RC Blank Template

Job description and person specification International Financial Accountant Job reference Salary band 4 number Territory / Finance, Planning & Area / Department International Finance Directorate Resources Head of International Work location London Reports to Finance Role duration Permanent Last updated March 2016

Scale and scope of role Direct reports 2 Indirect reports 0 Budgetary Accountability for responsibility / £20k N/a other resources accountability The role provides leadership on financial accounting, financial Reach and impact controls and internal financial reporting to the International Directorate.

Context The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives. Within the UK, the British Red Cross operates through about 3,500 staff and over 30,000 volunteers.

The post holder is managed by the Head of International Finance and is responsible for leading the International Directorate in financial accounting, financial controls and internal financial reporting, as well as acting as a business partner to several Heads of Department. The post also requires interaction with the wider Finance, Planning and Resources Directorate.

Overall purpose of the role

International Financial Accountant 1 To enhance, develop and deliver the processes and tools required by the International Directorate for financial reporting, financial control and financial accounting. This includes month-end accounting and reporting processes, year-end accounting processes, managing and reviewing financial controls, supporting the BRC audit processes and managing foreign exchange and international stock requirements.Main responsibilities and duties

1.Financial Management and Systems

> To ensure the integrity of the International Directorate accounts and compliance with appropriate accounting standards and internal procedures; > To be responsible for month-end and year-end accounting processes, including all International Directorate balance sheet reconciliations;

> To manage and be responsible for the International Directorate’s involvement in the year-end and interim external audits including producing International Direct- orate specific schedules. Working closely with the Shared Service Centre to manage timelines, guidelines and tasks required.

> To ensure that cashflow and future commitments for the International Director- ate are managed and correctly accounted for;

> To manage the foreign exchange and hedging requirements of the International Directorate, communicating these requirements to the Shared Service Centre;

> To act as the International Directorate’s main Agresso contact, ensuring that the International Directorate is kept up-to-date with changes and procedures and to represent the International Directorate on any development work;

> To ensure the International Finance Manual is kept up-to-date; > To ensure that International Directorate stock and payroll are accounted for correctly and transactions are corrected where necessary;

2.Financial Monitoring and Reporting

> To develop and manage the International Directorate’s financial reporting processes, including producing the monthly financial reports on the International Directorate and the Disaster Fund;

> To be responsible for the development, implementation and use of Agresso financial reporting across the Directorate, ensuring financial information and other key performance indicators are relevant and fully understood;

> To ensure that the International Directorate's approach to reporting meets all Corporate Finance requirements;

3.Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting

> To be the finance contact for supported teams through the internal planning, budgeting and forecasting processes;

International Financial Accountant 2 > To ensure that the supported teams’ approach to planning, budgeting and forecasting meets all International Directorate requirements;

4.Programme Accounting and Support

> To provide financial guidance and advice to members of supported teams through meaningful analysis and interpretation of results and forecasts; > To maintain the integrity of the financial information in the finance system for supported teams; > To review and process grant agreements and grant transfers for supported teams and to challenge where necessary, and to ensure funds are sent within appropriate time frames, balancing programme needs with maximising BRC cashflow;

5.Restricted Funds

> To provide financial support for bids & reporting to all restricted fund programmes in supported teams;

> To provide financial support for audits and close-out to all restricted fund programmes in supported teams;

6.Management and Training

> Manage the International Financial Accounting team;

> To provide financial training on financial systems and processes as required to all staff in supported teams; > To carry out the financial induction for new starters in supported teams;

7.Co-ordination and Representation

> To represent BRC in relevant Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement working groups as required;

> To represent the International Directorate on any relevant corporate finance pro- jects as required;

> To provide cover for the Head of International Finance if required;

> To support the Head of International Finance on external financial enquiries from other parts of the Movement, including other National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies;

8.Other

International Financial Accountant 3 > Undertake any other appropriate duties that may be required by the Head of International Finance;

> To have signatory responsibility (up to £20k) for International Directorate expenditure;

International Financial Accountant 4 Person Specification

1 2 Requirements

3 Skills > Strong audit and internal controls knowledge with the ability to highlight weaknesses and make appropriate recommendations** > Highly computer literate with advanced knowledge of Excel, Word, Powerpoint and computerised accounts systems** > Ability to assimilate complex financial and written information quickly and accurately** > Strong analytical and reporting skills

4 Knowledge > Qualified accountant with relevant post qualification (including education experience ** and training)

5 Experience > Experience of managing and developing financial reporting** > Experience of developing financial systems to support international operations** > Experience of delivering financial training especially to non- finance people** > Experience of different accounting systems (experience of working with Agresso an advantage) > Experience of working with international programmes > Experience of foreign currency monitoring and accounting

6 Competenci > Proactive, highly motivated and able to use initiative to a es significant degree** > Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to both finance and non-finance staff** > Ability to think strategically > Creative and able to review and develop new principles, policies and procedures > Patient and supportive with the ability to mentor other members of staff

7 Additional > Uphold the Fundamental Principles and act with integrity, in requirements accordance with the Society’s obligations and values (inclusive, compassionate, courageous, dynamic) > Ensure anti-discriminatory practice and promote diversity > Flexibility to be available to provide out of hours finance support when required following major emergencies

N.B. All disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria, denoted by **, will be short-listed for interview in line with our commitment under the two-tick symbol scheme.

International Financial Accountant 5