Finance Specialist – Danish Refugee Council (DRC Uganda)

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with:
  • DRC Operations Handbook
  • Donor financial regulations
  • Government statutory requirements
  • Internal financial policies
• Support effective financial controls across projects and operations.
• Ensure financial processes are implemented accurately and efficiently.
• Provide guidance to teams on financial procedures and compliance requirements.

• Collaborate with Project Managers and Area Managers in preparing and reviewing project budgets.
• Ensure budgets align with:
  • Project objectives
  • Donor requirements
  • DRC financial policies
• Provide financial oversight on project performance.
• Analyze budget variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Support project teams in managing co-funding requirements.

• Prepare and update monthly Budget Follow-Up (BFU) reports.
• Participate in financial review meetings with budget holders.
• Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations.
• Prepare accurate interim and final donor financial reports.
• Provide internal financial reports to management and headquarters teams.

• Review payment requests before processing.
• Verify:
  • Supporting documentation
  • Budget availability
  • Account coding
  • Approvals
  • Compliance with donor requirements
• Strengthen internal control systems.
• Identify and address financial risks.

• Support preparation of cash flow forecasts and funding requests.
• Monitor cash requirements to ensure availability of funds.
• Coordinate month-end and year-end financial closure activities.
• Ensure completion of:
  • Reconciliations
  • Accruals
  • Adjustments
  • Financial reviews

• Review and reconcile balance sheet accounts.
• Investigate outstanding transactions and ensure timely resolution.
• Maintain proper documentation for financial records.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Tax requirements
  • Statutory returns
  • Government financial obligations

• Support implementation of financial system improvements.
• Ensure effective use of DRC Dynamics.
• Set up project budgets within financial systems.
• Maintain accurate financial data entries.
• Support finance system training for staff.

• Coordinate statutory, internal, and project audits.
• Support preparation of audit documentation.
• Ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations.
• Maintain strong audit readiness across programs.

Partnership Financial Management

• Provide financial oversight for sub-grants and consortium partners.
• Conduct partner financial assessments and reviews.
• Review partner financial reports.
• Support partner budget preparation and monitoring.
• Provide technical assistance to strengthen partner financial systems and controls.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Business Administration
  • Commerce
  • Related field
• Final level or part qualification in:
  • CPA
  • ACCA
• Minimum of 5 years’ progressive finance experience.
• Experience working with international NGOs (INGOs).
• Experience managing donor-funded projects and financial reporting.

Required Technical Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of donor financial management and compliance.
• Experience working with institutional donors including:
  • DANIDA
  • BPRM
  • UNHCR
  • UNICEF
  • WFP
  • ECHO
  • EU
  • FCDO
  • OCHA
  • Private Foundations
• Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar financial systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams.

DRC Core Competencies

• Focus on achieving quality results.
• Ensure efficient financial processes.

• Work effectively with teams and partners.
• Encourage feedback and cooperation.

• Demonstrate ownership and initiative.
• Identify opportunities for improvement.

• Communicate clearly and professionally.
• Listen actively and provide constructive feedback.

• Maintain ethical and professional standards.
• Promote accountability and compliance with DRC values.

Salary Expectations

Benefits of Working with DRC

• Experience with a leading international humanitarian organization.
• Exposure to global donor-funded programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to contribute to refugee and humanitarian response programs.
• Experience working with multicultural teams.

Career Growth Opportunities

• Senior Finance Specialist
• Finance Manager
• Grants Finance Manager
• Country Finance Coordinator
• Regional Finance Manager
• Head of Finance

How to Apply

• Updated CV (maximum four pages)
• Cover letter

Interview Preparation Tips

• Experience managing NGO or donor-funded finances.
• Examples of preparing donor financial reports.
• Experience with budgeting and budget monitoring.
• Handling financial audits and compliance reviews.
• Experience using ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics.
• Managing partner financial reporting.
• Examples of improving internal controls.
• Working with international teams and donors.

CV Tips for Applicants

• NGO or INGO finance experience.
• CPA/ACCA qualifications.
• Donor compliance experience.
• Budget preparation and monitoring skills.
• Financial reporting achievements.
• Microsoft Excel expertise.
• ERP system experience.
• Audit coordination experience.
• Partner financial management experience.