Finance Assistant (Accounting/Audit)

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 expanded its reach to various regions including Idleb, Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Hassakeh, and Deir ez-Zor, and is currently extending its programs into Hama, rural Damascus, and Homs. With a dedicated team of over 700 employees, the IRC has built strong community relationships and trust, ensuring effective service delivery. The organization plays a pivotal role in Syria's NGO, donor, and coordination forums, adapting to the evolving context and holding key positions. As of December 2024, the IRC has deployed a team to Damascus to establish operations and engage in coordination structures for newly accessible areas across Syria, including parts of Northeast Syria (NES), Northwest Syria (NWS), and other previously unreachable locations in South and Central Syria, thereby maximizing coverage and efficiency in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant is a crucial member of the Syria finance team, primarily supporting the Damascus office and program centers in Homs, as well as any future program centers that fall under the Damascus D4 jurisdiction. This role is responsible for implementing the finance policies and procedures of the IRC and its donors. The Finance Assistant will manage all cash-related activities, which include receiving cash from banks or Hawala, making deposits in the Damascus safe and related banks, issuing cash payments, preparing cash requests and forecasts, and ensuring that all necessary approvals are obtained based on the authorization matrix. The position also involves monitoring cash flow, coordinating with Hawala agents and banks for cash distributions to vendors, staff, and incentive workers, ensuring timely payments, and maintaining accurate supporting documents for all released payments and invoices. Additionally, the Finance Assistant will liaise with contracted banks and Hawala for deposits and withdrawals, ensuring that all cash and bank entries are recorded in the system promptly and that monthly reconciliations are performed accurately. The role also includes supporting the Finance Officer with data entry into the Integra System and fulfilling audit requirements, as well as managing daily accounting operations in Damascus.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will work closely with the Finance Officer to ensure a thorough understanding and implementation of IRC Finance Policies and Procedures, as well as donor rules and regulations. Responsibilities include reviewing financial documents to ensure all supporting documents and approvals are present, recording and submitting invoices and cash receipts to the Integra system daily, and maintaining organized files for all transactions. The Finance Assistant will prepare cash requests for the Damascus office in coordination with the line supervisor and ensure proper handling of cash received from Hawala and banks. This includes maintaining confidentiality regarding cash and cheque information, contacting suppliers for payment collection, and representing finance at distribution sites when necessary. The role requires verifying payee identities before disbursing payments, ensuring all required approvals and documents are in place, and conducting daily cash counts while addressing any discrepancies immediately. The Finance Assistant will also maintain a cash tracking sheet, manage cash refunds from staff, and support the Finance Officer with audit documentation and administrative tasks. The position demands effective workload management, resilience in accepting new assignments, and participation in month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring high-quality outcomes and adherence to deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in economics, accounting, business management, or relevant financial studies, or any other college degree accompanied by at least one year of experience in an accounting position, preferably within an international non-governmental organization (INGO). A solid understanding of accounting processes and procedures is essential, along with the ability to meet targets and deadlines while being flexible in a multicultural workforce. The ideal candidate should be a team player, cooperative, and supportive of colleagues across various departments, with the ability to work under pressure and manage a heavy workload. Willingness to work extra hours when necessary is also required. English language proficiency is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university or institutional degree in economics, specifically from accounting departments, business management, or relevant financial studies. Alternatively, candidates with any other college degree alongside one year of relevant experience in an accounting role will also be considered.

Experience:
The Finance Assistant should have a minimum of one year of experience in an accounting position, preferably within an INGO. A good understanding of accounting processes and procedures is crucial, as well as the ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities. Experience in a multicultural environment is also beneficial, as the role requires collaboration with diverse teams.

Languages:
Proficiency in Arabic is mandatory, with good practical and spoken skills. English language skills are also required, and knowledge of Kurdish is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and may involve travel to field sites in Northeast Syria (NES) upon request, as well as attendance at regional and global workshops and meetings. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities and reports directly to the Finance Officer. The IRC encourages national or returning national candidates to apply, offering an attractive relocation package for eligible candidates. The organization emphasizes adherence to its values and principles, including integrity, service, accountability, and equality, and expects staff to contribute to the sustainability and development of client responsiveness mechanisms.