Technical Controller-TBD

BACKGROUND:

The IRC Finance department seeks to achieve excellence in financial management by providing accurate and timely financial information to IRC management and programs and by adhering to established financial practices and accounting principals. The International Finance Team does this by supporting and training international finance staff in country program offices, by implementing and monitoring the implementation of IRC and donor policies and procedures, and by gathering the necessary financial information in preparation of the organizations’ financial statements.

SCOPE OF WORK:

As a member for the International Finance Team, the Technical Controller will provide strong technical support to IRC country offices, field-based Finance Controllers and Finance Staff.  He/she will take a leadership role in the development and dissemination of financial and accounting policies and procedures for the IRC’s overseas operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide job orientation and technical training to new Finance Controllers;
• Develop and design standard finance training modules to be implemented by IRC worldwide.
• Conduct periodic monitoring and support visits to the country offices following an approved scope of work provided by the Director of International Finance;
• Prepare and conduct training for financial, program, logistics and administrative staff during county office visits and in joint management conferences;
• Prepare and conduct training at and participate in the International or Regional Finance Conferences;
• Contribute to the development of financial and accounting policy including the maintenance of the International Finance Manual, and the continued development of financial accounting systems;
• Develop and expertise in the rules and regulations of a specific IRC donor and provide expert guidance to colleagues with regards compliance;
• Travel to the country offices to provide assistance and expertise in the execution of new initiatives and implementation of new policies and systems;
• Assist Country Directors and HR staff with the recruitment of high quality finance staff by conducting interviews and providing assessment on candidates’ technical abilities;
• Provide necessary back-up to the HQ-based Regional Controllers as assigned by supervisor;
• Participate in the preparation of donor proposals:
• Provide technical support to country Finance Controllers and Managers.
• Provide guidance on compliance issues to colleagues in the field
• Perform the final financial review of the proposal document prior to approval and submission the donor;
• Provide oversight and assistance during Country Office audits by internal, external and donor auditors;
• Ensure that Country Offices take appropriate action to implement recommendations made by the internal audit department. Provide expert guidance and assistance in the planning and the implementation of audit recommendations; 
• Participate in identifying and developing high performing financial staff (expat and national staff);
• Respond to ad hoc requests made by the Director of International Finance, the Regional Units or the Country Offices;

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Finance - Masters Degree, CPA or CA a plus;
• Min. six years progressive finance/accounting experience in the non-profit sector;
• Min. four years international work experience abroad, working with diverse multinational staff;
• Previous work experience in and International NGO such as IRC highly desirable;
• Previous experience working with a major general ledger software package – experience with SUN preferred;
• Demonstrated familiarity with GAAP and proven general knowledge of Fund Accounting;
• Proven knowledge of US Government and European Union regulations highly desirable;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a multi-cultural environment and diplomatically manage collegial relationships;
• Solid organizational skills: the ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment;
• Flexible work attitude: the ability to work productively in a team environment & independently and ability to meet unexpected demands;
• Strong Computer skills: facility with MS Word, Excel, various accounting software, and email/internet software;
• The ability and willingness to travel to developing countries.