CRS began working with local partners in Afghanistan in 1998 and launched its own direct operations in 2002. CRS carries out development and emergency relief efforts in Afghanistan with a focus on rural livelihoods through diverse programs that promote food security, natural resource management, and access to quality primary school education for marginalized communities and emergency response as needs arrive. CRS currently maintains 5 main provincial offices in Kabul, Bamiyan, Ghor, Daikundi and Herat provinces, as well as sub-offices that support the direct implementation of program activities.

The Finance Assistant will be responsible for the management of accounting systems, 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.  As part of an experienced finance team, s/he will coordinate daily financial activities through preparation and delivery of financial services.  The Finance Officer will be expected to provide occasional assistance in monitoring procurement and payment activities at project sites and provide capacity support and finance document verification to all offices in Kabul. The position is based in Kabul.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management

• Review supporting documentation of financial transactions to ensure all required documents are accurate and complete and maintain proper filing systems and scan copies of all the financial transactions.
• Ensure maintenance of all data required for processing financial transactions for assigned accounts in Enterprise Resource Planning Software known as Insight system.
• Record delegated financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review various accounts to detect irregularities.
• Prepare delegated financial reports.
• Train the programs and operation teams on financial accounting policies and procedural compliance issues.
• Provide financial spot checks for compliance, perform finance document verification as Accounts Payable Specialist and ensure capacity building support to all non-finance staff.
• Perform 3-way check of assigned invoices within Insight system to validate invoices for payment.
• Work closely with the programs and operation teams to ensure payment orders and commitments are properly recorded and settled in Insight system.
• To ensure the donor monthly financial reports are accurately and timely prepared and submitted
• To Participate the by monthly, quarterly and annual donor meetings and inform his/her supervisor on any action points.
• To process payment vouchers, creating invoices in the system, follow up on the approval with respective project lead.
• To process the payments on timely manner and maintain a timely records for all the project related financial transactions.
• To manage the banking relationship and bank reconciliations records as required by the donor
• Coordinate with District Manager and Accounts Payable Manager to ensure assigned payments are processed timely.
• Maintain an up-to-date tracking sheet for Hawala numbers and Hawala payments with regular reconciliation against corresponding records in the system.

Administration and Procurement Support

• Assist programs and operation teams to prepare and process administrative documents including memos, preparation of medical reimbursements, and staff timesheets.
• Oversee the maintenance of proper and up-to-date filing systems and asset registers (both hard and soft copies) for Kabul are compliant with CRS and donor audit standards.
• Participate bid committees and processing payments to vendors.

• B.A. degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration strongly preferred. Courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting (CPA/ACCA or equivalent).
• Minimum of 2 years of accounting experience, preferably with an international or local NGO, or a financial/banking institution.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Excellent analytical skills with ability to detect and report inconsistencies
• Excellent organizational skills 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity the relevant public donors’ regulations a plus.
• Proficient in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Insight financial accounting package is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

  Key Working Relationships:  

Internal:  Head of Office, Transport Officer, Human Resource Officer, Procurement Officer, Administration Officer, Program Managers, Senior Project Officers, and Country Program Technical Advisors.

External:  Service providers/vendors, local government, and partner NGOs.

Required Languages – Advanced English and Native/Pashto or Dari.

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 20%

"CRS is committed to providing daily allowances for mahrams who accompany female staff on day trips to the field, and per diem and accommodation for mahrams who accompany female staff on work-related trips that require overnight staying."

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.  

• Integrity  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation 
• Builds Relationships  

• Develops Talent 
• Strategic Mindset 
• Accountability & Stewardship 

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.  

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Protection Acknowledgment: CRS prohibits all forms of abuse and exploitation towards children and vulnerable adults. As a professional candidate, you commit to adhering to the Agency’s policy on protection, rights and dignity of children and vulnerable adults and to safeguard them from abuse and exploitation as defined in CRS’ Safeguarding Policy

Applications comprise a one-page cover letter to explain your interest and suitability for the post and your CV. Please do not attach your education documents and work certificates unless requested.

Dear Applicants!

The process of submitting a CV/Application has been changed to the online system. Therefore, interested candidates are encouraged to apply using the link provided below. Applications sent to any other email address or location will not be considered. Please ensure to rename your application file according to your name entered on the first page of the application forms.

Interested candidates can submit their applications by clicking on this link.

Please note that applications received after the closing date (i.e., September 17^th, 2024), will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for tests and interviews.