Finance Coordinator

JOB TITLE

Finance Coordinator

REGION

MCC Europe and Middle East

TEAM

MCC Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq

LOCATION

Beirut, Lebanon

RESPONSIBLE TO

MCC Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq Representatives

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: $1600-2500/month, dependent on experience

Benefits: Vacation days; Benefits paid through NSSF

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

Contract basis: One-year contract with 3-month probation period. This can possibly be renewed based on performance and organization 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

Synopsis:

The Finance Coordinator is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day finance and office operations of the MCC Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq (LSI) program. He/she works as part of the MCC LSI team and provides administrative support to the MCC office in Beirut.

Qualifications (necessary skills, experience, and education):  

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or business preferred

EXPERIENCE

• 2 – 3 years of experience in accounting or finance.

• Previous finance role in a CSO or NGO
• Previous management experience preferred

SKILLS/ABILIITIES

• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
• 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.

• Experience working with financial software

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.

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

The Finance Coordinator reports to the MCC LSI 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 conferences or times when there are program deadlines.

The Finance Coordinator 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 Finance Coordinator to work with the MCC Reps to manage the finances of the LSI program, including frequent communication with 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.

Duties (specific tasks & responsibilities):

Accounting and Finance

• Ensure internal control procedures are followed for all cash disbursement, exchanges, receipts and transfers.
• Check sub-grantee reports, supporting documentation, and arrange payments to them.
• Check and approve financial entries to ensure correct coding and documentation.
• Prepare monthly financial reports for review and submission.
• Work with MCC and local auditors on MCC’s financial records.
• Conduct Partner’s financial review, and provide training to strengthen their capacity
• Assist with the annual budgeting process, quarterly budget reports, and anticipated budget variances.
• Prepare required reports to tax authorities (MOF/ MOI/ VAT etc...)
• Attend INGO Finance Managers meeting.

Office Administration

• Supervise 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 cash box disbursements in the Beirut office in coordination with the Rep and Finance Officer – phone cards, occupancy, services, and etc.
• Supervise finance officer position

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, Syria, and Iraq 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.