Near East Foundation

Job Announcement

Title:  Finance Manager 

Location: Amman

Reporting to:  Executive Director , Amman Jordan

Expected starting date:  Nov 1^St 2024

“The Near East Foundation (NEF) Regional/Siraj Financial Services (SFS) are recruiting a Finance Manager to be based in Amman, Jordan. This position will initially be under an NEF contract, seconded to SFS. Once SFS’s registration in Jordan is finalized, the candidate will transition to an SFS contract”. For over 100 years, the Near East Foundation  has worked to build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities in the Middle East, Caucasus, and Africa through education, governance, and economic development initiatives. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF has operations in ten countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Its programs are organized around three themes: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate-resilient Development, and Stabilization and Peacebuilding.

SFS Background

Siraj Financial Services (SFS), registered in Belgium with a regional office in Amman, is committed to driving sustainable economic growth in Northern Syria by empowering local entrepreneurs. Building on NEF's successful revolving credit fund pilot, which provided small loans to entrepreneurs in Ar-Raqqa, Deir Ez-Zor, and Al-Hasakeh, SFS is advancing this initiative by commercializing the model and expanding its reach. Targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), we offer micro-loans and development loans alongside non-financial services such as business development training, coaching, and market facilitation. Our focus is on supporting women, youth, and vulnerable groups, prioritizing high-value sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, services, and trade to ensure their active participation in the region's economic development. 

Position Description

The Finance Manager at Siraj Financial Services (SFS) is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization’s financial operations. This includes ensuring effective financial management, accurate reporting, and strict compliance with financial regulations. The role involves leading the finance team, preparing comprehensive financial reports, and providing key financial insights to support strategic decision-making. The Finance Manager plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial stability of SFS and driving the achievement of its financial goals, contributing to the sustainable growth of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial transactions and reconciliations.
• Lead the preparation of annual budgets in collaboration with department heads.
• Monitor budget performance, analyze variances, and provide actionable insights.
• Prepare financial forecasts and adjust budgets as needed to reflect changes in business conditions.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP).
• Provide financial analysis to support decision-making and strategic planning.
• Develop and implement strong internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, accounting standards, and organizational policies.
• Oversee tax compliance, including the preparation and submission of tax returns.
• Manage the organization's cash flow to ensure sufficient liquidity for operations.
• Oversee bank accounts, investments, and financial transactions.
• Optimize the use of financial resources to maximize returns and minimize risks.
• Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support strategic initiatives by providing financial insights and recommendations.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, including credit, liquidity, and operational risks.
• Implement audit recommendations and improve financial processes as needed.
• Act as the key point of contact for financial queries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate financial performance to senior management and other departments.
• Manage and optimize financial systems and software to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and implement best practices.

Qualifications & Requirments: 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA, ACCA) is preferred.
• At least 7 to 10  years of work experience working in the microfinance and/or financial institutions and/or banking sector. Financial Technology is a plus
• Strong knowledge of financial management, accounting principles, and financial reporting standards. Proficiency in financial analysis and accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Delta, Oracle).
• Familiarity with microfinance operations and financial inclusion strategies is an advantage.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Understanding of local and international accounting regulations, IFRS, tax laws, and compliance requirements
• Experience working with international non-governmental organizations.
• Fluency in spoken/ written Arabic and English required.

NEF will accept a rolling application until the position is filled. Review of application will begin on September 22, 2024. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents to https://neareast.bamboohr.com/careers/400?source=aWQ9MTk%3D :

• Cover letter outlining relevant experience and skills based on the requirements outlined above 
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer)

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org.

The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.

Pre-employment Checks

Any employment with the Near East Foundation will be subject to the following checks prior to start date:

• A satisfactory Restricted Party Screening.
• Receipt of satisfactory references.
• Workplace Verification Check