Senior Finance and Compliance Officer

. Position Purpose

The Senior Finance and Compliance Officer is responsible for supporting the organization’s financial management, financial operations, compliance systems, internal controls, donor financial compliance, and day-to-day financial oversight across all projects and organizational operations.

The role serves as the primary operational finance focal point within the organization and is responsible for ensuring that financial processes, documentation, transactions, reporting, and compliance practices are implemented accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with donor requirements, organizational policies, and applicable laws and regulations.

The position plays a key role in maintaining financial discipline, strengthening internal systems, supporting audits, supervising finance staff, and contributing to the organization’s operational efficiency.

The Senior Finance and Compliance Officer works under the supervision of the Director of Finance & Administration and supports organizational financial continuity during the institutional transition and strengthening phase.

2. Core Responsibilities
3. Financial Operations & Systems

• Support the management and oversight of the organization’s day-to-day financial operations
• Supervise finance staff and ensure proper implementation of financial procedures and workflows
• Ensure all financial transactions are properly recorded, supported, verified, and archived
• Monitor cash flow, banking activities, reconciliations, and financial documentation
• Ensure accounting records are accurate, complete, and audit-ready
• Support the maintenance and improvement of financial systems, procedures, and internal controls
• Ensure proper financial filing and documentation practices across all projects and departments

1. Compliance & Internal Control

• Ensure compliance with:
• Donor requirements
• Organizational financial policies and procedures
• Applicable Iraqi and Kurdistan Region laws and regulations
• Monitor financial and compliance risks and report concerns to management
• Review financial supporting documents to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance
• Support implementation of internal control mechanisms and risk mitigation measures
• Coordinate with administration, procurement, logistics, and program teams to ensure compliance and proper documentation practices

1. Budgeting & Financial Planning Support

• Support development and review of project budgets and proposal budgets
• Coordinate closely with the Director of Programs and technical teams during proposal development
• Monitor budget implementation and expenditure trends
• Support financial forecasting and budget tracking processes
• Assist in identifying budget risks, cost gaps, and efficiency opportunities

1. Audit & Financial Reporting

• Serve as a key focal point during internal and external audits
• Coordinate preparation of audit documentation and financial records
• Support timely preparation of donor financial reports and organizational financial reports
• Ensure financial reports are accurate, complete, and compliant with donor requirements
• Follow up implementation of audit findings and corrective actions

1. Financial Efficiency & Cost Control

• Support management in financial efficiency and cost optimization
• Monitor operational expenditures and support cost-control efforts
• Recommend practical measures to improve financial efficiency while maintaining compliance and operational quality
• Support efforts to reduce unnecessary financial and operational risks

1. Team Support & Coordination

• Support supervision and coordination of finance staff and related finance functions
• Promote a culture of financial accountability, compliance, and professionalism
• Support staff awareness regarding financial procedures and documentation requirements
• Coordinate closely with program, procurement, HR, administration, and management teams to ensure smooth financial operations

3. Authority & Financial Control Framework

The Senior Finance and Compliance Officer is responsible for:

• Reviewing financial transactions and supporting documents prior to processing
• Identifying and reporting non-compliant, incomplete, or high-risk transactions
• Ensuring financial documentation and approvals are properly maintained
• Supporting enforcement of organizational financial procedures and controls
• Escalating financial risks, irregularities, or compliance concerns to management

The position operates within the organization’s segregation of duties and financial control framework under the supervision of the Director of Finance & Administration and the oversight of the President & Executive Director.

4. Segregation of Duties

To ensure transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation:

• Preparation: Finance team / relevant department
• Review: Senior Finance and Compliance Officer
• Final Verification & Oversight: Director of Finance & Administration
• Approval: President & Executive Director

No financial transaction shall bypass this structure.

5. Non-Negotiables

• Zero tolerance for undocumented or unsupported financial transactions
• No payment or disbursement without proper approval and supporting documentation
• Full compliance with donor and organizational financial procedures at all times
• Immediate reporting of financial irregularities, risks, or compliance concerns
• Full audit trail for all financial transactions and activities
• Strict confidentiality regarding financial records and organizational information

Organizational Role

The Senior Finance and Compliance Officer plays a critical operational role in protecting the organization from financial, compliance, and operational risks by ensuring strong financial discipline, compliance oversight, accurate financial systems implementation, and effective day-to-day financial management.

The position is expected to contribute significantly to institutional strengthening, financial continuity, and organizational sustainability during the organization’s ongoing growth and transition phase.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in NGO financial management
• Previous experience in:
• a large local NGO, or
• an international NGO operating in Iraq
• Strong experience in:
• donor compliance
• financial operations
• budgeting
• audits
• financial reporting
• and internal controls
• Strong knowledge of donor financial compliance requirements and grant management
• Strong knowledge of Iraqi and Kurdistan Region financial, taxation, and social security regulations
• Strong leadership, analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills
• Professional working proficiency in English and Arabic required
• Kurdish language is an advantage

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UN agencies, international donors, and consortium projects
• Experience supporting organizational financial system strengthening
• Professional certifications (CPA, ACCA, CMA, DipIFR, or equivalent) are an advantage
• Experience working in multi-project and multi-donor environments

Interested candidates should submit their CV in PDF format to: hr@kohrw.org 
 cc: info@kohrw.org

Please indicate “Senior Finance and Compliance Officer

” in the subject line of your email.

Deadline: 25th of May 2026
We will contact only shortlisted candidates