Ajira Portal:- Finance Coordinator at Danish Refugee Council October 2024

Overall purpose of the role:

This is a senior Finance position for an experienced person with the ability to look at the bigger picture while being able to deliver hands-on results. In support of the Finance Manager, the Area based SMT and the Area Manager support the DRC operations within Tanzania (Kigoma region) with a key focus on the Accountancy including assessing the reliability of the financial control systems as a whole. This position identifies and implements measures needed to ensure that the financial systems are functioning at the desired levels of efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and compliance.

This role has an area office focus and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines set at HQ and Regional Office levels and within the country, as well as compliance with relevant Tanzania Laws and regulations (NSSF, Taxation, Labour Law). The role contributes to the development of strategies, which are translated into SOPs. The role subsequently ensures compliance with these SOPs.  The role provides support and/or technical guidance to country operations

Responsibilities:

• Review and validation of financial records for compliance with DRC’s Operations Handbook and donor policies and procedures for all support units (supply chain, HR, finance, and admin).
• Lead the process of submitting Financial Statements on an annual basis, liaising with the audit firm and RO/HQ to ensure
• All information is accurate, complete and in full compliance with Tanzanian rules and regulations.
• Implement recommendations of the tax compliance self-check to ensure full compliance with Tanzanian Law.
• Build capacity of Finance/programmes on compliance issues and audit findings
• Build capacity and understanding of partners to ensure financial compliance and rigour.
• Working with Grant, support the financial vetting of CSO potential partners.
• Serve as the focal point for project specific external audits and follow up on audit recommendations.
• Ensure all required documentation for financial audits in cooperation with Coordination staff and HQ is available.
• Serve as focal point for local partners, review financial report and provide training to partners on budget  Preparation, budget management/follow up and financial reporting…
• Support the Finance Manager and Area Manager with development of SOPs and localized policies as needed based on identified gaps in organizational policies or based on local requirement.
• Coordinate and Conduct BFU review meetings with PMs, PCs and TLs every month and follow up on any BFU action points and work on BFU rebooking’s.
• Ensure all Finance actions for monthly BFU meetings are addressed on time before the next BFU meetings including rebooking.
• Ensure staff salary forecast on BFU’s is completed before BFU meetings and
• Liaise with relevant Managers on key financial issues including spending for all programs in the country, including co-funding, key variances and any remedial action any remedial action.
• Update BI reports reports on monthly basis and share with Project Managers, Team Leaders and Project Coordinators
• Update audit matrix regularly and follow up with Program staff and support staff on implementation of audit recommendation to ensure.
• Maintain continuous overview of salary allocation/coverage and keep management informed of any salary gaps identified in advance/unfunded position implementation is on track.
• Lead finance Kick-off and project close out meetings
• Creates partner monthly expense journal in dynamics on time and ensure release of partner instalment is done according to the instalment plan
• Communicate with partner all financial related findings and recommendations to improve financial systems, performance and compliance with donor
• Prepare monthly cash advance report every month on the 5th and follow up with staff to ensure staff advances are settled within the same month.
• Share financial data with Grants for Quarterly and annual NGO reports
• Work on resource scheduling for all staff, generate timesheets in dynamics and ensure staff salaries are proportionally apportioned to all projects
• Ensure compliance with country’s financial obligations such as taxes, statutory returns, annual Financial Statements and NGO report.
• Review payment vouchers and ensure accurate budget codes are used
• Post journals in dynamics
• Perform any other task as assigned by the Finance Manager

Experience and Technical Competencies:

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 5 years of experience in a relevant field. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• A Master’s Degree or advanced professional qualification in Finance or similar sector.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in compliance functions in the finance field at a similar level position.
• If not compliance related experience, at least 5 years working in Finance field (general).
• Experience working for a large INGO, with in depth knowledge of INGO rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Experience and expertise in the use of financial system software, preferably a Microsoft ERP system.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Kiswahili is required.
• In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

Education:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration or International Development
• Certification of CA, ACCA or CPA is mandatory

Languages:

• English (Fluent)
• Kiswahili (Fluent)

Key stakeholders:

• CD, Finance manager, HOSS and AM
• Finance and programme teams
• Support Services Team
• DRC RO and HQ Team
• Government of Tanzania Authorities