About Near East Foundation (NEF)

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for the position of Controller to be based in its Syracuse, NY headquarters. NEF is a non-profit international development organization that has supported livelihood recovery and community-based economic development in the Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus since 1915. NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in these regions to create community-led solutions to reduce poverty, create economic opportunity, increase resilience, and empower conflict and crisis-affected groups to improve their outlook and well-being. Through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF operates in ten countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. HQ offices are in Syracuse, NY; Washington, DC; London, UK; and Brussels, Belgium. Our programs are organized around three pillars: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate-resilient Development, and Stabilization and Peacebuilding.

The Role

Title: Controller

Unit: Finance

Reports To: VP, Finance

Location: Syracuse, NY

Type: Full-Time, (Exempt)

Travel: 10%

Relocation Assistance: Yes

Salary Range: $100,000-$130,000 DOE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Controller reports directly to the VP of Finance and is a hands-on leader within the Finance and Accounting Team. The Controller is responsible for global accounting, compliance, and financial reporting functions, which include all headquarters and international entities. The Controller manages the entire accounting process and provides high-quality, accurate, and timely data and analysis for strategic decision support. The Controller will work closely with the VP of Finance on strategic matters, policies, and procedures.

JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting

• Oversee and manage the month-end close process for the NEF Family of Entities, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements are prepared. Coordinating all activities required for the closing process, such as reviewing entries, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial statements.

• Direct and coordinate all daily accounting operations for the organisation. Efficiently processed accounts payable and receivables, accurately posted journal entries, allocated costs and accruals, managed payroll journals, and other disbursements and receipts to record financial transactions correctly.

• Oversee the maintenance of the general ledger, ensuring it accurately reflects the organisation's financial status. Additionally, manage the fixed asset register, ensuring all assets are correctly recorded, depreciated, and disposed of as per policy.

• Direct and coordinate the monthly reconciliation of all general ledger accounts, ensuring accuracy and resolving discrepancies. Detailed bank reconciliations to confirm that cash balances are correctly reported and that any unusual items are investigated and resolved.

• Review and approve all project financial report submissions to donors. Ensuring that reports are accurate, comply with donor requirements, and are submitted on time. Guide project managers on financial reporting as needed.

• Support the Vice President of Finance in preparing all consolidated financial statements and Board of Directors (BOD) reporting. Compiling data from various sources, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and organisational policies.

• Supervise staff accountants at the headquarters location(s) and in-country offices, directly or through a matrix reporting structure. Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development to ensure a high-performing team.

• Serve as the systems administrator for the accounting software system (e.g., Sage, Intacct). Ensure the system's integrity, maintain adequate security and access controls, and confirm the accounting system meets the organisation's needs and complies with financial reporting requirements.

Audit

• Oversee all NEF audits and ensure audit readiness for all entities: Manage NEF audits for the organisation, ensuring compliance and high financial reporting standards. Improve audit processes and maintain alignment with regulations and standards.

• Coordinate the documentation preparation for external auditors and support all audits: Coordinate and prepare the necessary documentation for external auditors. Ensure a smooth audit process by organising and reviewing financial documents. Provide support during all audit phases, address queries from auditors, and ensure accurate and up-to-date information is readily available.

Policies & Procedures

• Work closely with the VP of Finance to update and develop accounting policies and procedures. This involves regular meetings, comprehensive discussions, and a shared effort to align the accounting practices with the latest industry standards and organizational needs.

• Ensure all accounting policies and procedures are adhered to globally. Monitoring compliance, identifying areas of non-conformance, and implementing corrective measures to ensure uniformity and integrity in financial reporting across all international branches.

General

● Provide training related to accounting policies, procedures, and the accounting system to NEF staff at all levels. Preparing training materials, conducting workshops or webinars, and providing ongoing support and updates to ensure all employees are proficient and up to date.

● Perform other duties as assigned by the VP of Finance. These tasks could range from participating in special projects, assisting in financial analysis, and planning to play a vital role in internal audits. The nature of these duties is dynamic, reflecting the evolving needs of the finance department and the broader organizational objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance is required; CPA and MBA are preferred.

• A minimum of 7 years’ experience in accounting is required.

• Experience with U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Single Audits.

• International accounting experience required, preferably within the INGO sector.

• Experience working with USG, EU, and other major institutional donors is required.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. • Strong written and oral communication skills, including prior experience communicating with non-native English.

• French and Arabic language skills a plus.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills.

• Able to read and understand technical forms and financial reports.

• Willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships

• Candidates must be legally authorized to live and work in the United States without company sponsorship, now or in the future.

Location: Syracuse, NYClosing date: 06 March 2024THE NEAR EAST FOUNDATION HAS PARTNERED WITH OXFORDHR TO RECRUIT FOR THIS CRITICAL ROLE.

For more information and to apply:

PLEASE VISIT:

https://oxfordhr.com/jobs/controller/

*Only applications received by OxfordHR will be considered.