Accountant

Background

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a global, nonprofit organization that strives to share God’s love and compassion for all through relief, development and peace - www.mcc.org. MCC has been involved in Lebanon since 1948 and has been working permanently in the country since 1977. In Syria, MCC began connecting with partners in 1987 and has been working there permanently since 1991. MCC primarily works through national partnerships to improve the lives of local communities.

MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

Start Date:

Salary: $1200/month + benefits

Benefits: Vacation days; Benefits paid through NSSF; medical insurance

Hours: Full-time (9:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday; occasional nights and weekends)

Contract basis: 8-month contract (3-month probation period) with possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs.

All MCC workers are expected to affirm the values in the MCC mission statement:

• MCC values justice and peace. MCC seeks to live and serve nonviolently in response to the biblical call to justice and peace.
• MCC values just relationships. MCC seeks to serve justly and peacefully in each relationship and partnership, incorporating listening and learning, accountability, and mutuality, transparency, and integrity.

All MCC workers are also expected to respect that MCC as an organization is committed to the Mennonite World Conference Shared Convictions - https://mwc-cmm.org/article/shared-convictions

Assignment Narrative: (background information, accountability & support structure, schedule requirements) 

The Accountant reports to the MCC Lebanon, Syria and Iraq Representatives. He/she will maintain regular office hours, 9:00 – 17:00, Monday-Friday. He/she is expected to occasionally work nights and/or weekends, especially during times when there are program deadlines.

The Accountant will be responsible for undertaking the day-to day functioning of the MCC office. The ability to manage a variety of projects simultaneously under minimal supervision is required. The job requires a great deal of multi-tasking and the initiative to complete tasks and problem solve as appropriate. Must also be able to meet and greet visitors and guests in a pleasant and professional manner.

This position requires the Accountant to work with the MCC Finance Officer to manage the finances of the LSI program, including frequent communication with program staff in Beirut office, as well as program and financial services staff in MCC’s Canada and U.S. offices. Excellent oral and written communications skills are required on a daily basis to coordinate the needs of the office and assist with financial management of the program. The position will require attention to detail, working with MCC’s financial systems and policies.

Qualifications (necessary skills, experience, and education):  

Education

• Bachelor’s degree; finance or business degree preferred

Experience

• Essential: 1-2 years of experience in an office setting
• Desirable: Previous finance role in a civil society or non-governmental organization

Skills/abilities

• Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
• Experience working with financial software
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills (English and Arabic).
• General office, data entry, MS Office, database, internet, email, and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to take initiative and responsibility and to follow through on tasks with little supervision.
• Flexibility/willingness to be interrupted and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proven organizational and administrative skills
• Proven ability to problem solve

Personal qualities

• Creative and innovative approach to work
• Demonstrated interest and involvement in issues of justice, compassion, and mercy
• Ability to work as part of a team, to focus under pressure, and to work on tight timelines in support of MCC’s programs
• Must be able to work with people from all cultures and open to different points of view.

Duties (specific tasks & responsibilities):

Accounting and Finance

• Ensure internal control procedures are followed for all cash disbursement, exchanges, receipts and transfers.
• Maintain financial data entry for the MCC Lebanon, Syria and Iraq programs.
• Assist monthly and quarterly financial reports for review and submission.
• Assist in fund requests and other disbursements from MCC’s head offices in Canada and the U.S. 
• Work with MCC and local auditors on MCC’s financial records.
• Assist with the annual budgeting process.
• Prepare required reports to tax authorities (MOF/ MOI/ VAT etc.)

Office Administration

• Coordinate hosting logistics for the MCC Beirut office including travel, lodging and scheduling meetings for visiting guests and assisting with partner gatherings and program retreats.
• Ensure effective day-to-day operation of the Beirut office and MCC properties, including managing support staff (i.e. cleaner, plumber, etc.), water services and any other required utilities.
• Responsibility for tracking and purchasing of offices supplies and equipment.

General

• Attend MCC partner conferences and program retreats.
• Attend MCC weekly staff meetings.
• A willingness to help with various tasks to support MCC’s mission.
• A willingness to work extra hours when necessary (i.e., reporting or audit periods).
• Communicate regularly with Lebanon and Syria Representatives.
• Model non-violent peacemaking in the workplace and community through respectful interactions with others.

Challenges:

• Contact with people living in very difficult situations has the potential to bring about sadness and feelings of helplessness (Secondary Trauma). Strong coping mechanisms and balancing workload with self-care is needed.
• At certain times of the year, reporting deadlines may lead to heavier than normal workloads. Meetings or activities with partners can occur in the evenings or on the weekends. Flexibility will be needed.