Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Work as part of the finance team to ensure the integrity of all financial records are maintained and highlight any policy violations or risks to the Country Director and Group Finance Director
Maintain Quick Books including regular postings and related accounts reconciliations
Ensure all financial reporting is accurate, complete and produced to agreed timelines
Lead on statutory accounts preparation for local entities and managing year end audit – this will range in involvement across the countries
Continue to build a positive and collaborative team culture within the Finance Team and across the organisation
Support the Country Director and Group Finance Director with implementation of sound accounting principles and good practice to ensure transparency and accountability
Establish a high level of credibility and build strong working relationships with internal and external parties
Ensure consideration of UK charity governance in financial reporting and decision making
Line Management – Finance and/or Administration
Set personal objectives and development plans in line with team objectives and the overall financial strategy of Turquoise Mountain
Provide mentoring and appropriate day-to-day support
Embed a culture of continual improvement to increase transactional efficiencies without compromising on accuracy
Embed a culture of customer service excellence towards budget holders and other internal stakeholders in terms of technical competence and written and verbal communication
Financial Planning and Budgeting
Support the Country Director with the preparation of the annual budget and midyear forecasts in line with agreed budget criteria and timetable set by the Group Finance Director, including reconciliation of donor funding available and identifying gaps in funding
Lead on cashflow forecasting
Financial Governance and Accounting
Support the project finance leads in day-to-day financial matters, adhering to policies/processes, championing high standards for the charity across financial and operational matters
Manage month end closing per agreed timetable
Responsible for month end journals and reconciliation of balance sheet a/cs, and reviewing balances with UK Financial Controller and Country Director
Carry out full review for completeness and accuracy of information in the financial systems, including correct use of account code, donor code, description and backup documents
Ensure delegated authority thresholds are always maintained
Ensure procurement activity is in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
Compliance & Regulatory Reporting
Be the focal point for tax, social security, bank and legal issues with respective external professionals and the relevant government Ministries for Syria, in partnership with UK Charity regulatory requirements.
Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, taxation and statutory reporting requirements
Ensure compliance with all TM internal policies, including finance, due diligence, procurement and sanctions policies
Prepare year-end financial statements for future Syrian registered organisations
Lead on the audit process for Syrian registered organisations
Gather all the necessary audit deliverables as requested by the UK Financial Controller
Support UK Financial Controller with all Group audit queries within agreed timescales
Financial Reporting
Prepare monthly management accounts for Syria, including review of donor spend, variance analysis with budget holders and identifying any corrective measures needed
Maintain an accurate filing and record keeping system for all financial statements and organisation documents
Cashflow & Bank Account Management
Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure there are sufficient funds to meet planned programme activities and submit monthly funds request as agreed with UK Finance
Maintain bank accounts and ensure financial governance is in place for all accounts.
Ensure accurate processing of all bank payments, and oversee the bank reconciliations on regular basis
Ensure banking mandate and users are reviewed and updated on time
Responsible for the management of cash in country ensuring strong controls are in place for all cash sales and transactions
Grants & Funding Management
Support the preparation of donor budgets
Both oversee the preparation of the donor financial reports and undertake the preparation of donor financial reports, depending on the situation, ensuring donor requirements are met and reports are agreed back to Quick Books
Monitor the recording and accuracy of donor income received ensuring restrictions are reviewed and supported by signed agreements and class codes agreed with UK Financial Controller
Review of donor spend against grants to ensure spend is in line with budget and grants are completed and closed on Quick Books
Management of donor audits as required
Payroll and Employee Benefits
Oversee the preparation of Syria payroll, ensuring compliance with local tax regulations
Support in provision of employee benefits, including the administration of health insurance cover
Commercial Accounting
Ensure accurate stock reporting including regular stock takes, WIP review, stock reconciliations and identifying obsolete stock
Support Commercial team with project costing ensuring full cost recovery and review of margin
Monitor debtors on regular basis ensuring credit control actions are taken
Responsible for the preparation of commercial management accounts and review with UK Commercial Analyst
General
Work with the UK Financial Controller on accounting and financial system improvements
In the immediate term, alongside UK colleagues and the Country Director undertake, the establishment of fit for purpose financial processes for the newly forming Syria project
Support on business processes, administration, and financial management to ensure they are in line with statutory rules and international best practice
Any other tasks as required by the Country Director and Group Finance Director
Branch set up
Setting up new financial systems and processors as required in line with group policies and with the guidance of the UK Finance Team
Please note that this is a new branch of Turquoise Mountain. A lot of the responsibilities above will not be relevant at the start of the role but may become relevant in the future in line with other branches.
