Economic Recovery & Development Finance Officer

BackgroundThe International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. In response to the influx of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the IRC is launching a multisectoral relief program in Lebanon. The program will provide assistance to refugees and host communities in the North and Bekaa Valley through the delivery of protection programming for women and girls and cash assistance/livelihoods programming. Position OverviewWith the guidance of the Cash Assistance Program Manager Field Manager, and Finance Manager, the Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) Finance Officer is responsible for day-to-day data processing while keeping in line with IRC policies, procedures and donor requirements. This position also requires close working relationship with ERD Program Management, ERD Admin, Human resource and IRC’s finance department. Responsibilities Monitor the ERD program expenses and overall budget by implementing the ERD internal finance control procedures. Review and check all program related transactions are in compliance with the budget. In consultation with the ERD Coordinator and Cash Program Manager, assist in preparation of the ERD program cash forecasts and Cash Transfer Requests.  Checking the ERD field offices’ vouchers on monthly basis in coordination with ERD Managers and finance department. Assist ERD managers and Coordinator in drafting ERD program’s financial reports and checking of BvA reports on monthly basis for expense tracking.  Assist Finance Manager in sub grant management, Sub grants budgetary, reporting issues related to the ERD Program. Keeping track of sub grant’s funding status, BvA of ERD Programs etc.  Review and check all ERD Program transactions are in compliance with donor and IRC requirements. Processing and finalizing the monthly transaction spreadsheets for onward posting to accounting system. Ensure that all information in the spreadsheet is correct and complete. Prepare cash forecasts and Cash Transfer Requests for the ERD program keeping in view the monthly cash needs.  Checking of monthly payroll of ERD staff to ensure accuracy, identify problems for further improvement. Ensure timely disbursements and advice HR for proper grant coding. Checking the field offices upload sheets and the vouchers on monthly basis. Assist Finance Manager in monitoring of the ERD centers and offices when required. Preparation of Amortization of prepaid expenses of IRC offices on monthly basis. Produce timely and regular balance sheet accounts reconciliation. Identify differences or discrepancies and follow up as appropriate, in keeping with IRC policies, procedures and standard practices. Preparation and checking of bank reconciliation statements of all accounts on monthly basis. Assist Finance Manager in preparation of draft donor financial reports for all ERD projects and checking of BVA reports on monthly basis for expense tracking & reclassification in grants. Prepare/update Grants/Budget Filing. Participate in professional development activities, as needed or requested. Specifically, with regard to cash assistance, the incumbent’s tasks will focus on the following: Distribution of cash assistance: In light of the financial SOP’s developed for ERD Program, this person will be responsible to; Prepare pre-paid ATM card load authorization files in consultation with Cash Program Manager and send authorization requests to the bank when needed for card loading. Attend cash assistance distribution sessions ensuring the signatures of beneficiaries, ERD program representatives and IP (if any) on all requested documents. Ensure filing of all cash authorization documents in hard and soft copy. Reconciliation: Perform and share the Monthly Reconciliation of the Cash Assistance program activities from the bank and financial reports with Program Coordinator, Program Manager, Finance Manager and Finance Controller. Ensure maintenance of the records related to all cash related documents and submission once advised, in consultation with Cash Program Manager, to the finance department immediately following the distributions. Meet with Cash program manager to identify differences or discrepancies in regular beneficiary transaction reports and follow up as appropriate, in keeping with IRC policies, procedures and standard practices. Regularly request and monitor beneficiary withdrawal reports and monitor the remaining balance on the ATM cards, ensuring all the remaining ATM balance is transferred back to IRC account at the end of the grant. Ensure submission of all cash related documentation and reconciliation with finance department as needed. Requirements Minimum of 1-2 years in an Accounting/Finance position preferably in an NGO Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Advanced Diploma in Accounting from recognized College/Institution Computer literate with significant experience in Excel, accounting package knowledge Effective communication skills, both written and verbal Fluency in English and Arabic  Ability to prioritize among multiple tasks and make decisions Team player Can work in stressful environment