Consultancy: External Auditor

The Arab Foundation for Freedoms and Equality is a regional organization dedicated to encouraging and support sexual health, sexuality, gender and bodily rights movements in the Middle East and North Africa through capacity building, knowledge production, protection, and advocacy. Established in 2009, AFE has been a driver of LGBTIQ+ rights in the MENA region supporting national organizations and local, regional and global advocacy to improve the quality of life of marginalized communities in the MENA region.

The objective of this consultancy is to support AFE in strengthening the development and implementation of the Financial and Accounting processes and Reporting framework to ensure alignment with relevant accounting standards and reflect current best practices.

The main objective of the Consultancy is to carry out a financial audit of AFE and an assessment of the financial and accounting procedure practices to identify gaps and areas, which may require improvement. Thereafter, a Financial Audit report and a Financial & Accounting Policy and Procedure Manual will be delivered.

Scope Description:

1. Carry out a financial audit and ensure its execution to highest professional quality and in accordance with international auditing standards.
2. Align the Financial & Accounting Policy and Procedure with international best practices related to Financial and Accounting Procedures and Reporting Standards.
3. Train AFE’s staff on best practices.
4. Undertake a review of AFE’s Financial & Accounting Procedures including but not limited to:

a) General Ledger and Chart of Accounts
b) Internal Control
c) Organizational Planning and Budgeting
d) Management and control of Bank Accounts, Cheques, Cash and Receipts
e) Payroll and Administration
f) Payments
g) Project Accounting
h) Audits
i) Reports
j) Fixed Asset Account Procedures.

Tasks:

The consultant will be tasked with:

• Undertaking financial audit of AFE’s past 5 years of Financial transactions and activities up to 2021.
• Undertaking a comprehensive review of the Financial and Accounting procedures, frameworks, and practices currently adopted by AFE
• Discussing with the AFE’s staff to identify specific Financial and Accounting gaps and barriers.
• Making recommendations for improvements.
• Conducting a review of all forms that are relevant or linked to the financial process to bring in line with identified changes where necessary.

Expected Deliverables:

1. Inception Report that includes:
a) the proposed audit methodology and tools,
b) review of the existing documents
c) work plan for the execution of the assignment and expected outputs.

2. Draft Audit report.

3. Draft Financial and Accounting Policy and Procedure Manual, that aligns to the needs and standards of AFE and best practices.

4. Presentation of the Draft Audit report to AFE’s Management.

5. Presentation of the Draft Financial and Accounting Policy and Procedure Manual to AFE’s Management team.

6. Submission of Final Audit report.

7. Submission of Final Financial & Accounting Policy and Procedure Manual, that must incorporate feedback received from AFE

8. Delivery of training to AFE’s Staff on the final draft of the Financial and Accounting Policy and Procedure Manual.

To facilitate the execution of this consultancy, AFE will provide the following:
a. Available background documents, transactions, invoices… and information relevant to the assignment;
b. Facilitate contact and dialogue with relevant staff and stakeholders, as necessary, upon request of the Consultant.

Skills & Requirements:

1. Minimum eight years’ experience in conducting financial auditing and providing consulting services in the field of design, development and updating of Finance and Accounting manuals;
2. Have an extensive similar experience in non-profit organizations with multiple funding sources
3. Full command of the English language with proven capacity for excellent oral and written communication/documentation in the development of Finance and Accounting reporting guidelines.
4. Strong commitment to AFE’s cause and values.  
5. Intercultural sensitivity and awareness. 

BUDGET & TIMELINE:

Budget: 3,000 USD to 4,000 USD

Timeframe: June to August