Global Surge Team Roster: Finance Controller

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The IRC’s Global Surge Team (GST) is a roster of esteemed and highly qualified humanitarian professionals who deploy on short notice to non-emergency and emergency contexts to support the IRC’s mission. Members of the GST provide specialist support where talent is most needed for short-term deployments of up to three months. The GST is a flexible employment opportunity for staff, requiring members to be available for deployments only 50% of the year (with opportunities for additional deployments if incumbent is interested).

Job Overview:

The Finance Controller provides technical assistance to field programs and staff in matters of financial processes & procedures (including treasury, controllership, and budget management support).

Major Responsibilities:

• Temporarily assume the position of the country or program office’s Deputy Director Finance until a permanent staff can be identified and trained, including:

o Closely monitors financial activities and advises the Country Director on financial performance of the office, issues with internal controls or financial management

o Ensures monthly balance sheet reconciliations are completed on a timely basis

o Manages the finance department activities and schedules to meet the financial reporting requirements and deadlines specified by headquarters and donors

o Ensures in-country internal control reviews of operations are regularly undertaken

o Facilitates external, internal, donor or government audits

o Maintains current knowledge of local government requirements related to finance and complies with tax and other legal requirements

• Deploy to country or program offices to act as a surge finance staff, lead budget developments, and contribute to other financial activities as needed:

o Oversee the preparation and revision of grant proposal budgets; supports programs with guidance on costing and inputs in creating budgets for submission

o Prepares and maintains the country’s annual operating budget; ensures cost coverage for in-country operating costs and updates the operating budget regularly

o Presents and facilitates the review of actual to budget expenditures with the Country Director and program managers

• Assist field offices with onboarding for the new Deputy Director of Finance and/or Finance Manager as required.

• Provide training and support to financial and non-financial staff regarding IRC financial procedures and internal controls.

• Work with the Regional Finance Directors, Deputy Director Finance and Country Director to develop the job descriptions and Terms of Reference (TOR) of various finance field position.

• Meet with the respective Country Director and Deputy Director, Finance at the beginning and end of each assignment to discuss terms of reference and the outcome of the deployment.

• Assist with the rollout and implementation of new ERP system as needed.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in IRC financial policy and financial systems.

Job Requirements:

• 6+ year’s progressive NGO accounting experience in an international development environment.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; Master’s Degree a plus.

• Detailed knowledge of fund accounting, procurement and financial management of USAID and UN cooperative agreements.

• Ability to present sophisticated financial information in a succinct and compelling manner, and to solve complex matters through the use of analyses, data-sharing, and cooperation.

• Experience with in a humanitarian emergency setting highly desirable

• Knowledge of US Government, European Union, and United Nations donor reporting regulations highly desirable.

• Previous work experience with a major general ledger software package – experience with MS D365 preferred.

• Highly reliable and flexible approach to professional responsibilities: the ability to change course at a moment’s notice yet remain focused and productive, as well as ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills: the ability to effectively liaise with colleagues in diverse multi-cultural environments.

• Solid organizational skills: the ability to be productive under pressure in a fast-paced team environment.

• Fluency in English. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Working knowledge of Arabic, French and/or Spanish strongly preferred

• Strong digital literacy: facility with MS Word, Excel, various accounting software, and email/internet software

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a matrix management environment

**Standard of Professional Conduct:**The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.