Assistant, Finance and Accounting

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. 
The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. 

The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into four main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Coordination, (ii) Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization, (iii) Management and Accountability, and (iv) People and Strategy.

The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East and North Africa. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. 

The Country Cluster Delegation of Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, also referred to as the Latin Caribbean Delegation, is responsible for ensuring the provision of effective technical support services to its membership while promoting membership adherence to strategies, policies, and agreements which will maintain and uphold the image and integrity of the Federation and Movement. The Latin Caribbean Delegation holds an office in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 

The Finance and Accounting Assistant reports to the Finance and Administration Coordinator and provides day-to-day support to the Finance and Administration team by ensuring that transactions are correctly processed in the ERP system and that supporting documentation is properly maintained.

The incumbent provides accounting and bookkeeping support within the Country Cluster Delegation, ensuring the accurate and timely recording of financial transactions, including accounts payable, bank entries, and balance sheet items, in line with IFRC procedures. 

The role contributes to maintaining reliable financial records, supports month-end closing activities, and ensures that documentation is complete and audit-ready. Operating at a transactional level, the position focuses on data entry, preparation, and follow-up of accounting activities, while escalating discrepancies or issues for review and resolution.

Accounting & Bookkeeping

• Record financial transactions in the ERP system (supplier invoices, journals, accruals, prepayments) ensuring accuracy, completeness, and proper supporting documentation.
• Verify basic account coding and ensure transactions are recorded under the correct general ledger accounts, cost centers, and project codes.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date accounting records in line with IFRC financial procedures and audit requirements.
• Assist in identifying inconsistencies or errors in accounting records and escalate them to the Finance Officer for review.
• Support the preparation of accounting schedules and working files required for financial reporting and audits.

Accounts Payable

• Process supplier invoices and credit notes in the system, ensuring all required documentation and approvals are in place prior to submission.
• Record invoices accurately with correct dates and expense classification.
• Track invoice due dates and prepare payment documentation for review and submission to Treasury.
• Follow up on pending invoices and support the resolution of discrepancies with suppliers or internal stakeholders.
• Maintain updated records of accounts payable balances and assist in monitoring outstanding items.

Bank & Cash Transactions

• Record bank transactions in the ERP system, ensuring all entries are supported and properly classified.
• Prepare bank reconciliation templates by matching accounting records with bank statements.
• Identify discrepancies and escalate them to the Finance Officer for review and resolution.
• Maintain proper documentation and filing of all bank-related transactions.

Prepayments & Balance Sheet Support

• Record prepayments and assist in maintaining updated schedules under supervision.
• Support the reconciliation of prepayment accounts and other assigned balance sheet items.
• Track and follow up on staff-related advances or private expenses as instructed by the Finance team.

Month-End Close Support

• Support month-end closing processes by ensuring all assigned transactions are recorded in a timely manner.
• Assist in the preparation of reconciliation files and supporting documentation (bank, prepayments, AP).
• Follow up on missing documentation or pending entries required for closure.
• Support the organization of finance documentation (finance binders) for audit and reporting purposes.

Financial Systems (ERP Data Entry & Support)

• Enter financial data into the ERP system ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Support the Finance team in maintaining data integrity and reliable financial records.
• Assist staff with basic guidance on financial processes and system usage when required.

Compliance & Filing

• Ensure all financial documentation is properly filed (electronic and physical) in accordance with IFRC standards.
• Maintain clear and accessible records to support audits and financial reviews.
• Follow established financial procedures and escalate any irregularities to the supervisor.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide operational and administrative support to the Finance unit.
• Support continuity of finance operations during absences or high workload periods.
• Assist in financial processing during emergency operations when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the line manager.

REQUIRED: 

• Bachelor´s Degree in Accounting or Administration

PREFERRED:

• Professional qualification in Finance or Accounting (ACCA level 1 or higher)

REQUIRED:

• 2- 3+ years of experience working in a Finance environment

PREFERRED: 

• 2+ years of professional experience working for an International Humanitarian assistance and/or development organization
• Experience and availability to travel to other countries
• Experience working for the International Federation or the humanitarian field
• Experience working with a Red Cross/Red Crescent National Society

REQUIRED:

• Strong computer/database skills and sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to work in a cross functional environment and with different technical lines
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment
• High level of confidentiality
• Fluently spoken and written Spanish

PREFERRED:

• Fluently spoken and written English
• Good command of another IFRC official language or relevant to the region (French, Haitian Creole)

• Values:  Respect for Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism, Accountability
• Competencies:  Communication, Collaboration and Teamwork, Judgement and Decision Making, National Society and Customer Relations, Creativity and Innovation, Building Trust