Regional Finance Officer

The position is based in the MENA Regional Office in Beirut, Lebanon and reports to the Regional Director, MENA; Regional Finance Officer is responsible for overseeing and monitoring all financial procedures and support for the Regional Office and MENA Countries.  Specifically, the Regional Finance Officer is responsible for the following as detailed below: Planning, management and budgeting Development and adherence to RTP Financial Guidelines, Procedures & Policies Bookkeeping Banking Budget preparation and follow up   RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS Job Responsibility #1: Planning, management & budgeting (approximate time: 15%) Active member in the process of developing annual plans & budgets for the region. Support Regional Program Manager/ Regional Director in adequate communication of the plan to program staff and partners. Coordinate with Country Managers and Finance Officers to set a yearly activity plan for upgrading staff skills and capacity in financial management. Actively participates in all evaluations in the MENA Region.  Job Responsibility #2:  Development and adherence to RTP Financial Guidelines, Procedures & Policies (approximate time: 10%) Ensure compliance with Right To Play’s financial policies & procedures. Prepare and maintain financial guidelines for the RO & COs as per RTP’s financial policies, i.e., approving authorities, reimbursement procedures, petty expenses, etc. Work closely with the Regional Director to ensure s/he is informed of all financial issues in the Regional office and the country offices. Job Responsibility #3:  Bookkeeping (approximate time: 50%) Handle bookkeeping for RO including petty cash and cash disbursements. Prepare the monthly payroll and payments of regional office staff and short term contractors/consultants. In coordination with RHRO, review COs payrolls and report them to the RD for approval. Ensure proper completion of all statutory deductions and deposit of same with appropriate authorities by due date. Maintain regional office accounts and pay bills on time. Collect and review monthly finance reports from country offices. Prepare consolidated MENA monthly financial reports to RTP HQ Financial Department in compliance with HQ requirements and local auditing requirements. Work with Regional Director to monitor financial reports and budgets on a monthly basis according to the internal checking system and external banking statements. Reconcile regional office staff travel expense reports for approval by the Regional Director. Prepare monthly projections for RO and collect the monthly projections for countries for approval by the Regional Director and submission to headquarters. Maintain a full record of receipts, contracts and other proof of payments according to RTP’s In-Field Financial Handbook. Ensure proper maintenance of all statutory records. Review all purchase requests from MENA country offices and provide feedback for RD’s approval. Audit country programs financial procedures on regular basis With the support of CFOs, prepare a monthly report comparing budget to actual in all MENA Countries and submit it to the RD. Job Responsibility #4:  Banking (approximate time: 10%) Address all bank matters and maintain an accurate record of all income and expenditure. Track incoming wire transfers from headquarters and report any delays or discrepancies to the Regional Director immediately Prepare cash advances and foreign currency orders for MENA staff travel Job Responsibility #5: Budget preparation and follow up (approximate time: 15%) Assist the Regional Director and program staff with the preparation of yearly project budgets and annual forecasts Review actual expenditures against the budget on monthly basis and calculate variances; take appropriate steps to correct the variances in consultation with the Regional Director. Assist the Regional Director in the monitoring and follow up of projects in the region Oversee annual audit of project finances.   EDUCATION / TRAINING / CERTIFICATION Required (must have):       Degree in accounting, business administration, economics, or commerce required   EXPERIENCE Required (must have):       3 to 5 years of financial/accountancy management experience Demonstrated work experience of at least three years in managing the financial operations of a mid-sized organisation.  Previous NGO experience is an asset COMPETENCIES / PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Required (must have): Fluency in speaking, writing, reading and understanding English and Arabic Ability to work as a team player with flexibility in schedules and responsibilities as required   Desired (asset): Fluency in speaking, writing, reading and understanding French is an asset   KNOWEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS: Required (must have): Advanced computer skills – Microsoft Office Superior Bookkeeping skills Ability to handle accounting and finance functions  independently   Desired (asset): Familiarity with AccPac accounting software Locally recognized certification in Finance & Accounting