FIELD ACCOUNTING TECHNICAL REFERENT (BASED IN ANY OCBA HUB)

MAIN PURPOSE 

Ensure the implementation of MSF OCBA financial-accounting policies and standards across assigned missions, guaranteeing reliable accounting information, compliance, transparency, and accountability.  

Provide technical training and functional support to field accounting teams while contributing to system development, process optimization, and capacity building across the organization. 

JOB OVERVIEW 

The Field Accounting Technical Referent is responsible to guarantee the implementation of the accounting directions and regulations set by Finance Department to ensure field management accounts are complied with, and to monitor and support a portfolio of MSF OCBA missions regarding the accountancy management. 

Functionally responsible of the Accounting Managers (ACMAs) included in her/his portfolio of regular and emergency OCBA missions. 

Apart from, the Accounting Technical Referent participates in (non-specific) efforts related with field accountancy management optimization, IT systems development and functional ownership, as well as development of accountancy management procedures and trainings for all finance staff in the field. 

Position can be based in any MSF OCBA hub subject to employability requirements, with occasional field visits. (availability is needed 2 times / year). 

TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES 

Finance-Accounting Policies and procedures implementation in OCBA missions: 

• Responsible for carrying out the appropriate actions to implement the MSF OCBA Financial-Accounting Policies in the field involving complying with accounting principles and regulations in order to guarantee the fulfilment of the principles of transparency and accountability and the accounting regulations set by MSF OCBA for field accounting management purposes. 
• Guarantee and monitor coherence and reliability for accounting records of the mission under his/her responsibility, ensuring respect for accounting and management processes and for the existing Financial-Accounting Policies. 
• Carries out financial internal controls and audits of the missions/projects she/he oversees.  
• Collaboration in the definition of MSF OCBA financial –accounting procedures. Elaboration and update of procedure documentation.  
• Proactively identify and/or anticipate areas of improvements, work methodology, challenges and financial risks in his/her area of expertise. 

Field Support and Monitoring: 

• Provide guidance and technical support to the Accounting Managers for accounting management processes, monitoring entry data in accountancy systems with guidance in complex accounting registration. Ensure coherence between the data coming from the missions and MSF’s general accounts ensuring accountability and transparency. 
• Provide guidance and technical support to the missions under her/his portfolio to ensure an appropriate support documentation of the accounting registers and an appropriate storage and archiving of these documents. 
• Supervise field monthly and annual closings of mission’s accounting being the internal controls and mechanisms under her/his responsibility. 
• Supervise and follow up accounting deadlines in order to ensure that these are met by the mission. Propose solutions to the mission to achieve the deadlines 
• Regularly analyse accounting data and KPIs to identify opportunities for simplification, efficiency, and optimization of field accounting processes. Actions taken and report to team involved (Finoco, Finco, Acma, ….) if needed. 

System –functional ownership and development 

• Focal point of accounting IT tools for the OCBA missions included in her/his portfolio. 
• Act as functional owner of accounting IT tools for assigned missions, contributing to system improvements and new developments with capacity to be involved in new developments 

Procedures and training 

• Provide training regarding Financial-Accounting Policies, accounting tools and procedures to the ACMAs and Fincos and collaborate to facilitate that the rest of the field accounting team receives the adequate trainings.   
• Proactive collaboration in the development of accountancy training materials and written procedures regarding MSF OCBA accountancy. 
• Proactive collaboration in workshops and webinars regarding MSF OCBA accountancy in the finance-accountancy OCBA scope with special focus in the inclusion of field accounting teams. Participation, if needed, in PPD financial part and any other OCBA training 

Optimization of MSF OCBA accountancy management 

• Collaboration in the definition of optimization priorities in the frame of a continuous follow up of the missions looking for simplicity and efficiency. 
• Data base analysis with the aim of identifying potential improvements in that sense. 

Coordination & Collaboration  

• Coordinate with internal units (Treasury, Management Control, Finop) and cross-functional departments (HR, Logistics, Medical) to align accounting practices, support joint initiatives and follow up action plans 
• Participate in intersectional platforms and working groups to represent OCBA Field Accountancy interests and share best practices.   

ROLE´S SPECIFIC ELEMENTS 

• Collaborate and provide guidance in the managerial skills development and career development of the ACMAs with special focus to the PMS process (Performance Management System). Performs accounting monitoring, compliance follow-up, and financial internal control activities. 
• Responsible of Briefing/Debriefing in the accounting frame and tools for field financial positions as ACMAs and Financial Coordinators (Fincos). 
• Collaborate in the recruitment process of a new Acma together with the mission. 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

• Higher degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.  
• Minimum 2 years of MSF experience in a Finance Department, either in the field as Accounting Manager and/or Financial Coordinator or at HQ level.  
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. French and/or Spanish will be considered strong assets. 
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills and good knowledge of ERP systems and FFC or equivalent accounting tools.  

CONDITIONS 

• Position based in one of the following MSF-OCBA Hubs: Bogotá, Dakar, Nairobi, Barcelona, Bilbao, Sevilla or Madrid.  
  • Final location will be subject to the employability of the preselected candidate (e.g., residency, work permit, etc.). 
• For level HQ-3B positions and if the role is based in one of our offices in Spain, the salary will be at €41.137,24. If the role is finally located at one of the OCBA regional hubs, compensation will be subject to the local pay scale applicable to that hub. 
• Full-time job. 
• Contract duration: 1 year contract. 
• Starting date: Mid october.

HOW TO APPLY  

• To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter.
• Closing date: 29th September, 23:59 CET (Central European Time). 

INFORMATION ABOUT RECRUITMENT PROCESS STEPS 

• After the application deadline, the recruitment process usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks.  
• All candidates will be informed once the process is closed. Due to the high number of applications, individual feedback cannot usually be provided.  
• If you have not heard from us, it means the process is still ongoing and additional candidates may be contacted.  
• A reference check will be requested in the final stages of the process. Candidates will be required to provide references from former employers using professional or corporate email addresses (personal email accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc. will not be accepted). 

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. MSF provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination.