
• Advanced proficiency in accounting and financial management software
• Advanced use of MS Excel including pivot tables and complex formulas
• Knowledge of Sun System and Intégra is a considerable asset
• Excellent written and spoken French
• Knowledge of Swahili and English is an asset
• Ability to work independently and under pressure while meeting strict reporting deadlines
• Attention to detail and commitment to accounting and budgetary requirements
• Strong commitment to training and supporting internal teams and sub-recipients
• Ability to clearly communicate complex financial information and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders
• Commitment to IRC policies including client safeguarding, diversity, equality and inclusion

Skills

• Budget Management
• Financial Reporting
• Accounting
• Financial Management Systems
• MS Excel
• Pivot Tables
• Complex Formulas
• SUN System
• Intégra
• Training and Support
• Financial Communication
• Budget Monitoring
• Accounting Standards
• Project Financial Management

Languages

French, Swahili, English