Accountant

Near East Foundation

Job Announcement

Title:  Accountant 

Reports to:  Senior Accountant

Location:  Beirut, Lebanon

Travel:  20% travel between project sites within Lebanon (Bekaa, Beirut and North of Lebanon).

Expected starting date: December 1, 2020

Contract end date: March 31, 2021 (renewable depending on funding)

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for the accountant position, for a period of 4 months, based in Beirut, Lebanon. For over 100 years, the Near East Foundation (NEF) has worked to build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities in the Middle East, Caucasus, and Africa through education, governance, and economic development initiatives. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF currently has approximately 250 staff members – almost all nationals – and programs in eight countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Sudan, and Syria. Its programs are organized around three themes: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate Resilient Development, and Peacebuilding and Stabilization. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Accountant is a key member of the Near East Foundation team in Lebanon.  S/he will be responsible for day-to-day entries and ensuring that all ‎accounting, procurement and other cost related activities are performed in accordance with NEF policies, local regulations and the donor requirements.‎

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Senior Accountant, the Accountant has the following specific responsibilities:

• ‎Compile entries into SAGE accounting software on daily basis.‎
• ‎Verify procurement processes by reviewing invoices for accuracy and ensuring that appropriate‎ procurement authorization and supporting documentation are attached and in accordance with NEF procurement process.‎
• ‎Ensure that all invoices and procurements are uploaded into SAGE system.‎
• ‎Work closely with Logistics on Purchase Requests and Purchase Orders and follow up accordingly.‎
• ‎Maintain control of petty cash and ensure its sufficiency on daily basis. ‎
• ‎Follow up on staff advances.‎
• ‎Support in reconciling the cash book with bank statement.‎
• ‎Assist in the preparation of disbursement vouchers, checks and bank transfer requests and ensure all the supporting documentation is attached, and bank account information are correct and updated.‎
• ‎Ensure proper filing of documents.‎
• ‎Other accounting related tasks as requested by the Senior Accountant or Country Representative ‎

QUALIFICATIONS 

The successful Accountant must be a self-directed individual with the following qualifications: 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 2 years of relevant accounting experience preferably ‎ with a humanitarian/development organization. 
• Competence with accounting software, preferably Sage Intacct and with MS Office applications,‎ including Word, Excel and Outlook‎.
• Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and verbal.
• ‎Strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
• Able to read and interpret documents, and communicate with others as necessary to perform job duties effectively

Preferred Qualifications:

• Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work effectively across a wide variety of cultural contexts.
• Effective team player, able to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Flexible, creative, and problem-solving oriented. 

Position Criteria:

• Willingness and ability to frequently travel to field sites (Bekaa, Beirut and North of Lebanon). 
• Ability to take initiative; highly self-motivated, with a strong capacity to work within a team. 
• Ability to work independently, with strong work ethics and a high level of professionalism.
• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and ensuring others do as well. 
• Flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to learn from and support others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and cope with competing demands under tight deadlines. 
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with people from different backgrounds.  
• Strong commitment to humanitarian principles.