Officer, Finance (local hire)

Summary

The Finance Officer will play a key role in ensuring the financial integrity and efficiency of the World Scout Bureau – Interamerica Support Center. This includes maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements, and supporting financial operations such as budgeting, reporting, and audits. The role involves overseeing day-to-day accounting functions, processing transactions, monitoring cash flow, and strengthening financial controls. Additionally, the Finance Officer will contribute to financial planning and ensure the smooth execution of financial procedures, fostering transparency and accountability in all financial matters.

Key Responsibilities

1. Control all aspects of accounting in the region, maintaining books of account, journals and ledgers up to date and recording the information in the Financial Management System.
2. Collect and verify invoices (including interoffice), processing payments (including payroll), and preparing electronic banking transactions.
3. Review and reconcile credit cards and/or expense claims, ensuring that all claims are properly documented and processed in a timely manner.
4. Monitor cash flow and bank transactions, preparing cash flow forecasts.
5. Support the preparation of monthly and yearly financial reports to ensure accurate and timely reporting for different stakeholders.
6. Apply and update financial procedures in line with the Internal Control System, ensuring compliance with local financial regulations.
7. Invoice and monitor the collection of the annual regional fees from Member Organizations.
8. Contribute to the preparation and monitoring of the regional annual budget.
9. Provide financial support for other regional projects and activities.
10. Support both internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to financial standards and tax regulations.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Administration.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in financial management in Panama (experience in nonprofit preferred).
• Expertise in Financial Regulations in Panama.
• Strong organizational and financial planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Experience in an international organization is a plus.
• Fluency in Spanish and English, both written and oral.
• Strong digital literacy, proficient in Microsoft Office, Dropbox, Slack, and other digital collaboration tools.
• Proficiency in accounting or financial management systems (ERP preferred).

Personal Qualities:

• Solutions-oriented and service-minded, with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Proactive, with the ability to work independently.

Terms and Conditions

The World Scout Bureau offers a range of tangible and intangible working benefits in compliance with the practice and laws of Panama. This is a full-time position with a contract of one year, with the possibility of extension following satisfactory performance review.

• The salary - paid based in Panamanian regulations - will be appropriate to the seniority of the role.
• The position will be based in Panama, Panama City (Interamerica Support Centre).
• Contractual hours of work are a minimum of 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required for the effective performance of the role. The successful candidate must be willing to travel internationally and work in the evenings and on weekends, when necessary.
• Annual leave and public holiday entitlement as per the law in Panama and the WSB Leave Policy.

The confirmation of appointment will be subject to:

• Background check, including verification of criminal record and relevant qualifications.
• Satisfactory completion of the probation period (three months).

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted using the online system before 23:59 Panama time (UTC-5) on Sunday, 20 April 2025 and should include:

1. A curriculum vitae with full details of education and career history, including contact information of at least 3 people who can provide employment references.
2. A cover letter outlining the candidate’s suitability for the role, related skills, knowledge and experience to the requirements of the job description. Candidate’s particular interest and motivation in applying for this role with World Scouting should also be outlined.

The role is envisioned to start no later than 01 June 2025.

The World Scout Bureau (WSB) is an equal opportunity employer and strongly believes in and practices diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where all qualified candidates will receive equal consideration in applying for the job opportunities and subsequent career advancement. Our employment practices are open to everyone, regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. We believe that fostering an inclusive culture and embracing diverse perspectives strengthens innovation and growth within WSB. We encourage people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities, to apply for the job opportunities created and announced by WSB.