Assistant Controller

Title: Assistant Controller

Reports to: Associate Vice President of Finance

Location: Syracuse

Travel: 10%

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is a non-profit international development organization that has supported livelihoods 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, and empower conflict and crisis-affected groups to improve their future outlook and wellbeing. Our programs are organized around three pillars: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate-resilient Development, and Stabilization and Peacebuilding.

Position Description

The Assistant Controller plays a key role in financial planning and fund management for assigned projects and business units. This position reports to the AVP of Finance and collaborates with the global finance/accounting team and project leads in providing accurate information and analysis necessary for excellent financial management.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Controller will work directly with the AVP of Finance and local finance and program managers to support the effective and timely implementation of NEF financial administration procedures. Specific responsibilities include:

Financial Planning and Budgeting:

• Set-up project budget reports in financial system for all new projects;
• Analyze project financial reports to ensure alignment with project forecasts and project timeline and consult with implementation team to review key metrics, such as burn rate, cost allowability questions and updated forecasts;
• Prepare and submit donor financial reports;
• Identify and systematically allocate shared costs across projects
• Create, maintain, and monitor global staff allocation budget
• Ensure full allocation to project budgets, including indirect cost recovery;
• Monitor and manage cost share for projects as required;
• Prepare monthly department financial reports and distribute to managers with appropriate analysis and recommendations;
• Assist the AVP of Finance with the annual budget process and provide updates as needed to the forecast on a regular basis;
• Prepare regular cash flow reports;
• Assist with funding proposals as required and to ensure new budgets are adequate and within NEF guidelines;
• Assist the AVP of Finance with other financial planning and analysis tasks as required;

Accounting:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise for cost allowability principles for each donor and in accordance with GAAP;
• Monitor transactions for potential financial irregularities and report suspected or potential issues in a timely manner;
• Assist the AVP of Finance in devising secure financial systems and processes and ensure these are appropriately implemented;
• Support project related audits;

Qualifications and Requirements:

The successful candidate will have the following qualification and experience:

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related fields, or equivalent combination of education and work experience;
• Minimum 5 years of accounting and/or financial management experience, preferably in an NGO setting;
• Experience preparing and tracking budgets, reporting, contributing to forecasting models, and conducting financial analysis to assist in decision making;
• Experience with mid- to high-end accounting software. Experience with SAGE Intacct a plus;
• Excellent data analysis skills; advanced MS Excel skills are essential;
• Detail-oriented, ability to complete multiple tasks accurately within critical deadlines;
• Excellent organizational, problem solving and decision-making skills; ability to delegate and prioritize department workload;
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strict confidentiality and a proven ability to exercise good judgment;
• Willingness to travel internationally for site visits and/or internal audit as required;
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now and in the future.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with projects supported by USG, UK Government, EU, European bilateral agencies (e.g., Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, France), UN agencies;
• French and/or Arabic a plus.

Position Criteria:

• An understanding of the complexities surrounding collaboration in a global matrix organization;

• Highly organized, detail oriented and self-motivated;

• Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills;

• Remain positive in high pressure and stressful situations;

• Critical thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills;

• Action oriented and results focused;

• Flexible and resourceful approach;

• Independent problem solver.

To apply:

NEF will accept rolling applications until the position is filled.  Review of applications will begin on November 28, 2022.  Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Please apply by submitting the following documents:

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

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 Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Benefits

NEF offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: 20 PTO days plus 12 Company Holidays; generous medical, dental and, vision coverage; HRA and FSA benefits; employer paid short and long-term disability; employer paid life insurance; TIAA-CREF retirement plan with 8% employer contribution, paid family leave, and more!

Covid-19 Vaccine Policy for Employees

The Near East Foundation has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Near East Foundation, all employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including boosters as recommended by the CDC, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status. This policy is necessary to ensure not only the safety of our workforce, but the ongoing functionality of the organization.

This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.

Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided.

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;
• Proof of eligibility to work in the national location for this role.