Finance & Accounting Officer

The Finance and Accounting Officer is responsible for managing, reviewing and monitoring the financial system of AgriCAL Project, in accordance with IFAD financial and procurement rules and regulations. The Finance and Accounting Officer will work under the direct supervision of, and be accountable to the AgriCAL Project Coordinator and AgriCAL-PCU.The Finance and Accounting Officer will have the following responsibilities:

Take a leading role, with the support and contribution of Project Coordinator and Components Senior Experts, on financial aspects of Annual Work Plan and Budgets (AWBPs) preparation and consolidation.
Ensure timely uploading of the Project budget over the accounting system.
Master IFAD key documents such as, the disbursement handbook, procurement guidelines and handbook, IFAD guidelines for project audits, the Financing Agreement (FA) and the Letter to the Recipient (LTR).
Work closely with the accounting system developer on customizing and maintaining an efficient accounting system and reliable internal control procedures and guidelines for financial reporting and recordkeeping.
Ensure compliance with all legal and statutory financial and accounting reporting requirements in Lebanon.
Ensure that all financial accounts are managed with respect to disbursement and replenishment in accordance with the approved IFAD procedures.
Prepare, review and monitor AgriCAL budgets including financing plan, and, procurement plan (together with the Procurement Officer).
Take prompt and definite action on non-compliance with procedure and practices. Verify all withdrawal applications for submission to IFAD, and ensure the funds availability for all planned activities.
Prepare and provide annual financial reports including the sources and uses of funds statement, incurred expenditures by component, expenditure category, designated account reconciliation statement, fixed asset list and cash flow forecast, statement of advances etc. for submission to the PCU, MoA and IFAD on a quarterly, semi and annual basis, and maintain all records in a form appropriate for audit and clear audit trail.
Prepare financial reports, including monthly funds reconciliation, and monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual expenditure statements; Prepare and analyze monthly financial reports for the AgriCAL Coordinator indicating financial performance of the Project compared with the annual work plan and budget.
Coordinate between different MOA, Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Lebanon and AgriCAL Project.
Act as focal point for all related AgriCAL financial correspondences.
Develop and maintain a system of financial control over all expenditure incurred by the project.
Monitor the level of advances/funds to AgriCAL Components to ensure both that there are sufficient funds to implement the programme activities and that the level of advances/fund are adequate and there are no idle funds.
Monitor compliance with the Financing Agreement for IFAD Grant.
Monitor compliance with the Letter to the Recipient.
Approve all reconciliations including bank and advance reconciliations.
Review and regularly update the Financial and Accounting Manual of the Project.
Coordinate and supervise audit arrangements related to AgriCAL in Lebanon.
Ensure good working relationships with and among AgriCAL Components to enable smooth implementation of financial procedures. 
Undertake any other activities assigned by the Project Coordinator.

Qualifications and Experience

An acceptable accounting and finance qualification (BSc, ACCA or last stage of AAT). A Master’s Degree is preferable.
A minimum of 7 years professional experience with at least 4 years experience in financial management.
Extensive knowledge of IFAD procedures /World Bank.
The candidate would be expected to have a thorough understanding of accounting practices, finance and investment. Familiarity and experience in use of accounting software is a must.
Candidates with previous experience in rural development projects will be given preference.
Good command of Arabic and English, both oral and written.
Prior experience working with donor-funded projects as well as experience with government of Lebanon regulations and procedures.
Good knowledge of basic computer software.
The ability to lead and to work as part of a team.
Good communication skills.
Ability to work with multi stakeholders, including government, private sector companies, civil society organizations, and community.
Professional and personal endurance and commitment to complete complex assignments efficiently and effectively in a high demanding working environment.