Mercy Corps Scotland

Job Description

Position: International Finance Officer/Senior International Finance Officer (subject to professional qualifications)

Location: Edinburgh

Line Manager: Deputy Director of Finance

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Purpose:

Working with Finance colleagues in the US and Field Offices, the post holder will provide support to the Programmes and Implementation Teams ensuring accurate Financial Management. S/he will verify the accuracy and completeness of field office finances and assist timely reporting of financial information to internal and external stakeholders.

The role will have a dedicated portfolio but will undertake the duties outlined below in the form of surge support to International Finance colleagues. In particular s/he will provide support to grants and proposals which are in French and if possible Spanish.

International Finance Officers, who are not qualified accountants, are expected to obtain professional accounting qualifications. Study should commence after six months service and the qualification completed within four years thereafter.

Main Duties:

1. To ensure monthly financial packages, reports and general ledgers are received from field offices on time and are complete and accurate.

2. To review and reconcile financial data from field offices to ensure compliance with donor and MC financial policies and procedures.

3. To ensure funds transfers to the field are processed in a timely manner.

4. To prepare required financial reports to MC and donor agencies, ensuring timely submission.

5. To reconcile balance sheet accounts and perform inter-company reconciliations.

7. To assist the Programme Department in proposal development by providing financial data as required, reviewing budget submissions, making budget recommendations and preparing financial support documentation as required.

8. To maintain effective contact with field offices and the Programme Department regarding financial reporting and grant regulations, advising as required.

9. To travel to field offices to provide technical financial support and oversight as required.

10. To monitor grant expenditure to ensure timely expenditure of donor funds and project closure.

11. To assist with the opening and closing of a country program by providing financial guidance and assistance.

12. To assist in the preparation for annual public audit and donor audits.

13. To co-ordinate with peers to share knowledge and best practices.

14. Any other duties as assigned.

Person Specification

Skills/Experience:

Essential

1. Degree in Accounting or Finance or professional accounting qualifications.

2. Experience of computerised accountancy packages and windows software, especially Excel.

3. Previous office experience.

3. Language skills in French

Experience in a similar financial position, field finance experience, and Spanish an advantage.

Personal Qualities:

1.  Excellent communicator both verbally and in writing.

2.  Ability to work to deadlines.

3.  Ability to cope with changing priorities, often at short notice.

4.  Attention to detail.

5.  Self-motivated.

6.  Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

7.  Excellent organisational skills

8.  Empathise with the aims and objectives of the organisation.

9.  Comfortable to travel to developing, often insecure, countries at short notice.