Finance Officer

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.

DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, housing, infrastructure, basic assistance, livelihoods, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has five offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida, Tripoli and Qobayat.

About the job

Responsible for all daily finance and accounting tasks in the DRC Bekaa of Lebanon programme, in line with DRC and donor requirements. In addition, the Finance Officer is required to coordinate/verify monthly Financial prevision and liaise closely with the country head office on financial matters, in collaboration with the Support Services Team Leader. 

Responsibilities:

Transfers and payments

• Ensure all payments are made in a timely manner, and in accordance with existing DRC policy
• Ensure all payments meet the requirements of Lebanese law and engage with authorities, tax advisors or other stakeholders to ensure tax requirements are met accordingly
• Ensure that payment documents comply with DRC internal financial procedures and donor regulations
• Ensure proper transfer of funds from country office by maintaining the payment schedule
• Cash withdrawals and collecting check books from the bank
• Verify and prepare payments (checks/cash) and ensure compliance with DRC polices, as well as following up on payments to suppliers, contractors etc.
• Responsible for national staff salaries, NSSF, insurance, communication allocations and bookings on a monthly basis.

Accounting

• Ensure all financial expenditures are entered into DRC systems in time and of highest quality
• Update cashbooks daily to reflect the actual status of existing cash count and bank balance in all currencies
• Ensure all bank account statements are reconciled monthly
• Ensure proper filing system for financial documents
• Weekly and monthly cash count.
• Ensure proper follow up on partner instalment and financial report, as well as documentation.

Budget control, planning, and reporting

• Assist with the implementation of program cost
• Liaise with Program Managers on Partner budget monitoring
• Correctly use DRC Dynamics functionalities in area of concern.
• Assist in issuing donor reports by reviewing the financial transaction on a monthly basis and identify rebooking when is needed.
• Support the development of new proposals with financial information for budgeting.
• Anything required by the line manager.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a Bachelor/University degree in Accounting, Business, finance.

 Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in financial/accounting field
• Advanced proficiency in Excel
• Basic proficiency in PowerPoint and Word
• Advanced English proficiency
• Fluency in local language
• Experience working in NGOs is preferable

Required

• Bachelor/University degree in Accounting, Business, finance.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills 
• Proficient spoken and written Arabic and English 
• Willingness to work long hours and travel to all project sites regularly.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial IT systems, with basic proficiency in PowerPoint and Word

Desirable:

• Previous Experience working in ERP system.
• Previous experience in international organizations and humanitarian settings
• Previous experience working with Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
• Previous experience working with local partners.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 6 months renewable based on performance and availability of funds

Band/Level: H equal to 1750 USD

Duty Station: Bekaa

Start date: October 2021

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact sama.kanaan@drc.ngo