FINANCE OFFICER

General Responsibilities

• Establish and implement specific finance systems and guidelines, ensuring procedures are in line with Marsa’s finance policies and established organizational practices
• Ensure confidentiality of data and information related to Projects and organization
• Perform day to day financial accounting tasks and reports
• Support the Executive Director in the preparation of budget and in the reporting of assigned grants.

Accounting

• Ensure all outgoing and incoming payments are well documented according to Marsa’s policies and donor requirements
• Ensure all financial documents are entered as journal entries in the accounting software including but not limited to verification of supporting documents, monitoring of payments and processing of transactions
• Develop and analyze project financial reports; monthly cash flow, cash book, and balance sheet reconciliation reports; annual budget planning, audit reviews and assessments.   
• Participate in the management of advances, follow up and liquidation of advances for grants, partners, workshops, staff, subcontractors, vendors and consultants.   
• Prepare and complete timely and accurate monthly financial reports for submission to the program funding agencies and Marsa   
• Ensures all financial transactions are reasonable, appropriate, and necessary.
• Assist during the donor verification visit and the audit process.

Payroll

• Prepare the paychecks or wire transfers, as applicable.
• Have the accounting entry verified by an employee independent of the payroll function
• Distribute paychecks/paystubs to employees.
• Receive copies of all leave requests.  Prepare all financial reports to management that summarize leaves taken and leave balances.

Budgeting and Reporting

• Conduct a thorough preparation of new budget and existing grant budget revision ensuring that all costs are covered and are not under/over budgeted in addition to correct use of the Marsa and donor budget formats
• Provide Analysis of grant spending plan vs. actual spending
• Work with the Executive Director on the monthly cost allocation.
• Work on regular and timely month closures
• Support program teams in matters related to the budget
• Prepare the monthly forecast and actual report and distribute on time
• Review the budget spending and advise relevant staff on spending status and ask for feedback on all over/under spending.
• Prepare and update spending plan for the grant in conjunction with the appropriate budget
• Manage Lebanese legal requirements for tax, audit and organization obligations    
• Supervise the partners/sub-grantees project accountants to maintain a highly secure financial system and provide technical guidance to the partners’ accountants in financial budgeting and reporting
• Build and train staff on financial policies and procedures.
• Assist in preparing Donor financial reports for review by the Executive Director.
• Review proposals and develop budgets accordingly
• Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director

Procurement

• Assist with procurement solicitations and recommendations for potential providers of needed goods and services in accordance with Marsa policies, procedures, and practices, and specific donor requirements   

Sub-granting

• Review pre-award assessment (PAT) of grantees and subcontractors as well as budget and contract development.  Propose appropriate special award conditions and documentation requirements per Marsa policies and specific donor requirements

Job Requirements

• Have comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures with accounting, financial controls, and financial information systems.     
• Have high skills in automated accounting software systems and database spreadsheets
• Possess high integrity and strong attention to detail and ability to set priorities and meet deadlines

•  Minimum of 5 years in an Accounting /Finance position in total and 3 years in an NGO
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance from recognized College/Institution
• Excellent knowledge in Excel
• Working experience on budget preparation, budget management and financial reports will be necessary
• Experience with financial budgeting and reporting for EU, UN, and US government is an asset
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Efficiency and results oriented
• Fluency in English and Arabic, French is an asset
• Commitment to Marsa’s vision, mission, and values
• Ability to prioritize among multiple tasks and make decisions
• Team player
• Can work in stressful environment.