Country Finance Manager

Background   ARK has recently been awarded, on behalf of DFID, a multi-year programme in Lebanon in support of Palestinian youth. This programme will improve their social and economic participation, as well as enhance the youth role in governance whilst reducing the likelihood of young Palestinians resorting to negative coping strategies. This is a continuation of previous projects which we have been delivering within the Palestinian Camps for a number of years.    The highly innovative, Palestinian-designed programme has delivered demonstrable impact within the camps and contributed to both Palestinian welfare and the stability of Lebanon. ARK seeks an experienced and dynamic Country Finance Manager to manage the finance office Beirut, Lebanon and lead a team of 2 finance/accounting personnel.   Tasks and Responsibilities • Serves as the primary finance and budget contact on all grants and contracts implemented in Lebanon.  • Liaise with the local accountants / Auditor on all issues related to ARK Group in Lebanon in coordination with the Country Manager. • Manage all aspects of the accounting and yearly financial statements of ARK Group in Lebanon as regulated by Lebanese law.  • Manages all aspects of grant and corporate budgets including; budget preparation, budget execution, and expense accounting allocation. Prepare periodic financial reports as required by grantors and management related to Lebanon. • Works directly with the programme team in developing donor specific budgets for proposal submissions   • Responsible for developing operating budgets in collaboration with management. This includes preparing and/or reviewing all decision items, budget schedules, budget amendments, strategic plan and performance measures. • Directs all budget management activities related to operations in Lebanon in cooperation with the Country Manager. This includes participating in the development, review and approval of all staffing patterns and budget allocations; review of all expenditure and revenue monitoring; and identification, development and approval of all supplemental requests. • Managing all year-end and end-of-project budget management. Conduct year-end financial closing in collaboration with corporate accountants.  Provide support and financial information to the grants officers if/when required. • Acts as liaison with project personnel involved in fiscal operations. Provide guidance to staff on fiscal procedures, policies and compliance issues. • Organize/Archive project records according to compliance requirements of company/donor. • Monitor and track the fiscal impact of proposed grant amendments and proposed changes in program, reporting to the Director of Finance and the Country Manager. • Attends meetings and trainings as required. • Performs other duties as assigned.   Experience • Bachelor degree in finance/accounting. • 7+ years of finance and accounting experience with 4+ years in a similar role. • Previous experience with government donors. • Experience working with the UK’s Department of International Development (DFID)  • Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles. • Able to lead and develop a team of finance and accounting personnel.  • Demonstrated maturity and ability to take initiative and adhere to deadlines.  • Functional competencies required: effective communicator, analytical thinker, active learner and team player. • Knowledge of relevant Lebanese and donor legislation and regulatory requirements. • Proven abilities in finance and budget related computer programmes. • Effective communication skills. • Fluent in English and Arabic.