Cross-working
Group Finance Director and UK Financial Controller
Budget Holders: build and maintain solid working relationships to ensure budgetary competence and compliance
This list is not exhaustive, and other duties may be required as determined by the needs of the organisation.
Person Specification
Professional approach
A genuine business partner in approach, we are looking for a highly competent and collaborative Finance Manager who will work with the existing team to continue strengthening processes.
Personal attributes
This role is based in Aleppo, and the post-holder must be willing to work in the office full-time.
The post-holder must also be willing to travel nationally as required.
Specific job skills and experience
Essential
Demonstrable experience of producing year end accounts and managing year end audits
Excellent financial analysis and reporting skills, with ability to produce and present concise financial reports
Strong technical accounting knowledge
Experience of multi-currency accounting and grant accounting
Extensive experience of financial processes, procedures and related systems
Experience of leading a month end process, including preparation and presentation of monthly management a/cs
Experience of using cloud-based accounting system software, preferably QuickBooks and/or Xero
Understanding of commercial accounting
Desirable
Experience in managing and developing teams
Experience of working in a similar field (e.g. working with artisan communities or within cultural heritage) would be an advantage although not essential
Skills and abilities
Outstanding IT and accountancy skills including experience of Excel, QuickBooks and MS Office suite.
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
Capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines and dealing with multiple priorities.
Fluent in both English and Arabic languages, both verbally and in writing, with excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work on own initiative, manage and organise own workload and meet deadlines
Be dependable and credible, with the ability to establish good working relationships at all levels
Good organisational and problem-solving skills
Must have exceptional numeracy skills and financial acumen
Qualifications
Qualifications
A qualified accountant; ACCA, CIMA or equivalent internationally-recognised professional qualification, or part qualified in final stages of completion, with proven experience gained in the international NGO sector.
Specific Vacancy Requirements
About the role
Reporting initially to the Aleppo Lead, and ultimately the Country Director, the Finance Manager overseas all financial activity for Syrian programmes and future commercial work. They are responsible for providing strong financial support to all internal and external stakeholders; ensuring sound financial systems and processes are in place; and that controls are effective. In addition to local line reporting, the Finance Manager also works closely with the Group Finance Director and UK Financial Controller.
Salary and Benefits
What we offer
The role is offered initially on a consultancy basis for a period of twelve months.
This role has been assessed as a grade 7 per Turquoise Mountain’s pay strategy. Remuneration will be in the region of $2,500 USD per month, depending on experience.
About us
About us
Turquoise Mountain supports artisan communities to protect and revitalise their heritage. Our work is rooted in the belief that cultural heritage has the power to transform lives. Founded in 2006 by His Majesty King Charles III, we work directly with artisan communities in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestine and Syria. To date, we have supported over 11,500 artisans across 86 craft traditions, restored more than 170 historic buildings, and provided primary healthcare and education for artisans’ families.
Turquoise Mountain is registered with the Scottish Charity Regulator.
Sound financial records and prudent management of our finances is core to everything we undertake. We have a central Finance team that closely works with in-country Finance Teams.
This is an exciting time to join Turquoise Mountain in Syria, this is a new branch and we are curating a new team, starting with those able to set up new processors as we expand our operations and implement best-practices.