Finance Assistant

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Position Title: Finance Assistant
Location: Zahle
Country: Lebanon
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization that provides assistance, protection, and durable solutions to refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide. Established in 1946, NRC operates in over 30 countries, employing thousands of staff dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. The organization is committed to its core values of dedication, innovation, inclusivity, and accountability, which guide its actions and relationships with beneficiaries and stakeholders alike.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant plays a crucial role in the financial operations of NRC in Lebanon, specifically in the Bekaa region. This position is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of financial procedures, ensuring compliance with NRC's policies and donor requirements. The Finance Assistant will assist in maintaining accurate financial records, processing payments, and managing cash movements. The role requires a strong understanding of financial management principles and the ability to work collaboratively with various departments within NRC. The Finance Assistant will also be involved in preparing financial reports and ensuring that all financial transactions are properly documented and authorized, contributing to the overall financial integrity of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Comply with the Financial Handbook and other NRC policies.
• Verify that all vouchers and supporting documents meet the standards set in the Financial Handbook and enter them into the accounting system.
• Make and verify approved payments.
• Record all cash movements accurately.
• Follow up on advances and refunds.
• Prepare and arrange for bank withdrawals and transfers, presenting them for verification.
• Maintain a filing system for all financial and accounting documents.
• Ensure that expenditures from the main account are accounted for in the appropriate budget lines and relevant projects.
• Implement NRC’s Protection mainstreaming guidelines and report any breaches or concerns to the line manager or focal point. 1
• Refer all protection-related detected cases to the concerned referral focal point and the related Protection Coordinator. 1
• Utilize the NRC Agresso Accounting System for daily bookkeeping. 1
• Manage the office petty cash, ensuring its accuracy and sufficiency daily. 1
• Assist the Finance Officer in the monthly accounting closing process, ensuring accuracy and completeness of the ledger and all supporting documents. 1
• Support the Finance Officer in preparing the monthly financial report. 1
• Provide scanned copies of payments related to other countries. 1
• Ensure that all transactions are properly authorized and fully documented. 1
• Prepare payments for beneficiaries and vendors in accordance with NRC’s financial procedures. 1
• Work closely with Logistics on Purchase Requests and Purchase Orders, following up accordingly. 1
• Liaise with other NRC departments to issue due payments. 2
• Ensure that all payment requests comply with donor requirements. 2
• Monitor the bank account to ensure the availability of sufficient balances. 2
• Perform any other related tasks as requested by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Finance.
• 1-2 years of relevant work experience in finance or accounting.
• Experience in accounting or auditing within a humanitarian context is preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong proficiency in both spoken and written English and Arabic is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding financial principles and practices relevant to the role of Finance Assistant.

Experience:
The position requires 1-2 years of relevant work experience, particularly in finance or accounting roles. Experience in a humanitarian context is highly desirable, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to navigate the unique challenges faced in such environments. Familiarity with accounting systems and financial reporting processes is also beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, both spoken and written. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication within the organization and with beneficiaries. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
NRC is an equal opportunities employer, aiming for diversity in its workforce in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization offers a compelling cause for career development and the chance to work alongside professionals who are leaders in their fields. The position is full-time, and candidates are encouraged to submit complete applications, as incomplete submissions will not be considered. The organization emphasizes accountability to donors and the communities it serves, aligning with its core values.