Accountant - Beirut

Program Background

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis 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 has launched a multi-sectoral relief program in Lebanon.  The program will provide assistance to refugees and host communities in the North, Mount Lebanon and Bekaa Valley through the delivery of protection programming for women and girls and livelihoods programming. 

Position Overview

Under the guidance of the Senior Finance Officer, the Accountant is responsible for day-to-day data processing in line with IRC policies and procedures.

The role contributes to the IRC Lebanon Finance Department by implementing appropriate processes to ensure the effective operation of accounting functions, while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of finance policies and procedures.
• Process daily data entry, bank, and cash transactions, ensuring accurate budget coding using Integra accounting system.
• Process payments by preparing checks, bank letters, and bank transfers upon submission of complete supporting documentation.
• Review petty cash expenses and process payments in compliance with IRC policies and procedures.
• Review supporting documents for payments and advance clearances related to volunteers, beneficiaries, etc., ensuring completeness and appropriate program verification.
• Organize and maintain an efficient filing system for all financial, accounting, contracting, and related documentation.
• Conduct regular site visits to process program-related payments and participate in cash payments.
• Handle checks and bank letters for suppliers, verify payment recipients, and follow up on check receipts.
• Follow up regularly on outstanding advances and ensure they are liquidated in accordance with the advance policy.
• Maintain custody of office petty cash and process approved transactions.
• Perform bi-weekly and month-end cash counts in accordance with the petty cash policy.
• Provide support during audits and donor visits by ensuring timely submission of requested documents.
• Assist with finance reconciliations during month-end and year-end closing, as requested by the supervisor.
• Support ad hoc tasks related to the scope of the position, as assigned by the supervisor.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or an Advanced Diploma in Accounting is a plus.
• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in finance or administration.
• Experience working in a complex environment; NGO experience is an advantage.
• Computer literate with working knowledge of Excel and accounting software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in English and Arabic.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and make sound decisions.
• Team player with the ability to work in a stressful environment.

Key Working Relationships

• Reports to: Senior Finance Officer
• Direct Reports: N/A
• Technical Reporting: N/A

Internal Contacts: Finance, Operations, and Program staff
External Contacts: Suppliers

Working Environment

Duty Station: The role will be based in IRC offices in Beirut.
Travel Requirements: Some travel may be required between the field office and the main IRC office in Beirut.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC et les employés de IRC doivent adhérer aux valeurs et principes contenus dans le IRC WAY (normes de conduite professionnelle). Ce sont l’Intégrité, le Service, et la Responsabilité. En conformité avec ces valeurs, IRC opère et fait respecter les politiques sur la protection des bénéficiaires contre l’exploitation et les abus, la protection de l’enfant, le harcèlement sur les lieux de travail, l’intégrité financière, et les représailles.