Country Finance Officer

The Country Finance Officer reports to the Country Director.

Key Responsibilities

1. To administer country finances and guarantee that the projects have the necessary funds in their accounts to be able to function.
   • Prepare “Budget versus Income” (BvI) and update it on monthly basis. Share the BvI with Projects & Regional Accounting Officer.
   • Produce accurate monthly financial reports (reconciliations and discrepancies), and input accounting data into the accounting system (Front-end) and Dolphin Accounting Software; ensuring their transmission to Regional Office on time.
   • Draw up Cash forecast (monthly) and send it to Regional Office. Draw up cash flow sheets for Country Office and Projects.
2. Perform Country Office accounting and deal with routine financial queries.
   • Ensure that cash, cash equivalents and financial records are safeguarded and properly utilized in the Country Office.
   • Ensure regular reconciliation of accounts at the Country Office.
3. Oversee the documentation and recording of all income and expense transactions for every project, and verify and correctly maintain procedures, such as payments and other day-to-day financial transactions
   • Ensure financial accounting complies with JRS policies, procedures and local legal requirements (taxes, social security, insurance where applicable).
   • Review and check:
     • Vouchers (numbered and aligned with the system)
     • Reconciliations (weekly): banks, suppliers, cash, front-ends from projects.
     • Bank reconciliations (monthly) & cash withdrawals processing.
   • Ensure that all supporting documents are provided.
   • Follow up and check mistakes and gaps to be corrected.
   • Ensure that all documents are duly and properly filed and archived and follow up on procurement with the Procurement Officer.
   • Manage assets at JRS Country Office & Projects.
   • Prepare checks, bank transfers, in addition to cash disbursements to staff & suppliers.
4. Revise and approve the monthly payroll in coordination with the Country HR Officer.
5. NSSF & MOF:
   • Ensure timely preparation, declaration & payment of Income Tax on salaries & NSSF.
   • Ensure, along with the HR Officer, the proper completion of registration and withdrawal of staff from NSSF.
   • Prepare required tax & NSSF reports to tax authorities.
   • Complete the "R" official forms.
6. Develop and update country financial policies in consultation with the Regional Office.
7. Collaborate with the Country Director and assist him with the preparation of Annual Budgets for Project Proposals.
8. Assist the Country Director in the preparation of Project Audits and Annual Audit (cf. Audit Checklist).
   • Prepare the appropriate documentation and attend any financial audit or control session.
9. Assist and counsel the Country Director and the Country Human Resources Officer in recruiting and hiring JRS staff for the finance/administration department.
10. Train new accountants and administrators. Provide technical support to Project staff (Project Directors, Bookkeepers/ Accountants and Administrators).      
11. Communicate regularly with the Regional Finance Officer, informing him on all major issues and developments in financial operations within the country. 
12. Conduct any other related tasks, as assigned by the Country Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• A university degree in Commerce Accounting, Economics, Finance or related field.
• Minimum of 2 professional years of experience in the field.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Knowledge of English and Arabic both written and spoken is required.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Ability to write and edit reports under deadlines.
• Ability to work in multicultural environment.
• Ability to perform under pressure, work independently and respect deadlines.
• Previous work experience in Lebanon is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Personal Attributes

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and team working skills.
• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Experience in training.
• Highly approachable, trustworthy and confidential.
• Highly motivated, reliable and hardworking.