Project/Grant Accountant

Employment Type: Definite period (i.e. for one year) with possibility of extension contingent up on project funding availability

About Us

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

Job Summary:

You will help coordinate and contribute to the implementation of CP projects in accordance with donors’ policies and procedures in compliance with CRS’ established accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donors’ rules and regulations, and legal requirements to support high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. You will efficiently perform accounting services by documenting the project/grant financial transactions, compiling, analyzing, and verifying account information, and delivering financial reporting services throughout the project/grant life cycle.

Note: Depending on the project/grant portfolio (scope and complexity), the Project/Grant Accountant can be assigned responsibility for delivery of accounting and financial reporting services for either payable or receivable transactions.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Set and monitor sound accounting and financial reporting procedures for project/grant subrecipients and partners following established standards. Ensure setup and maintenance of all data required for processing financial transactions for assigned project/grant accounts in Insight financial accounting package.
• Review and validate supporting documentation before processing of financial transactions to ensure all required documents are accurate and complete and authorizations are in place.
• Record financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review and analyze various accounts to detect irregularities. Advise on corrective actions and prepare correcting entries and adjustments, as necessary.
• Assess, evaluate and monitor subrecipient financial management processes in accordance with policy and strengthen capacity of partner in financial accounting and transactions.
• Monitor disbursement/receipt schedules, alert relevant project/grant staff of due payments/liquidations, and maintain appropriate communication and follow-up to facilitate timeliness of financial resource management and compliance with set deadlines.
• Prepare various periodic and ad hoc financial reports and perform variance analysis to assist project/grant staff with decision-making. Assist with budget maintenance for proper management of financial resources.
• Provide information to project/grant staff, subrecipients, and partners on financial accounting policies and procedural compliance issues and deliver training and other capacity building activities.
• Perform assigned treasury project/grant (cash payment/receipt, cash forecast, etc.) duties, as long as segregation of duties is ensured.
• Participate and support in proposal budget development and review processes
• Participate and make a close follow-up on PO creation processes and RFGS, and make sure POET information is correctly reflected
• Close follow-up of SR advances and liquidations is submitted on a timely basis
• Review SR liquidation documents. Make sure the liquidations are received/matched in the Insight system on a timely manner
• Work on the SR account reconciliation on a monthly basis and correct any variances timely manner
• Make sure the SR liquidation tracker is updated
• Follow up and resolve SR questioned costs resolved timely by working with partners and budget managers
• Using the SR aging report make analysis of the aging balances and alert budget managers to take action timely
• Coordinate with the finance operation and program team to ensure all grant closure activities are completed as per the grant closure checklist.

Required Languages – Amharic and English

Travel – Up to 50%.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent analytical skills with ability to detect and report inconsistencies
• Conscientious, accurate and thorough with great attention to detail
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented
• Ability to work collaboratively

Supervisory Responsibilities: Will supervise the Project Assistant – Grant

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Programming staff, Operations staff, Finance and Compliance staff, Supply chain.

External: Partners, Recipients, Consultants, CRS Regional team.

Basic Qualifications

• Masters or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration with courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting (CPA/ACCA  or equivalent).
• Minimum of 3 years for a Master’s degree and 5 years’ experience for a Bachelor’s degree in a position with similar responsibilities, preferably with an international or local NGO.
• Understanding of financial systems, including budgeting and budget/expense analysis experience preferred. Knowledge of accounting software or similar financial reporting software a plus.
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations.
• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.  Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role.  CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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