Lebanon: Country Financial Controller – Lebanon

Organization: Concern Worldwide Country: Lebanon Closing date: 24 Jul 2013 Contract Length: 6 months with possible extension Date Needed By: 1 August 2013 New Post or Replacement: New Post (replacing Roving Accountant support) Accompanied / Unaccompanied: Unaccompanied Exact Job Location: Akkar, North Lebanon Reports To: Country Director Responsible For: Finance Manager and Admin and HR Manager (organogram attached) Liaises With: Administrative staff, including HR, Logistics and IT functions Job Purpose: The Country Financial Controller is responsible to establish and manage all aspects of the finance function of the Concern Worldwide Lebanon country programme so that we achieve our objectives in line with Concern Worldwide policies, procedures and standards. It should be noted that this is a programme start-up role and as such will require significant resourcefulness and flexibility. The CFC will additionally be expected to support general systems development and implementation, including logistics, procurement and HR in the absence of an ACD/Systems. The role will also support the Concern Turkey/Syria programme. Main Duties & Responsibilities: Financial System • Ensure that country financial management systems & records are adequate in order to identify and protect the assets & interest of the organization. • Ensure that the systems in place, enhance, as far as possible, the efficiency & effectiveness of the manner in which assets are utilized • Ensure that the global accounting package (Great Plains) is introduced maintained in a proper manner, and utilized in an appropriate & effective manner. • Establish & maintain a donor financial management system in order to optimize funding & to ensure efficient & accurate reporting to donors. • Ensure adequate controls over cash & bank management are constantly monitored & updated to minimize the risk of fraud or misappropriation. • Closely monitor all financial activities, and keep the CD/Country Management Team advised of all situations which have the potential for a negative impact on internal controls or financial management performance • Ensure that partner finance reports (if any) are thoroughly reviewed in coordination with the respective programme staff. Financial Control • Maintain an effective & efficient system of internal controls which comply with Concern Worldwide’s financial guidelines • Review existing systems on an on-going basis in order to develop and improve internal controls, in compliance with Concern’s policies and procedures • Ensure that all financial records & accounts are compiled timely, accurately and in line with international accounting standards & donor regulations • Ensure that the country financial operations comply with legal & statutory requirements e.g. audit & financial reporting to all relevant national authorities. • Ensure that country management prepares the annual & revised Country budget and donor budgets, as accurately as possible • Keep up to date with donor regulations and ensure that all controls are in place to meet donor compliance. • Ensure internal and external audits are carried out as per Concern requirements; support Country Director to prepare management response; ensure all agreed remedial actions are undertaken in timely manner • Undergo regular and random checks for compliance and investigations of anomolies against high risk areas within the operations Financial Reporting • Ensure timely & accurate preparation of monthly management accounts for budget-holders and Country Management to ensure that they can monitor the budget utilization and take appropriate action on any significant variances • Ensure timely & accurate preparation of financial reports for Dublin • Ensure timely & accurate preparation of donor reports for external donors / agencies. • Reconcile all balance sheet items on a monthly basis, in accordance with Concern Worldwide policies & procedures • Finalise year end accounts for external audit and provide any ad-hoc reports for Dublin • Provide financial analysis where necessary especially on maximizing available funds and advice to CD. Staff Management & Capacity Building • Train and develop the capacity of the local finance team to ensure that a good standard of financial management is maintained • Provide line management to the Finance and Admin and HR Managers • Undertake financial training of budget-holders, to assist them in enforcing financial controls & making decisions based on financial reports. Other financial duties • Facilitate internal, external & donor audits • Investigate and implement procedures for statutory deductions, social security & taxes are complied with & to liaise with relevant authorities in this respect. • Assist in the development & implementation of the Country’s Strategic Plan • Actively participate in the CMT meetings and be proactively involved in the decision making processes General systems support • Work with the CD to develop policies and procedures for procurement, logistics, HR and IT • Train national staff in systems policies and procedures as appropriate • Contribute to organisational accountability initiatives, including overseeing the roll out of commitments of Concern under the HAP (Humanitarian Accountability Partnership). PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:  Accountancy Qualification (e.g. CPA, ACA, ACCA)  3 years post qualification experience including previous Concern experience  Experience in developing staff technical and management capacities  Experience managing donor grants (e.g. USAID, UNICEF, UNHCR, ECHO, DFID, Irish Aid) • Fluent in English • Empathy with Concern’s goals and a commitment to capacity building, protection and participation  Familiarity with broader systems development including procurement, logistics, HR and IT. DESIRABLE Education, Qualifications & Experience Required: • Knowledge of development issues and concepts • Experience of working/living in insecure and sensitive environments • Experience of programme start-up operations • Knowledge of Arabic and or French an advantage. Special Skills, Aptitude or Personality Requirements: • Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines • Ability to contribute to a small team environment How to apply: All applications should be submitted through our website at https://jobs.concern.net by closing date. CV’s should be no more than 4 pages in length. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on a regular basis and we may offer posts before the closing date. Similar Jobs: • Lebanon: WASH Project Manager (2 positions) • Finance – Assistant Director of Finance – Oryx Rotana • Finance – Assistant Director of Finance / Assistant Financial Controller – Oryx Rotana • Finance – Accounts Payable – Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana • Finance – Accounts Payable – City Centre Rotana