BACKGROUND
Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its headquarters in New York and London. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England, a programme that is rapidly growing.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

The Purpose of the Role

The Deputy Financial Controller will oversee the UK Operational Finance which includes Accounts Payable/Receivable, balance sheet reconciliations, month end close, year-end and financial statements. The Deputy Financial Controller is expected to provide high quality support to the Financial Controller and deputise as required.

 

Scope and Authority

Authority:

Line management of three staff members: the Accounts Payable Manager and Financial Accountant. Deputises for the UK Financial Controller as needed.

Scope:

All aspects of IRC-UK Operational Accounting functions (including fundraising donations).

Key Working Relationships

Internal:           All staff in the UK office, NY Office

External:          Suppliers, Banking providers, Auditors, Payroll Bureau, Microsoft 365-Integra

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Key Stakeholders and Relationships

Reports to Financial Controller. Close coordination with UK colleagues - finance team, supply chain and wider organisation on finance related matters. Close working relationship with global colleagues – finance teams in Europe offices and in New York. Close coordination with auditors. Deputising for the Financial Controller in their absence / as required.

 

Key outputs

 Lead on the UK Operational Finance month-end closure, ensuring all balance sheet reconciliations have been completed and reconciling items identified in the previous month. Lead on the UK Operational Finance year-end closure, including preparation of year end schedules are draft financial statements.Review and sign off journals and check monthly reporting including accruals and prepayments.Ensure all VAT returns are submitted on time and in line with HMRC requirements.Drive continuous improvement in UK Operational Finance’s processes and procedures, including responding to control findings identified by internal and external audit functions.Provide leadership to UK Operational Finance team members, including direct line management of the Accounts Payable Manager and Financial Accountant.Provide support to the Accounts Payable Manager to ensure adequate training is provided to all UK staff on UK Operational Finance policy and procedures, including maintaining current and accurate UK Finance information on IRC’s intranet.Provide support to the Financial Accountant in the preparation and timely and accurate management payroll services including the payroll provider.Provide support to the Financial Controller in delivering continuous improvement of Microsoft 365-Intergra utilization and functionality.All other tasks as deemed necessary by the Financial Controller.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

 Essential

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications:

Qualified accountant – CCAB recognised body with demonstrable post qualification experience in a busy finance department A strong understanding of charity finance including the laws, regulations and taxation relevant to IRC UK. Excellent time and project management skills, including the ability to work to competing deadlines and prioritize asks when circumstances change. Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills. Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence and challenge peers at all levels. Ability to work with limited supervision and productively in a fast-paced environment.

 

Experience:

Experience of working in a comparable finance or role since qualifying as an accountant. Experience of leading month-end and year-end processes, including production of financial statements and statutory audit. Experience and understanding of effective financial control frameworks. Strong experience of using accounting software. Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

 

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

The application deadline is 26th January 2025.

IRC UK strives to be an equal opportunities employer. IRC UK is committed to equality of opportunity and to non-discrimination for all job applicants and employees, and we seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs, nationality, ethnic/national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC UK welcomes applications from all candidates, including underrepresented groups and refugees who have the right to work in the UK.

IRC UK will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application and/or interview process, and for essential job functions if appointed to a role. Please contact us if you may need such adjustments. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with the online recruitment process, please contact the IRC UK HR team at applications@rescue-uk.org.

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