Finance Assistant – Intern at Catholic Relief Services
Position: Finance Assistant – Intern
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Duration: 3-Month Fixed Term
Application Deadline: October 12, 2024
Employment Type: Full-Time Internship
About CRS:
The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS operates in over 100 countries, providing life-saving support in emergency response, health, education, agriculture, microfinance, and peacebuilding, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.
Country Background:
In Tanzania, CRS has been working since 1962, partnering with local churches and secular organizations to improve the lives of vulnerable populations through programs in agriculture, health, microfinance, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and support for orphans and vulnerable children.
Job Summary:
As a Finance Assistant Intern, you will assist with implementing the accounting systems, policies, and procedures of the Country Program (CP). You will ensure compliance with CRS’ financial standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), donor regulations, and local legal requirements. Your role will involve documenting financial transactions, preparing account entries, and supporting financial reporting and payments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review and validate supporting documentation before processing financial transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance with authorizations.
- Record financial transactions and review accounts for discrepancies, recommending corrective actions as necessary.
- Monitor payment and receipt schedules, ensuring timely communication and follow-up for financial resource management.
- Prepare periodic and ad hoc financial reports and conduct variance analysis to support decision-making.
- Provide staff with guidance on accounting policies, compliance issues, and capacity-building activities.
- Perform treasury duties, including cash payments/receipts and cash forecasts.
- Collaborate with supply chain teams on purchase orders and payments.
- Support other tasks assigned by your supervisor related to financial operations.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration (with a major in Accounting), or a related field.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or ACCA qualification is required.
- At least 1 year of experience in a similar role, preferably with an NGO, auditing firm, or financial institution.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and knowledge of financial accounting software.
- Familiarity with local tax laws and regulatory reporting procedures.
Languages:
- Proficiency in English and Swahili.
Key Skills and Abilities:
- Strong time management skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.
- Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented with a focus on solutions.
Agency-Wide Competencies:
- Integrity
- Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Builds Relationships
- Develops Talent
- Strategic Mindset
- Accountability & Stewardship
Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
Key Working Relationships:
- Internal: Finance staff, Project Manager, Program Officers
- External: Local partners, auditors, banks
How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates should submit a letter of application along with their CV (PDF or Word format) in one file to TZ_HR@crs.org. Please clearly state the job title in the subject line of the email. Applications must be received by October 12, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Note: CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Female candidates, people with disabilities, and those from marginalized backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. CRS Tanzania uses a competency-based selection process, ensuring that skills and expertise are valued alongside formal qualifications.