Finance Officer, Iraq Civil Society Activity (ICSA) At Counterpart International

Counterpart International is currently seeking a Finance Officer to support the implementation of the Counterpart Iraq Civil Society Activity (ICSA) in Iraq. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) selected Counterpart International to implement ICSA in Iraq. The project has been awarded for a period of 5 years from October 2023 through September 2028. The purpose of the ICSA is to Increase citizen engagement and agency, especially among women and youth, to actively contribute to change on shared citizen-identified priorities, Increase CSOs sustainability and resilience to represent citizens’ interests and advance community-led development, and strengthen a public sphere that fosters CSOs active and inclusive participation in public discourse and citizen-driven change, including among marginalized groups. Under the guidance and supervision of the Director of Finance and Operations, the Finance Officer will be responsible for the financial aspects of the ICSA. This role requires a detail-oriented and experienced finance professional with a strong understanding of financial management and compliance with USAID regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare field financial reports and ensure complete, accurate reports and documentation are submitted to HQ.
• Support ICSA office and provide guidance of complying with Counterpart policies and procedures related to Financial Management.
• Ensure effective financial planning, budgeting, and expenditure tracking for ICSA activities.
• Review vouchers and documentation supporting field transactions. Identify risks and non-compliance with donor regulations and control procedures. Work with program team to develop risk mitigation plan as required.
• Upload field accounting transactions and record sub-partner invoices in the accounting system.
• Review and reconcile general ledgers; Investigate errors and prepare correcting entries for posting as needed.
• Ensure that transactions are booked to the designated activity codes.
• Prepare, monitor and analyze monthly project financial reports.
• Prepare and submit external financial reports/invoices of assigned portfolio in accordance with terms of the agreement.
• Manage and analyze cash positions of the ICSA to aid in preparation of funds requests from headquarters.
• Support the programs team in making financial risk assessments of subreciepients in accordance with Counterpart’s Sub Recipient Monitoring framework.
• Support to facilitate internal and external financial audits and ensure audit findings are addressed.
• Provide support to review grant applications, administer grants and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Provide training and support to project staff and partners to improve their financial management skills.
• Offer guidance on financial aspects of procurement and subcontracts.
• Support ICSA office financial start-up and closeout process.
• Lead the payroll calculation process by corporate with HR Manager.
• Prepare the Tax and Social security calculations, Reporting, and submission of all tax withholdings, facilitate payment to government and corresponding reports.
• Prepare the Cash/Bank Reconciliation each month.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance and Operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field. Professional certification in accounting is a plus.
• Minimum five years (5) of relevant progressive experience, preferably at international development organizations in accounting and finance; Master’s degree may be considered in lieu of work experience.
• A minimum of three years work experience in technical and operational requirements of government funding agencies (e.g. USAID, USDA, Department of State, etc.)
• Advanced MS Excel skills;
• Proficiency in use of accounting software – Quick Books and Microsoft Dynamics NAV experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with standard federal grants, contracts and cooperative agreement terms and their application to the billing process;
• Knowledge, experience and ability to interpret and apply 2 CFR 200 and FAR; specifically as it relates to cost principles, audit requirements and financial monitoring of subrecipients;
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, respond to changes in priorities, and work in rapidly changing, deadline driven environment;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work in teams;
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated success in working independently, taking initiative, setting priorities and seeing projects through to completion;
• Strong service-focused orientation; must work well and respectfully with colleagues external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Arabic language fluency required; working knowledge of English preferred (verbal and written).