Finance Officer

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Overall purpose of the role

The Finance Officer is responsible for the overall daily management of finance tasks and financial functions and services to have smooth supporting function for the Gaza (oPt) Operations team. The position reports on finance information to the Support Service Team Leader (SSTL) of Gaza regularly.

Duties and Responsibilities

Transfers and payments**:**

• Ensure all payments are made timely and in accordance with existing DRC forms
• Ensure all payments meet requirements of National Law and engage with authorities, tax advisors or other stakeholders to ensure tax requirements are met accordingly
• Ensure the timely fund forecast is submitted to CO.
• Ensure that payment documents comply with DRC internal financial procedures and donor regulations
• Ensure proper transfer of funds from DRC country office to area office.
• Organize and support both electronic archiving on database with backup procedures, as well as hard copy document archiving for all mission-related records.

Accounting:

• Ensure all expenses enter the DRC Dynamics in time and of highest quality
• Ensure to update cashbooks on a daily basis to reflect the actual status of existing cash count and bank balance in all currencies
• Ensure all bank accounts statements are reconciled
• Ensure proper filing system for financial documents
• Follow up on premises lease deposits and payments.
• Lead month-end closing (MEC) process and collaborate with Finance Specialist.
• Staff and vendor account reconciliations
• Monitor unposted transactions and resolve discrepancies.

Budget control, planning and reporting:

• Develop and ensure the implementation of shared cost tools
• Liaise with Program Managers on regular budget monitoring
• Prepare and use budget control tools for regular budget follow up
• Prepare and assist in issuing donor reports
• Support the development of new proposals with financial information for budgeting
• Maintain and update the bi-weekly cash book, ensuring accuracy and timely reconciliation of cash transactions
• Monthly stock update
• Monthly financial report (with all supporting documentation attached to it)
• Reporting as required
• Correctly use DRC Dynamics functionalities in area of concern
• Update cashbooks daily and perform monthly bank reconciliations.
• Handle bank communications, (cheques, transfers, signatory updates, letters).
• Process staff and vendor payments, coordinating with the supply chain and HR.
• Track RO advances monthly to avoid second advances and ensure timely processing.

Cash Handling:

• To perform the duties of Cashier, which includes responsibility for all cash transactions in the office, safe management, and daily cash count and reconciliation.
• Ensure any cash received is banked intact and immediately and that Office petty cash is securely stored.
• Prepare monthly cash counts.
• To be the finance focal point for cash distributions, checking documentation prior to and after distributions and being present to monitor distributions and payments as required.
• To maintain daily cash books and ensure the accuracy and quality of bi-weekly cash books, Routine record keeping.
• Any other task assigned by the supervisor.

Key performance Indicators: (in bullet points)

• All financial posting is completed on time and as per the standards
• Suppliers’ payments are done in time with full verification of the supporting documents
• Timely submission of cash forecasts to CO for adequate liquidity management.
• Low Value Procurement are monitored and updated to avoid any misuse
• Ensure proper cashflow management and liquidity.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Experience of working with UN or Non-Governmental Organizations
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Supply chain with NGOs.
• Understanding of the Finance rules and regulations of country and major international donors.
• Very good skills MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Power point
• Very good interpersonal and team skills.
• Knowledge of finance principles and management.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values.
• Commitment to and understanding of DRC’s aims, values and principles.

Languages

• Advanced in written and spoken English
• Arabic

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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Education:

• University degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or similar
• Certificate in Humanitarian Logistics and/or Procurement would be an advantage

We offer

Contract length: until May 31, 2025 with possibility of extension depending on funding availability

Position Band: This position will be placed at Non-Management band (H)

Start date: December 2024

Duty station: Gaza

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