Finance Officer

Introduction

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. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background

DRC has been operating in Greece since December 2015, providing support to the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy in ensuring dignified reception conditions for refugees and migrants arriving on Lesvos island. In March 2016, DRC expanded its operations in Athens, in response to the changing context and the build-up of refugee population on mainland Greece.

Purpose

DRC Greece is looking to recruit a qualified, flexible and enthusiastic professional to work for its Office in Athens as Finance Officer. As Finance Officer, under the direct supervision of the Area Manager (line manager), you will be responsible for all the financial operations for the Area of Attica, ensuring a reliable follow-up of all the financial and administrative aspects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the managerial supervision of Area Manager, and with the technical guidance and support of the Finance Manager and the Head of Support Services (based in the Country Office), the Finance Officer has the duty to ensure proper financial follow-up of all DRC operations, a full financial compliance, while implementing, monitoring and following up across all financial and administrative tasks and ensuring that DRC’s standard policies and best practice are followed in the Area of Attica. This position is also a key one to guarantee a harmonization of processes and policies within the all organization of DRC in Greece.

The main responsibilities include:

Finance Responsibilities

· Fulfill daily accounting tasks and assist in coordinating financial functions and services

· Produce relevant financial reports on a regular basis

· Ensure that budgets and accounts are in accordance with DRC and donors’ requirements in coordination with Finance unit in Athens CO

· Maintain proper filling and scanning of all financial documents

· Ensure payments documents compliance with DRC internal financial procedures and donor regulations. Review payment vouchers and supporting documentation for accuracy, compliance and investigate discrepancies

· Review Purchase Requests according to current budget availability and expenses eligibility

· Manage and update the cash book on a daily basis to reflect the actual status of existing cash count and bank balance.

· Manage and update DRC Dynamics Journals and respect the monthly DRC global deadlines

· Ensure all payments are made timely (petty cash and bank) in accordance to DRC policies and procedures

· Manage petty cash and cash advances, ensuring safe custody of cash

· Ensure weekly/monthly cash counts and cash/bank reconciliations

· Review payment requests for accuracy, completeness, compliance, level of authorization and clarity of invoices

· In coordination with the Area Manager, ensure availability of funds (petty cash and bank) for the Area of Attica by following DRC policies and procedures

· Comply with reporting requirements of CO and support on financial reports and audits

· Coordination with the Finance departments of the other offices in Greece when needed

· Assist DRC field office staff in correct implementation of Operations Handbook Finance/Administration procedure

· Responsible for submitting re-booking reports to CO for reallocation of expenses

· Support the Area Manager to organize BFU meetings with budget holders for budget monitoring and submit financial forecasts on a monthly basis

· Contribute to the development of policies and procedures with the others members of the Support Departments of DRC in Greece

· Identify any potential point to improve within DRC policies and/or its compliance with the legal regulations and requirements

In addition to the above, the Finance Officer may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the Area Manager.

Required Qualifications

· University degree (Bachelor or Master) in Accounting, Finance, Cost Control, Business Administration or Management, or another relevant field is required

· Minimum two years of relevant working experience; a previous experience within an international organization and/or within the humanitarian/ cooperation sector (so with an international NGO or a UN agency) will be considered as a strong asset

· Full professional fluency in English and in Greek

· Excellent Computer Skills (MS Office, Internet) are required.

· Knowledge of ERP will be considered an asset

Required Skills & Qualities

· Core Competencies of DRC:

o Striving for excellence

o Collaboration

o Taking the lead

o Communication

o Demonstrating Integrity

· Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment

· Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration

· Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are needed

· Multi-tasking and Organizational skills is a must

· Adaptable and Flexible

· High sense of ethics in the workplace

· Team-oriented & good sense of humor

General Regulations

§ The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework

§ Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization

§ Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period

§ Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization

§ Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request