Staff Accoutant

Near East Foundation

Title:  Staff Accountant

Unit:  Finance

Reports to:  VP of Finance

Location:  Syracuse, NY

Travel:  10%

Salary Range:  $58,500 – $65,000

About NEF

Since 1915, NEF has supported community-led economic and social development in Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus. As a non-profit international development organization, 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, climate- and crisis-affected people to improve their outlook and wellbeing. Our programs span three focal areas: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate Resilient Development, and Peace and Stability.

NEF works through a network of country offices and with local partners, with current or recent operations in Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Our global headquarters are based in Syracuse, NY, London, UK, and Brussels, Belgium.

Summary of Role

The Staff Accountant will be vital member of the Near East Foundation Headquarters accounting department responsible for providing timely, collaborative, service-oriented accounting support to HQs and local country offices. Reporting to the VP of Finance, the Staff Accountant will support global month-end close with accurate and timely completion of expense allocations and balance sheet reconciliations.  The Staff Accountant will be responsible for funder reporting, preparation of project budget variance analysis and supporting assigned program forecasting, general accounting system administration, and general IT support.  The Staff Accountant will directly participate in a matrix structure for global staff, serving as a liaison to global colleagues and finance function team members.

JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting Responsibilities

• Support adherence to month-end close calendar globally by providing pre and post close support to local accountants.
• Enter and review bank account reconciliations globally.
• Prepare salary allocations for assigned portfolio in accordance with NEF policies.
• Calculate and record indirect expense for assigned projects.
• Regularly maintain detailed reconciliations of assigned balance sheet accounts.
• Maintain permanent files for all offices in close management software.
• Maintains reconciliations for balance sheet accounts for headquarter locations as assigned.
• Provide accounting support to country offices and headquarters in the absence of accounting personnel.
• Providing daily transaction entry assistance to local accounting staff, including recording payments and providing support to reconcile balance sheet accounts.
• Prepare documentation for external auditors and provide support for both consolidated and project audits.

Financial Reporting, Audit and Related Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate project listing in accounting software.
• Prepare financial reports required by funders for assigned portfolio and/or NEF management.
• Prepare monthly budget variance analysis for distribution.
• Support program budget holders with forecasting and analysis
• Responsible for maintaining current knowledge of funder’s and NEFs financial policies and procedures and serving as a resource for program teams.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain users and employee licenses in ERP system.

• IT Support including maintaining employee licenses and access to various software subscriptions.

• Provides training on financial policies and procedures to program teams in respective portfolios.

• Troubleshoots accounting problems; identifies and implements solutions.

• Conduct on-boarding for new staff by training on ERP modules needed for success.

• Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationships with colleagues.

• Provides liaison support as needed.

• Develop and maintain process maps for assigned tasks.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

We encourage all individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to succeed within this position and thrive at NEF to apply for this role, even if you do not meet 100% of the basic qualifications.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance required;
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in accounting required;
• Proficient in Word and Excel;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• 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

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship, now or in the future.

NEF will accept a rolling application until the position is filled. Review of application will begin on October 24, 2024. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents:

1. Cover letter outlining all relevant experience, how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer). You will be given further notice prior to us contacting references.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Woman 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.

NEF's strength is its people. Our team is our fuel to achieving the innovation, quality programming, community focus, mutual trust, sustainability, and learning needed to realize our mission. To help our team thrive, we support a working structure that prioritizes flexibility, personal commitments, and staff well-being while promoting a work culture of teamwork, collaboration, respect, integrity, and excellence.

As an international organization, we value a truly diverse workforce and prioritize a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We strive to create a high-achieving work environment informed by different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. With a commitment to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion in all we do, our aim is to ensure that people feel heard, protected, and empowered to contribute to NEF's mission from day one.

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, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more!

Professional Development

NEF highly emphasizes our team members’ professional growth and development. We offer access to a wide range of training programs and mentorship opportunities, focusing on empowering women within our organization through guidance from successful female leaders. For example, NEF’s commitment to the Fair Share of Women Leaders initiative includes options for personalized development coaching, among our unique programs. These opportunities are designed to pave the way for career advancement and ensure every team member has the tools to succeed.