Finance Specialist (Compliance and Audit)

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

The overall purpose of the role:

This role has a country focus and ensures compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within the country. The role provides support and/or technical guidance to DRC operations within Iraq while overseeing internal/external audits and donor verification exercises.

The position holder provides onsite support and conducts periodic spot checks, reviews, and audits of DRC operations (Iraq) through review and audit of financial systems, and other policies and procedures to determine the accountability and assess the reliability of the control systems as a whole and to identify the measures needed to ensure that the systems are functioning at the desired levels of efficiency and effectiveness.

Responsibilities:

Compliance, audits, and field support

• Provide remote and onsite support to DRC Offices related to document checklist, minimum documentation and review, physical archiving and electronic archiving, audit, and other compliance-related matters.
• Conduct regular periodic spot checks, and internal reviews, and implement action plans (based on both internal and external audit reviews) to address weaknesses and improve internal control systems.
• Review and validation of financial records for compliance with DRC’s Operations Handbook and donor policies and procedures for all support units (log, procurement, HR, finance, admin).
• Responsible for regular and ongoing quality checks of payment requests/ financial documents prior to payment and providing DRC colleagues with clear feedback/guidance on improvement of systems to avoid payment delays due to lack of documentation.
• Prepare internal control review reports; keep up to date on donor compliance rules, regulations, and DRC’s Operations Handbook policies and procedures.
• Undertake Partner Finance reviews and conduct monitoring visits.
• Ensure timely submission of high-quality annual financial statements to the relevant government authority.
• Serve as the focal point for project-specific external audits in coordination with the Finance Manager and Head of Support Services.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements of the regulating agency, labor law, and taxing authorities.
• Ensure the recommendations of both internal and external audits are implemented and follow up are made every quarter.

Other responsibilities

• Ensure field offices and CO management get timely and quality financial information and technical support including an updated Master Budget that will help decision-making, budget monitoring, and financial control.
• Support in preparation of donor interim and final financial reports.
• Support in budget reviews and monitoring efforts ensuring that spending is as per plan and in line with donor requirements.
• Develop innovative compliance self-checks and collaborate with relevant departments to ensure that areas of poor or weak controls are controlled by implementing new policies and checks on a regular basis.

Experience and technical competencies:

• 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 the Finance field (general).
• Experience working for a large INGO in Iraq, with in-depth knowledge of INGO rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Experience and expertise in the use of financial system software, preferably an ERP system. Experience with Microsoft products is strongly preferred.
• Full professional proficiency in English is required.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in finance accounting or with relevant professional certification

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Kurdish is required.
• Knowledge of Arabic language is added advantage.

Key stakeholders:

• Finance Team.
• Supply Chain Team.
• Program Development Team.
• Senior Management.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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 uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment

WE OFFER

• Contract Length: 1 year
• Salary Band: G (Non-management)
• Start Date: 1 October 2023
• Comprehensive health insurance for staff, spouses, and up to two children under 18.
• Personal Accident insurance coverage in the event of work-related accidents during working hours.
• Psychosocial support for staff and family members.
• Learning & Development opportunities for professional growth.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff.

Diversity & Inclusion: DRC Iraq is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment according to our Age, Gender, and Diversity approach (AGD). We aim to have a more diversified leadership structure creating opportunities for qualified women to take on managerial roles. We also continuously work to make our workplace more accessible for persons with specific needs. We offer benefits related to psychosocial support, health insurance, maternity and paternity leave, child sick leave, and lactation breaks. As part of our commitment to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from female candidates, persons living with disabilities, as well as representatives of minorities