Senior Finance Officer job at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

About the Organization

Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. Since then, we have expanded in size to reach more than 130 million people in more than 100 countries on five continents.

Job Description

Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management

Financial Planning: Develop and oversee the implementation of financial strategies, budgets, and forecasts.
Budget Management: Monitor budgets, ensuring that expenditures are within approved limits and identifying areas for cost savings.
Cash Flow Management: Manage cash flow, ensuring that the organization has adequate liquidity to meet its obligations.

Financial Reporting

Financial Statements: Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
Monthly Reporting: Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
Variance Analysis: Conduct variance analysis to compare actual results with budgets and forecasts, explaining significant deviations.

Compliance and Control

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards, including GAAP or IFRS.
Internal Controls: Develop, implement, and monitor internal control systems to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
Audit Coordination: Coordinate with internal and external auditors, ensuring timely and accurate completion of audits.

Financial Analysis

Performance Analysis: Analyze financial performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
Investment Analysis: Evaluate investment opportunities and provide recommendations to senior management.
Cost Analysis: Conduct cost-benefit analysis to support decision-making processes.

Strategic Financial Guidance

Financial Strategy: Provide strategic financial guidance to the executive team, supporting long-term planning and decision-making.
Risk Management: Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Business Partnering: Collaborate with other departments to provide financial insights and support business objectives.

Team Management

Team Leadership: Lead and manage the finance team, providing guidance, training, and development opportunities.
Performance Management: Set performance objectives, conduct appraisals, and provide feedback to team members.
Recruitment: Participate in the recruitment and selection of finance staff.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Bachelor’s Degree: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
Advanced Degree (Preferred): A master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or an MBA can be advantageous.

Professional Experience

Relevant Experience: At least 5-10 years of professional experience in finance, accounting, or related fields, with a significant portion in a senior role.
Sector Experience: Experience in specific sectors relevant to the organization’s operations can be beneficial, such as non-profits, manufacturing, services, etc.

Technical Skills and Competencies

Financial Reporting: Proficiency in preparing and analyzing financial statements and reports.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Expertise in developing and managing budgets and financial forecasts.
Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of financial regulations, standards (GAAP, IFRS), and compliance requirements.
Analytical Skills: Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide strategic insights.
ERP Systems: Proficiency in using financial management software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks).

Soft Skills and Personal Attributes

Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly and effectively.
Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in financial analysis and reporting.
Ethical Standards: High ethical standards and integrity, with a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Technical Proficiency

Software Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for financial modeling and analysis.
Financial Software: Experience with financial management software and tools.
Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools can be an asset.