Call for External Auditors

Open Call for External Auditor – Adyan Foundation
Organization: Adyan Foundation in Lebanon and Iraq
Type of Contract: External Auditor (Contract-based)
Duration: 1 year 
Application Deadline: 31.10.2025

Location & Work Arrangement:

• On-site visits will be required at Adyan Foundation offices in Sin El Fil, Lebanon.
• Remote work for Adyan Iraq Offices.
• Remote work for Adyan Lebanon for tasks that do not require physical presence.
• The auditor may also participate in meetings and clarifications via online calls as needed.

Background:
Adyan Foundation is seeking a registered and experienced external audit firm to conduct an audit of its financial statements and project accounts. The firm will carry out internal audit tasks to ensure compliance with both organizational policies and donor requirements.

Scope of Work / Job Tasks

1. The auditing firm will be responsible for supporting the organization’s financial operations and compliance across Lebanon, Iraq, and potentially Syria, including but not limited to the following:
2. Reviewing the organization’s accounting system, chart of accounts, trial balances, journal entries, and supporting documentation.
3. Preparing all required fiscal submissions to government authorities, including entries on the Ministry of Finance (MOF) portal and filing official NSSF documents:
   1. NSSF declarations (monthly and annual)
   2. Salary tax forms (R5, R6, R7, R10, etc.) and quarterly salary tax
   3. VAT declarations
   4. Reviewing the table of non-resident tax (8.5%)
4. Understanding internal audit procedures to ensure compliance with organizational policies and donor regulations.
5. Verifying project expenditures, budgets, and financial reporting for donor-funded projects.
6. Preparing project audit reports for donors as required (annual or semi-annual).
7. Evaluating the adequacy of internal controls and providing recommendations for improvement.
8. Preparing a comprehensive annual audit report, including findings, discrepancies, and suggested corrective actions, accompanied by a management letter where required. This report should be submitted with the financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, etc.) at year-end or upon request by the Board of Directors, in line with donor requirements. (Consolidated Lebanon and Iraq)
9. Participating in meetings with the finance team to clarify audit observations.
10. Ensuring all audit activities are performed in accordance with applicable auditing standards and donor requirements.
11. Assisting in the preparation of the fiscal budget for submission to the Ministry of Interior for Lebanon Office.
12. Assisting in preparing and submitting the annual financial reports for the Iraq office based on the templates of both the Federal Government of Iraq and the Regional Government of Kurdistan.
13. Preparing an annual asset depreciation schedule.
14. Verifying the annual inventory list.
15. Meeting with the designated subcommittee from the Board of Directors at least 2 times per year to provide updates.

Deliverables:
The external auditor will be expected to provide clarity and consistency on the frequency of audits and the timely submission of deliverables, specifically:

1. Frequency of audits: Donor-funded project audits will be carried out as per donor requirements, which may be on an annual, semi-annual, or ad-hoc basis depending on the agreement with each donor. The external auditor must ensure that all such audits are planned in advance with Adyan’s Finance Department to avoid duplication or scope overlap.
2. Quarterly financial system review: The auditor will conduct quarterly checks of Adyan’s financial system, including but not limited to trial balances, accounting records, and supporting documentation, to ensure accuracy, compliance, and early detection of discrepancies.

Timeline for deliverables:

1. The annual organizational audit report (including financial statements, management letter, and recommendations) must be submitted no later than four (4) months after the close of the fiscal year.
2. Project-specific audit reports must be submitted within six (6) weeks following the project end date or as stipulated by the donor agreement.
3. Any additional reports requested by the Board of Directors or donors must also respect agreed-upon timelines to ensure compliance with funding and legal requirements.
4. Iraq reporting requirements: The auditor will assist in preparing and submitting the annual financial reports for the Iraq office, based on the templates required by both the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, once per year.
5. Legal and fiscal compliance in Lebanon: The auditor will ensure timely preparation and submission of all reports and declarations required by Lebanese authorities, including taxation, VAT, and CNSS (social security) obligations, in line with government regulations.

Requirements:

• The auditing firm or lead auditor must be a Lebanese Certified Public Accountant (LACPA), authorized to sign fiscal declarations.
• Proven experience in auditing NGOs and donor-funded projects.
• Strong knowledge of donor regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Fluency in both English and Arabic, with strong communication skills.

Compliance and Standards:
Ethics and confidentiality: The auditor must maintain strict data confidentiality, impartiality, and avoid any conflict of interest.
 

Operational Requirements:
Coordination and reporting line: The auditor will report directly to the Finance Manager on technical and day-to-day matters and provide consolidated findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Yearly Fees / Compensation:
Between: 6,000$-10,000$ (To be proposed by the audit firm and included in their proposal/offer)