Finance Officer

[Baghdad,Iraq ]

The Finance Officer (FO) is responsible for proper accounting and asset recordkeeping, using IRI’s online accounting software, and the management of taxation and statutory audits for the IRI Iraq office to which s/he is assigned. S/he engages regularly with program teams to ensure adherence to IRI and funder policies and effective use of IRI Iraq resources, providing oversight on accounting and financial processes. S/he builds and maintains connections with a wide range of administrative and financial stakeholders. S/he will train and coach IRI staff on compliance with IRI regulations and accounting processes. S/he will also maintain a detailed database of accounting, banking and related administrative actions, decisions and supporting documentation.

Accounting

• Process payments for all expenses incurred in Iraq, reviewing bills entered by junior colleagues as needed. Ensure that routine payments are made on time and that all financial actions are properly recorded and supporting documentation filed.
• Review staff reconciliations and payments through online accounting systems. Oversee and manage payment package document collection, ensure proper verification and vetting, providing troubleshooting to potential contractors and partners as needed.
• Prepare and oversee procurement/grants/operations teams’ contributions to monthly IRI Iraq financial reports and imprests. Prepare monthly bank and accounting reconciliations.
• Draft monthly rolling budget request for transfer from HQ. Monitor spending and advise management team of variances or additional cash needs.
• Submit financial and administrative reports to IRI HQ as required.
• Liaise with IRI’s bank regularly, reviewing bank statements for consistency and ensuring continuity of service and access. Obtain bank statements monthly and maintain bank-required customer files.
• Process payroll on a monthly basis, overseeing expenditures on overtime, taxes and staff allowances, advising the management team of anticipated overspending or challenges.
• Maintain internal systems to track staff leave/benefit accrual and staff records in IRI’s accounting software.
• In coordination with HQ and procurement staff, perform financial tracking of vendors and subgrantees.

Administration & Management

• Ensure IRI is in compliance with local regulations and conduct necessary reporting to the government.
• Lead annual required financial report preparation to maintain IRI’s registration status, overseeing IRI-contracted auditors and liaising with IRI-contracted lawyers as needed.

• Maintain proper financial filing system and equipment inventory records.
• Oversee the schedule of assigned staff, provide development opportunities where possible. Contribute to the annual review process.
• Conduct regular trainings for IRI staff regarding changes to financial policies and regulations, provide technical assistance to IRI staff on finance/accounting.
• Travel to IRI activities within and outside of Baghdad/Erbil as needed.
• Reconcile all program and travel expenses on time; keep detailed records of IRI expenditures based on IRI regulations and guidance from IRI HQ.
• Submit accurate timesheets on time.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, economics, or other related field required; Graduate degree desirable.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible professional experience in non-profit accounting and procurement. Experience with INGOs preferred.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff.
• Demonstrated experience working with US and British Government funded projects and familiarity with U.S. and British Government regulations and processes.
• Experience with online accounting software required. Experience with Jamis preferred.
• Professional fluency in English and Arabic required.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically as needed.

To be considered, please email the following documents to [email protected] with the job title in the subject line:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Names and contact information for 2-3 professional references

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Only finalists will be contacted. Positions are open for Iraqi nationals only.

Established in April 1983, IRI is a non profit, nonpartisan organization committed to advancing freedom and democracy worldwide by helping political parties to become more issue-based and responsive, assisting citizens to participate in government planning, and working to increase the role of marginalized groups in the political process – including women and youth. We are headquartered in Washington D.C. with 32 field offices and over 385 staff worldwide and have been working in Iraq since 2003.

IRI is a 501(c)(3) and receives funding through grants from the U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Endowment for Democracy, a number of European foundations and aid agencies and other Western countries, and the United Nations. We do not receive any money from the Republican Party or any other U.S. partisan entity. Read more at www.iri.org.