Finance Officer - Beirut

ROLE PURPOSE: Save the Children’s Syria partnership programme is expanding, and the number of partners is increasing. SPP partners needs more continuous financial support and coaching Financial. To ensure that the record-keeping for the Lebanon Office is undertaken rationally, safely and effectively and that all financial plans, budgets, contracts, agreements and records are kept up to date and secured for access by authorized personnel only.   SCOPE OF ROLE: Reports to: Finance and Award manager    KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:  Financial Accountability: Provide a high standard of financial accounting, according to Save the Children accounting policies and to local statutory law where ever possible. Ensure accounting systems, policies, internal controls and procedures are quickly established for the collection of accurate, complete and timely financial data (e.g.: budgets, forecasts, expenditure, commitments, payroll, and delegation of authority). Manage partner’s cash flow to ensure timely and secure transfer of funds to meet programme needs, liaising with local bankers as required. Provide the necessary checks and balances to ensure that money is spent effectively, efficiently. Maintaining an effective filing system for financial transactions and project documents and ensuring that all financial documents are accurately supported, approved and coded, and that all cheque books, cheque list, petty cash are reconciled  Checking partners’ financial reports and supporting documentation according to the SCI policies, procedures and SPP alternative standard procedures. Update the documentation report analysis for each grant and update the partner financial tracker. Reconcile the inter country account with Lebanon office and with any other country office. Update the exchange rate file for different areas and the prices for the humanitarian activities for VFM purposes.  Financial Planning: Support the Partnership coordinator to produce partner budget. Ensure all relevant stakeholders are involved in the budgeting process, including partners. Prepare partners financial reports to monitor budgets on a regular and timely basis.  Provide advice/on line coaching to partners as needed on budget management and phasing.  Additional: Take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of fraud or theft. Ensure the security of all cash and assets (e.g.: regular cash and bank reconciliation, fixed asset and inventory physical checks) in collaboration with the Lebanon country Finance team. Work in close collaboration with other members of the SC team on all aspects of the emergency response as required.  Work with internal and external auditors as necessary, as required by the Lebanon Country Financial Director.  The post-holder will comply with all relevant Save the Children policies and procedures with respect to child safeguarding, safety and security, code of conduct, equal opportunities and other relevant policies. Competencies: Delivering results Takes personal responsibility and holds others accountable for delivering our ambitious goals for children, continually improving their own performance and that of the team and the partners Applying technical and professional expertise Applies the required technical and professional expertise to the highest standards; promotes and shares best practice within and outside the organisation Working effectively with others Works collaboratively to achieve shared goals and thrives on diversity of people and perspectives; knows when to lead and when to follow and how to ensure effective cross-boundary working   QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE   Experience: At least Bachelor Degree in finance or accounting At least one year of work experience in finance or accounting. Good understanding of financial and accounting policies, standards and procedures. Work experience with community development projects and/or INGOs would be an advantage.  Skills: Good communication skills (both written and oral) in Arabic and English; Working knowledge of accounting software (ability to use English language software); Competent in Microsoft Excel; Good analytical and organizational skills, Attention to details and determination to meet deadlines.  Desirable Experience with Save the Children financial systems and overseas accounting software (including Agresso) Experience with NGOs in an international emergency environment Experience living and working in Syria or neighbouring countries