Accounting Analyst, Donor and External Audits

***NOTE: This is a global remote position; CRS will only consider candidates who are based in countries where we have existing offices. CRS does not sponsor visas for telecommuting employees.***

 

About CRS

A leading global humanitarian and development agency, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) reaches over 130 million people across more than 110 countries, without regard to race, religion, or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, health and social services, agriculture, education, water and environment, small enterprise and justice and peacebuilding. Since 1943, we have built strong partnerships with local communities, governments, and organizations around the world, creating renowned programming and operations that produce tangible results and make us a trusted partner. Our mission is lasting transformation of individual lives and entire societies. 

Job Summary: 

The Analyst, Donor and External Audits will perform analysis and reconciliation of grant account balances and reports to identify potential audit risk areas and recommend appropriate remedial actions. The Analyst will support preparation of required audit schedules (PBC list) for Uniform Guidance and annual Financial Statement external audit processes. This position will require strong grant financial management and compliance skills and experience.  The position holder will collaborate and work closely with Country Program Finance Managers and Regional Finance Officers to ensure supporting documents, financial and non-financial reports, and accounting functions meet the grant and external auditors’ requirements. In addition, the Analyst will provide guidance to Country Programs and other Departments on how to address auditors’ requests, findings and implement audit recommendations.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct pre-audit review and analysis of transactions, account balances and associated financial reports to identify potential risk issues and coordinate for mitigation and/or resolutions prior to the commencement of grant and external audits. 
• Reconcile grant receipts and expenses with grant receivable and payable balances and work with Country Programs and Grant Analysts to make corrections, as necessary. 
• Prepare audit schedules (PBC list) required for the interim and final Uniform Guidance (UG) and external audit processes as needed.
• Support the preparation and updating of internal control walkthrough notes for Uniform Guidance (UG) and external audits. 
• Communicate timely with Country Programs to submit documentations and reports for auditors’ sample requests and provide comprehensive explanations to address auditor’s follow up questions.
• Review supporting evidence for audit samples to make sure they are consistent with CRS’ policies and donors’ regulations and meet auditors’ minimum requirements prior to submission.
• Follow up with Country Programs for missing documentations and additional clarifications needed for audit requests.
• Prepare grant roll-forward report showing donor receipts and expenditure activities by award, and other schedules required for UG and external audits.
• Assist the development and implementation of corrective action plans based on auditors’ recommendations including review of the supporting documents substantiating the corrective actions taken. 
• Assist Country Programs undergoing donor and statutory audits in preparing and reviewing financial statements and relevant reports. 
• Support Country Programs’ Finance Managers with analysis and guidance in adherence with CRS’ policies and procedures to provide accurate responses to auditors’ queries and findings. 
• Engage in temporary duty assignments within Global Finance and Country Programs during month-end and year-end closures, staff capacity building events, and resolving major accounting issues.  
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of systems and tools to improve financial analysis and grant’s financial management business processes in Insight (Oracle).
• Maintain knowledge on USG rules and other major non-USG donor compliance regulations such as Global Fund, UN, EU, private foundations etc.
• Provide mentorship to CP and HQ Staff on grant and external audit, accounting, and financial management areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor which are broadly in line with the above responsibilities. 

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Global Controller Department, Financial Systems & Operations Department, CP Finance Managers, Head of Operations, Heads of Programming, Regional Finance Officers, SCM team, HR team, Global Risk & Compliance Department, Institutiona