Finance Manager – Audit and Accounting

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in Syria since 2012, focusing on providing essential services such as protection, health, economic recovery, and early childhood development programs. The organization has a significant presence in various regions including Idleb, Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Hassakeh, and Deir ez-Zor, with ongoing expansions into Hama, rural Damascus, and Homs. With a dedicated team of over 700 employees, the IRC has built strong community relationships and trust, which are crucial for effective service delivery. The organization plays a pivotal role in Syria's NGO landscape, actively participating in donor and coordination forums, and adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of the region. As of December 2024, the IRC has initiated operations in Damascus to enhance its outreach and coordination efforts in newly accessible areas across Syria, including parts of Northeast and Northwest Syria, as well as other previously unreachable locations in South and Central Syria. This expansion aims to maximize coverage and operational efficiency in response to the changing context.

Job Overview:
The Finance Manager – Accounting & Audit is tasked with providing both strategic and operational leadership in the areas of accounting, audit, internal controls, compliance, and financial risk management. This role is critical in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records maintained within the Integra system. The Finance Manager oversees the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring effective management and reconciliation of cash, bank, and Hawala transactions, as well as all balance sheet accounts in a timely manner. A key expectation of this position is to strengthen financial accountability by implementing robust internal controls and compliance mechanisms, proactively identifying and addressing financial risks, and safeguarding organizational assets. The Finance Manager also plays a vital role in audit preparedness and follow-up, promoting the efficient and transparent use of resources, and ensuring adherence to IRC policies, donor requirements, applicable regulations, and accounting standards. This position requires a proactive approach to financial management and a commitment to maintaining high standards of financial integrity and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accounting and Financial Management and Internal Control: Manage the daily operations of the Accounting Department, assist in implementing finance policies, procedures, and systems, and ensure compliance with IRC and donor guidelines. Review supporting documentation for payments to ensure accuracy and compliance with cost allocation. Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes, monitor financial data quality, and maintain accounting records. Provide oversight of cash management activities, review and approve bank and cash reconciliations, and ensure proper authorization and documentation for Hawala transactions. Strengthen controls over cash transfers and banking activities, and maintain organized records for month/year-end closures. Liaise with budget holders for cash forecasts and ensure donor funds are utilized according to grant agreements. Establish and strengthen internal control systems to safeguard organizational assets and resources, identifying financial and operational risks and developing mitigation measures.
• Audit Management: Support the coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Finance Coordinator in planning and coordinating audits, ensuring timely provision of documentation and monitoring audit findings. Maintain audit readiness throughout the year and implement corrective actions based on audit recommendations.
• Balance Sheet and Reconciliation Management: Oversee the preparation and clearance of balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring timely resolution of unreconciled items and maintaining oversight of ageing balances.
• Payroll Management: Oversee the payroll review process to ensure compliance with organizational policies and local regulations, ensuring accurate allocation of payroll costs to projects.
• INTEGRA System Management: Ensure effective use of the Integra system, supervise posting of entries, and develop expertise in controlling the system. Support in producing required financial reports and resolving system discrepancies.
• Team Leadership and Capacity Building: Supervise and mentor accounting and finance staff, establish performance expectations, and foster a collaborative work environment that promotes continuous learning and improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a CPA qualification. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly advanced MS Excel, is essential. Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of accounting experience, with at least two years in audit-related performance. Familiarity with accounting systems, particularly the Integra system, is preferred. Experience working with an international NGO is also advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the IRC’s mission and values, possess strong communication skills, and have the ability to handle complex situations with discretion and integrity. Excellent management and interpersonal skills are required, along with the ability to promote teamwork in a cross-cultural context. Candidates should be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required. A CPA qualification is also acceptable. Candidates should have a strong foundation in accounting principles and practices, as well as familiarity with financial management systems and reporting.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of accounting experience, with at least two years in an audit-related role. Candidates should also have a minimum of one year of experience with an accounting system package, preferably the Integra system. Experience with international NGOs is highly desirable, as it provides valuable context for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the operational context of the IRC in Syria.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and may involve travel to field sites as needed, estimated at 15%. The role is full-time and involves direct supervision of the Finance Officer in Damascus. The IRC encourages national or returning national candidates to apply, offering an attractive relocation package for eligible candidates. The organization is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace and adheres to professional standards of conduct, including integrity, accountability, and respect for clients and communities.