Finance Technical Officer (FTO)

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC has been at the forefront of providing aid and support to millions of displaced individuals and families across various regions. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on delivering high-quality assistance and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC is committed to fostering a diverse workforce and promoting equity and inclusion within its teams, ensuring that all employees contribute to a safe and respectful working environment.

Job Overview:
The Finance Technical Officer (FTO) plays a crucial role within the Country Office Finance team, supporting the coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Finance Coordinator in managing financial operations related to payroll and accounting. This position is responsible for ensuring that all financial activities are conducted accurately, timely, and in compliance with relevant regulations. The FTO will lead payroll operations for national staff, contingent workers, and expatriates, ensuring adherence to both Palestinian and Israeli labor laws. The role requires a blend of technical payroll expertise and financial accounting skills to enhance the efficiency and compliance of NRC’s finance operations. The FTO will also be involved in statutory reporting, reconciliations, and providing audit support, making this a vital position within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Technical Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading payroll operations for national staff, contingent workers, and expatriates; verifying that vouchers and supporting documents comply with NRC’s procedures; preparing and submitting monthly Form 102, semiannual Form 126, and annual Form 856 to Israeli authorities; calculating and processing pension, severance, insurance, and income tax deductions; coordinating with HR on payroll inputs, timesheets, and contracts; ensuring payroll bookings in Agresso/Unit4; maintaining accurate payroll audit documentation; managing country and area office payments; reviewing and overseeing bank reconciliations; clearing accruals and prepayments; supporting financial reporting and reconciliation processes; investigating and resolving discrepancies; and assisting the Finance Coordinator with monthly accountancy tasks and other reasonable tasks assigned by management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a similar finance position within a humanitarian context is required. Additionally, candidates should have at least 2 years of hands-on experience in payroll processing and salary administration, preferably within the framework of Israeli labor law. Holding a Payroll Accountant certification is considered an asset. Strong knowledge of Palestinian labor and tax laws is essential, along with experience using Agresso/Unit4 or similar financial systems. Familiarity with donor policies and procedures, as well as experience working in complex and volatile contexts, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of financial operations and compliance within the humanitarian sector.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a finance role, particularly in a humanitarian context. This experience should include at least 2 years of direct involvement in payroll processing and salary administration, which is crucial for managing the financial operations of NRC effectively. Experience in navigating the intricacies of labor laws in both Palestinian and Israeli contexts is highly beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as all applications must be submitted in English, including a resume and cover letter. Knowledge of Arabic is also highly desirable, given the operational context in which NRC functions. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Jerusalem and is classified as Grade (06) Step (01). The contract duration is open-ended, indicating a long-term commitment to the role. The salary and benefits are based on the Jerusalem Duty Station, and the organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices. NRC is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. The recruitment process requires that applications be submitted through the NRC website, and candidates are reminded that applications will not be considered without the necessary documentation.