Country Head of Finance

The Country Head of Finance leads all financial operations of JRS Lebanon, ensuring thorough financial planning, effective budgeting, accurate reporting, and strict compliance with JRS policies, donor regulations, and Lebanese laws. This role provides strategic financial direction and oversight to support programme delivery and ensures internal controls and financial policies are in place and upheld. The Country Head of Finance will play a critical role in building financial capacity across the country operations and liaising with the Regional and International Offices.

Main Responsibilities of the Position:

1. Financial Strategy, Planning & Oversight:

• Lead the development and implementation of JRS Lebanon’s financial strategy to support programmatic goals and long-term sustainability.
• Provide the Country Director and Leadership Team with financial insights and forecasts to guide decision-making.
• Ensure financial planning is integrated into strategic and operational planning processes.
• Collaborate with the Regional and International Offices to align the country’s financial strategy with regional and global financial policies and goals.
• Monitor financial performance and risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies.

2. Budgeting & Financial Management: 

• Coordinate the annual budgeting process, including consolidation of departmental and project budgets.
• In coordination with the Grants and Programmes teams, ensure that budgets are realistic, aligned with programme plans, and meet donor requirements.
• Review all budget proposals and modifications before submission to the Regional Office for validation prior to donor submission by the Country Grants Officer (CGO)
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets, identifying variances and advising programme teams accordingly.
• Support the CGO to maintain up-to-date grant financial trackers and ensure timely fund spending.
• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and reconciliation with NAV, before submission of financial data to Regional Accounting Officer (RAO) to prepare financial report(s) that will be submitted by the CGO to donor(s).
• Provide financial data and clarifications to the Grants/Programmes team for donor queries.
• Oversee and manage all organizational banking operations, including account administration, transactions, reconciliations, and coordination with banking partners to ensure accurate, efficient, and secure financial management.

3. Financial Reporting, Audit & Compliance: 

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with JRS financial policies and donor guidelines.
• Ensure timely submission of internal financial reports, including to the Regional Office and International Office.
• Lead and coordinate preparation for external, internal, and donor audits, in collaboration with the RAO, Regional Financial Compliance and Control Officer (RFCC) and Grants/Programmes team, ensuring proper documentation and follow-up.
• Ensure the implementation of audit recommendations and continuous improvement of financial processes.
• Oversee compliance with all legal financial obligations, including tax filings, payroll taxes, and social security contributions.
• Ensure accurate and timely reconciliation of intercompany accounts, bank statements, receivables and payables including vendors and donor funds.
• Assist the lawyer to submit the annual Ministry of Interior declaration by end of January.

4. Internal Controls, Financial Systems & Risk Management: 

• Ensure a strong internal control environment, with regular review and update of policies and procedures in collaboration with RO.
• Monitor financial operations to ensure compliance with JRS’s finance manual and donor requirements.
• Identify and assess financial risks and develop effective mitigation plans.
• Supervise the proper use and maintenance of accounting software and tools, ensuring financial data integrity and security.
• Work with procurement and logistics teams to ensure proper asset and items management in compliance with JRS policies.
• Implement improvements to financial systems and workflows to increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.

5. Team Leadership & Coordination: 

• Provide direct line management to the Country Accounting Coordinator ensuring clarity of role, performance expectations, and support.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise the country finance department, promoting accountability, efficiency, and collaboration.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance appraisals, and career development planning with direct reports.
• Assess capacity gaps and develop tailored training and coaching to strengthen financial skills and donor compliance knowledge across the team.
• Ensure that Finance/Accounting staff across the country and field offices are supported and operating within JRS standards and policies.
• Coordinate closely with other departments (e.g., Programmes, Human Resources, Grants, Logistics) to ensure smooth, integrated financial operations.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement within the finance team.

 Qualifications, Skills, and Personal Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field (master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in finance management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably within the NGO or humanitarian sector.
• Experience in managing multi-donor budgets, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Experience with international donor regulations is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and audit requirements.
• Strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.
• Proficiency in financial software (Navision) and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.

Core Values and Ethics 

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision, and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity.
• Trustworthy and good listener.
• High sense of discretion in always dealing with confidential matters.
• High integrity and honesty; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations, and information.
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as core values.