Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Established with a mission to provide essential services and support to vulnerable populations, RI has grown to employ over 7,000 staff and local volunteers. The organization operates in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming. RI emphasizes the importance of working with local actors to develop safe, inclusive, and evidence-based programming that is sensitive to conflict and climate challenges, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position at Relief International is a critical role that supports the financial operations of the Damascus office. Reporting directly to the Finance Manager, the Finance Assistant will be responsible for ensuring that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and processed in compliance with local regulations and organizational policies. This role involves regular communication with various stakeholders, including local authorities, banks, and other financial service providers, to facilitate smooth financial operations. The Finance Assistant will play a key role in maintaining financial records, processing payments, and supporting the overall financial health of the organization in the region. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting accounting entries and financial processes for the Damascus office, ensuring timely booking of payments, assisting with monthly finance closing activities, establishing tracking systems for advances and prepayments, and maintaining accurate records of payment vouchers. The role also involves collaborating with banks and other providers to resolve payment-related queries, verifying office expenses and allowances, processing salary advances, and maintaining the office petty cash fund. Additionally, the Finance Assistant will support payroll processing for field locations, maintain a computerized filing system for audit readiness, and assist with audit missions by providing necessary documentation. The role may require occasional travel to field locations for gap-filling purposes and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Assistant position must possess a university degree in accountancy, finance, or business management. While a CMA/ACCA or other accounting qualifications are desirable, the essential requirement is a minimum of two years of experience working in finance or accounting within international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). Proficiency in Excel and experience with computerized accounting software, such as NetSuite or ERP systems, are also required. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team are essential attributes for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Assistant position includes a university degree in accountancy, finance, or business management. Additional qualifications such as CMA or ACCA are considered advantageous but not mandatory. The emphasis is on having a solid foundation in financial principles and practices, which is critical for effectively managing the financial responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate for the Finance Assistant position should have at least two years of relevant experience working in finance or accounting departments, preferably within international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). This experience should include familiarity with financial processes, accounting software, and compliance with financial regulations. Candidates with experience in USAID, UN, or ECHO funded projects will have an added advantage, as this background will enhance their understanding of the financial requirements specific to these funding sources.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Finance Assistant position, as effective communication is crucial for liaising with various stakeholders and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, given the location of the position in Damascus, and will facilitate better communication with local authorities and community members. Additional language skills may be considered a plus, depending on the specific needs of the organization.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Assistant position is a full-time role based in Damascus, Syria. The closing date for applications is March 31, 202

• Relief International is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable communities and expects all staff and volunteers to adhere to the highest standards of conduct. The recruitment process includes a criminal records self-declaration, reference checks, and other pre-employment verifications, which may include police and qualifications checks. The organization values integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability, and seeks candidates who align with these values.