Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. Established in 2007, RI operates in 14 countries, including some of the most fragile regions such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The organization employs over 4,000 staff members across the Middle East and implements humanitarian and development programs valued at approximately $70 million annually. RI operates under a shared management structure through its alliance with four corporate members: Relief International Inc., Relief International UK, Relief International France, and Relief International Europe. The organization has recently reactivated its operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) after a period of hibernation, focusing on health, WASH, protection, education, and livelihoods in response to the evolving situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant will play a vital role in supporting the finance team by managing daily financial transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements. This position is essential for the financial integrity and smooth operation of the organization’s activities. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for processing payments, reconciling accounts, preparing financial reports, and assisting with audits. The role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively within a team. Experience with accounting software and knowledge of NGO financial procedures are highly desirable, as the Finance Assistant will be integral to ensuring that financial operations are conducted efficiently and accurately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Data Entry and Accounting Procedures: Supporting accounting procedures in accounting software, ensuring proper booking of accounts receivable/payable, prepaid accounts, etc., in coordination with the Finance Officer/Finance Manager. Ensuring cash and bank reconciliations are completed before the month closes. Assisting in the preparation of monthly tax returns, payments, clearance, and reconciliation. Supporting the Finance Officer/Finance Manager in preparing monthly financial reports and reconciliations.
• Archiving: Ensuring all financial records have proper backups, naming and organizing files correctly for easy retrieval, uploading and maintaining documents on the cloud, following retention policies, and ensuring secure storage. Assisting in retrieving records and supporting audits.
• Review of Vouchers: Reviewing documents submitted for payments and advances, ensuring all backup paperwork is present and accurate, verifying amounts, budget lines, and arithmetic accuracy. Supporting the Finance Officer/Finance Manager in reviewing implementing partners’ financial reports, backup documents, and preparing and following up on issues reports.
• Cash/Bank Affairs: Assisting the Finance Manager and Finance Officer in ensuring sufficient petty cash and bank funds in both currencies, reporting daily cash and bank balances to the team, preparing payment vouchers and bank orders for review and signatures, and assisting in cash bank withdrawals.
• Other Tasks: Performing any other tasks as requested by the Finance Manager or Finance Officer.
• Behavior and Conduct: Ensuring that behavior inside and outside of work promotes the values in RI’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies, acting with integrity, and holding oneself accountable for being respectful, inclusive, and professional, as well as reporting any concerns.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including:

• At least 2 years of experience in a related position, with a preference for experience in the humanitarian sector.
• A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with both finance and non-finance teams.
• Prior experience in finance, bookkeeping, or accounting, ideally within an NGO or non-profit sector.
• Strong MS Excel skills and the ability to manage multiple financial tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
• High accuracy in processing financial data and detecting discrepancies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the financial principles and practices that will be applied in the role of Finance Assistant.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of experience in a related financial role. Experience in the humanitarian sector is preferred, as it provides valuable context for the financial operations within Relief International. Candidates should have prior experience in finance, bookkeeping, or accounting, ideally in an NGO or non-profit sector, to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the position.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is Arabic, as the candidate must be a native Arabic speaker. Fluency in English is also required to facilitate communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is based in Gaza. The Finance Assistant will be expected to adhere to the values and principles of Relief International, including integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. The role may involve working under pressure and managing multiple tasks simultaneously, requiring a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.