Near East Foundation

Job Advertisement

Title: Finance Manager

Reports to: Director, Syria

Location: Damascus, Syria

Type: Full Time.

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for a Finance Manager to be based in Damascus, Syria. NEF is a non-profit international development organization that has supported livelihoods recovery and community-based economic development in the Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus since 1915. NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in these regions to create community-led solutions to reduce poverty, create economic opportunity, and empower conflict and crisis-affected groups to improve their outlook and wellbeing. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF has operations in ten countries: Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. HQ offices are based in Syracuse, NY, Washington, DC, London, UK, and Brussels, Belgium. Our programs are organized around three pillars: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate-resilient Development, and Stabilization and Peacebuilding.

Position Description

The Finance Manager, Syria, is responsible for implementing accounting and financial policies and procedures for all NEF entities within Syria. The Finance Manager will supervise the accounting functions in the Syria office, working closely with country leadership. This role involves supporting budget management, reviewing, and approving cash flow requests, and overseeing other banking and financial initiatives. The Finance Manager provides timely reports and assistance to the Director, Syria and team to ensure the efficient and effective use of financial resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accounting: Ensure daily entry of all accounting transactions are processed, perform monthly allocations and reconciliations in accordance with NEF accounting policies and procedures.
• AP & AR: Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable functions ensuring vendors are paid according to contractual terms and receivables are managed in a timely manner.
• Cash Flow: Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual cash flow forecasts and monthly cash request from HQ as needed.
• Budgeting: Prepare, monitor and manage country level budgets, alert Country and/or regional leadership and HQ Finance of variances, areas of concern and recommendations for improvement.
• Reporting: Prepare monthly financial reports for all projects and review with program staff and leadership, highlighting performance and suggesting areas for improvement.
• Payroll Administration: Oversee payroll process, payment, and all associated tax filings and payments with local governments.
• **Procurement:**Ensure procurement policies and procedures are followed and assist in training staff; report any non-compliance issues.
• Support the audit process, preparing necessary documents and collaborating with auditors to ensure a smooth and successful audit.
• Collaborate with country leadership to share best practices with NGOs and governmental agencies.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Auditing, or Finance required; a recognized professional certification in accounting such as CPA, or a master’s degree in Accounting is preferred.
• At least 6-9 years of experience in finance management, preferably within the international NGO sector.
• Demonstrated experience in budget preparation, financial reporting, and the ability to communicate technical financial data effectively.
• Strong communication and drafting skills; current knowledge of local regulations related to accounting, payroll administration, and taxes as they apply to international NGOs.
• Proficiency with accounting software, preferably Sage Intacct, and MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in written and oral English and Arabic.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships within a team.
• Excellent numerical skills and attention to detail.

How to Apply:

NEF will accept a rolling application until the position is filled. The review of application will begin immediately. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents to https://neareast.bamboohr.com/careers/455?source=aWQ9OA%3D%3D :

1. A cover letter outlining all relevant experience, how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer). You will be given further notice prior to us contacting references.

NEF welcomes and encourages applications from all genders, backgrounds, religions, cultures, nationalities and abilities.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Pre-employment Checks

Any Employment with the Near East Foundation will be subject to the following checks prior to start date:

• A satisfactory Restricted Party Screening.
• Misconduct Disclosure Scheme Check.
• Receipt of satisfactory references.
• Workplace Verification Check.

NEF’s strength is its people. Our team is our fuel to achieving the innovation, quality programming, community focus, mutual trust, sustainability, and learning needed to realize our mission. To help our team thrive, we support a working structure that prioritizes flexibility, personal commitments, and staff well-being while promoting a work culture of teamwork, collaboration, respect, integrity, and excellence.

As an international organization, we value a truly diverse workforce and prioritize a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We strive to create a high-achieving work environment informed by different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. With a commitment to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion in all we do, our aim is to ensure that people feel heard, protected, and empowered to contribute to NEF’s mission from day one.

Commitment to Safeguarding

As a global organization serving some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, the Near East Foundation takes the safeguarding of its program participants, staff, volunteers, and partners seriously. To that end, the Near East Foundation is a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, and will systematically check with previous employers about any sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment issues relating to potential new hires. We may also employ other robust pre-hire screens, including in-depth reference checks, criminal background checks, and sanctions screens.
procedures. The Near East Foundation expects all program participants, staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment.