Finance Officer 

Role Announcement & Description 

 

Reporting to:	Head of Finance (UK)
Starting Date:	As soon as possible
Duration of the contract:	One-year (initial term, capable of being extended)
Application deadline:	10 April 2025

 

Do you believe in the power of social enterprise to create meaningful and scalable social change in disadvantaged communities, across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)? Are you looking to be involved with and help grow a movement that is backing sustainable social change across the Arab region?   

  

ABOUT ALFANAR 

Launched in 2004, Alfanar is the Arab region’s oldest venture philanthropy organisation.  We are a UK-based charity with operations in Cairo, Beirut and Amman and affiliates in the US and the Netherlands.  We aim to transform lives in disadvantaged communities across the Arab world by strengthening ambitious social enterprises responding to pressing needs, especially around children’s education, youth employment and women’s economic empowerment. Alfanar provides grants, repayable grants and impact investment (through a soon to be launched sister impact fund) and technical assistance to social enterprises, enabling them to scale their impact in disadvantaged communities, while increasing the sales of goods and services to achieve greater financial sustainability.  

Scope of the Job 

The Finance Officer at Alfanar will play a crucial role in delivering an effective and efficient finance function across the organization's group structure. Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Finance Officer will be supporting various financial tasks, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash and reserves management, accounting processes, and financial risk mitigation.  

 

Reports to: Head of Finance (UK), with dotted line to Finance manager Egypt 

Main Responsibilities 

• Manage all receivables and payables following agreed processes and ensure timely payment.  
• Reconcile bank accounts on a monthly basis ( multiple bank accounts in different location) 
• Producing Monthly Management Accounts with the help of the finance system and Excel templates. 
• support donor reports prepared by the country office for inclusion of UK cost and Indirect cost recovery 
• Support organisation budget and proposal budget process. 
• Support organisational audit process.  
• Preparation of monthly cash flow forecasts and ensure appropriate cash management and transfers across the group structure.  
• Any other duties as agreed by the Head of Finance. 
• Support the continuing develop of effective financial management procedures, increasing automation and efficiency 
• Ensure accurate and complete records for restricted funds 
• Manage the payments process using Xero financial software, review and set up payments at the bank upon consultation with head of Finance 
• Operate key financial controls including balance sheet schedules, intercompany and income reconciliations 

Reporting 

• Support Head of Finance with the preparation of  annual accounts in line with financial reporting standards, including consolidation of future group entities, ready for Audit. 
• Support Head of Finance during organisation’s external audit 
• Liaise with external accountants, outsourced functions, including on all filing requirements 
• Support the preparation of the financial information for the trustees annual report  

Financial management reporting and finance business partnering 

• Support budgeting and reforecasting process led by Head of Finance. Ensure relevant team members receive guidance notes and documentation in relation to the budget and forecast processes and templates 
• Manage the month end close procedure, including preparing journals to record the required accruals and fund transfers. 
• Coordinate with Country Finance officer and managers for month end process, consolidation of cash flow information and Budget vs Actual analysis. 

Qualifications & Experience Essential Experience of supporting in accounting, payments, transaction processing, financial reporting, tax, and cash management with international operations ideally in a growing group.Experience of automating financial processes and developing  reporting functionality from accounting systemsKnowledge and experience of using Xero or other cloud-based accounting software.Experience of providing financial management support/business partnering to managers/budget holders, who may not have a financial background.Desired Bachelor or Master's degree in accounting or finance.Experience in Finance Function in a not-for-profit setting, whether gained in a paid or voluntary capacityAffiliate accountant or working towards a qualification (UK ACA, CIMA, ACCA ,AAT or equivalent as per Egypt) Skills & Abilities Able to work and produce deliverables in a timely manner, and to manage priorities, communicating timeline changes clearly to line manager and teamFlexibility and adaptability in your attitude and approach to work, with a willingness to ‘get involved’ and support the team with whatever might arise, working towards a common objectiveExcellent and clear communicator in English, face to face, in writing and over the telephone/ ZoomSUCCESS FACTORS The successful candidate will be capable of multitasking, rapid decision-making, have initiative, drive and a lot of energy, as well as high emotional intelligence.  S/he will be committed to empowering and strengthening high impact, sustainable social enterprises in the Arab world.  An ability to work independently and prioritise different deliverables with strict deadlines is going to be paramount in making a success of this opportunity.  Working with a diverse team across different locations will mean an ability to work effectively online with people in multiple time zones is a must.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a committed and growing team at a pivotal point in our growth. APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter that explains why you are interested in and suitable for the position by 10th April 2025