Info
Introduction
The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.
The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.
Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.
Overall purpose of the role
The Accounting Specialist functions as the go-to person in accounting with the country. They hace overall resposability for the accounting and closing dates. Providing detalied advice, coordination and technical support to the Finance teams across the country and ensuring compliance with the finance chapters of DRC´s Operation Handbook and ensuring accounting quality.
Geographic scope: Country (Colombia)
This role has a country focus and ensures compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within the country. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides support and/or technical guidance to country operations while overseeing country activities
Responsibilities:
Support
- Support the development and implementation of financial management capacity building of staff.
- Provide technical support and advice to the Finance team.
- Identify training gaps among finance staff and conduct training sessions.
Accountant
- Guarantee the accounting information quality.
- Manage the full accounting cycle, including bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, accruals, provisions, and monthly and annual closings.
- Ensure compliance with relevant country statutory and other financial obligations such as tax, levies, statutory reports to DIAN and ESAL condition renewal.
- Prepare and file tax returns (income tax, VAT, withholding tax, national and departmental magnetic media reports), ensuring compliance with current tax regulations.
- Ensure compliance with legal and accounting requirements mandated by government entities, including the tax authority, Chamber of Commerce, and other regulatory bodies
- Lead and coordinate the renewal process of the Special Tax Regime, as well as obtaining and updating tax exemption and other legal documents required for NGO operations
- Design and oversee internal financial and accounting control systems, ensuring transparency and traceability in the use of funds
- Assist with internal and external audits, preparing the required documentation and responding to inquiries from oversight entities.
- Stay updated on relevant accounting and tax regulations to ensure continuous compliance with the organization.
- Make sure accounting closures are held on time and according to DRC’s policies and deadlines.
- Ensure cash counts are sent to HQ on time and are reconciled.
- Ensure bank statements and bank reconciliations are sent on time to HQ.
- Check allocation of salaries and timesheets are posted on time.
- Ensure month end closure report (MEC) is sent on time.
- Secure the presentation of Colombia Financial Statements and sign them.
- Ensure “electronic payroll” is reported on time.
- Ensure all tax liabilities are reported on time.
Accounting Management
- In close cooperation with Managers and Officers in geographical areas reinforce existing procedures and systems for financial and accounting management and control in compliance with guidelines of DRC’s Operations Handbook, fiscal guidelines and donor requirements.
- Ensure all required documentation for financial audits in cooperation with Coordination staff and HQ.
- Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
- Prepare for local audits.
- Identify training gaps among DRC finance staff.
Other activities
- Required by the organization related to accounting and financial management
As a Specialist, the incumbent is responsible for the following
- Responsible for providing specialized knowledge and operational know-how within a specific discipline.
- May also have technical line responsibilities, but generally on technical or operational matters
Required experience and competencies
- Minimum 3 years of international practical experience in accounting management in NGOs.
- Proven experience in preparing financial statements in accordance with local accounting standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), particularly as applied to the NGOs.
- Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in tax matters, including preparation and filing of national and regional taxes (income tax, VAT, withholding tax, industry and commerce tax), as well as management of magnetic media submissions.
- Specific experience with the Special Tax Regimen (RTE), including annual renewal processes, preparation of management reports, and compliance with DIAN (Colombian Tax Authority) requirements.
- Experience in legal compliance with regulatory entities such as the Chamber of Commerce, DIAN, and other fiscal authorities.
- Experience supporting internal and external audits, including preparation of supporting documentation, responding to audit findings, and following up on corrective actions
- Competence in providing technical guidance and training.
- Working experience with relevant donors (e.g. UNHCR, IOM, ECHO, OFDA, WFP, DFID or BPRM guidelines)
- Proficiency in accounting software (ERP Dynamics) and strong Excel skills
- Full professional proficiency in English
All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:
- Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
- Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
- Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
- Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of
- Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
Education:
- University degree in accounting. Certified accountant with professional license to sign financial statements
Languages:
- Mandatory fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English.
We offer
- The opportunity to join one of the world's leading NGOs.:
- Contract type: national fixed-term contract (obra o labor)
- Band: G No Manager
- Duty Station: Bogotá, Colombia
- Start date: 1st September 2025
Compensation and Benefits
- Monthly Salary: From $5.791.000 COP
- Health Coverage: Prepaid Medical Plan Included
- Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Colombian Laws.
Applications close on July 29, 2025 at 11:59pm (GMT-time). Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Note 1: The applicant who applies to this selection process authorizes DRC to validate the personal information provided in the CV. Your identification will be checked in public and private databases for the exclusive use of validating the information, in accordance with our anti-fraud, money laundry and terrorist financing policies.
Note 2: The applicant who freely and voluntarily wishes to take part in the selection process to occupy the position of this publish, must observe strict adherence to the rules that apply to the matter (suitability in the titles presented, execution of tests in a personal and individual and truthfulness in the information) adhering to the manuals and anti-fraud policies of DRC, under penalty of disqualifying the applicant who incurs in any irregularity in the opinion of the organization, even by suspicion, and even in possible criminal conduct under Colombian law.
