Finance Manager

Brief Description of the Organization

Yazda is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 2014 in response to the genocide committed by the self-declared Islamic State (“IS”) against the Yazidis and other communities in Iraq and Syria. Since its inception, Yazda has worked with local and international partners to provide Yazidi survivors, IDPs, and refugees with humanitarian, accountability, and advocacy services in their post-genocide recovery. Yazda has been working in Iraq since October 2014 and operates out of the main offices in Duhok in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and out of the Sinoni office in Sinjar in Nineveh Province. Yazda is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States and is registered in Erbil, Baghdad, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and Australia.

 

Job Background:

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Finance Manager to lead and oversee our finance department. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of financial management, strategic planning, and team leadership as well as deep experience in Xero Accounting System. This individual will be responsible for managing financial operations, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting, developing strategies for financial growth, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations and standards. 

The Finance Manager will work closely with senior leadership to guide decision-making, assess financial risks, and implement best practices to improve overall financial performance. The role requires a deep understanding of accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, combined with the ability to lead and mentor a team of finance professionals. The Finance Manager will also play a critical role in ensuring the organization’s financial health and contributing to the achievement of organizational goals. 

Job Purpose: 

The Finance Manager will lead and manage the finance department, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective budgeting, and strategic financial planning. This role involves overseeing financial operations, providing leadership to the finance team, and collaborating with senior management to drive the organization’s financial health and growth. 

 

Job Description:

Financial Operations & Accounting: 

• Oversee daily financial operations, including managing both local and international accounts.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of all transactions in the accounting system, maintaining up-to-date cashbooks, and managing financial data.
• Review and process payment requests, ensuring proper documentation, accuracy, and adherence to Yazda’s financial policies.
• Oversee regular payments, ensuring all are processed on time with proper supporting documentation and in line with financial guidelines.
• Manage cash flow by monitoring daily cash transactions and ensuring timely fund transfers between internal accounts within Iraq and external accounts outside Iraq.
• Ensure that all expenditures are correctly coded to the relevant accounts, project codes, and grants, and passed on for approval as required.
• Prepare monthly fund requests for the Yazda office, ensuring adequate liquidity for operations.
• Liaise with banks, financial institutions, and cash providers to ensure timely financial transactions and effective cash flow management.
• Maintain communication with local government finance departments to ensure adherence to Iraqi accounting, tax, and financial regulations.
• Support the Operations Coordinator in resolving day-to-day financial issues related to Yazda operations.
• Ensure that all financial documents are accurately organized, filed, and archived in both physical and electronic formats.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update Yazda’s financial SOPs and policies to ensure alignment with best practices and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Ensure that all financial procedures are clearly documented, communicated, and followed across all departments to maintain consistency and transparency.
• Monitor the effectiveness of financial policies and make recommendations for improvements as necessary.
• Ensure that all finance staff are trained on the latest SOPs and policies, maintaining a high standard of compliance across all financial activities.

Financial Reporting & Compliance: 

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
• Oversee the preparation of bank reconciliations and other necessary financial documentation for internal and external audits.
• Ensure compliance with all tax and regulatory requirements for both local and international financial operations.
• Ensure financial records are complete, accurate, and securely maintained in compliance with Yazda’s internal financial policies.
• Support the Operations Coordinator in addressing any financial discrepancies or issues identified in reports, providing recommendations for corrective actions.

Payroll & Personnel Management: 

• Oversee payroll for all staff members, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and relevant tax deductions.
• Accurately record payroll data, and ensure that salary payments are processed on time.
• Assist in the reconciliation and tracking of employee advances and other payroll-related items.

    Xero System Implementation: 

• Play a lead role in the maintaining of the Xero financial management system, supporting the finance department in adapting and integrating this system into daily financial operations.
• Work closely with the Operations Coordinator and IT team to ensure the Xero system is maintained by providing training and support to the finance and the wider team.
• Adapt and customize the Xero system to meet Yazda’s specific financial reporting needs and ensure proper usage for day-to-day financial tasks.

General Responsibilities: 

• Maintain a high level of professionalism, adhering to Yazda’s core values, and represent the organization positively in all interactions.
• Work towards achieving departmental objectives, ensuring financial sustainability, and supporting the organization’s strategic goals.
• Participate in relevant meetings and contribute to financial decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Yazda’s safeguarding framework, acting with due care and attention to safeguard the wellbeing of individuals affected by Yazda’s work.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Operations Coordinator to support the overall objectives of Yazda.

 

 

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field (CPA or equivalent qualification preferred).

• Proven experience (5+ years) in financial management, with experience in an NGO or similar organization.

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and budgeting.

• Experience implementing and using financial management software (Xero experience is highly desirable).

• Strong understanding of local and international financial regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements.

• Ability to manage multiple financial tasks and priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and with external partners.

• Fluent in English (writing and speaking).
• Fluency in Arabic and/or Kurmanji preferred.

• High level of integrity and attention to detail.

Interested applicants must send their CV with a cover letter to jobs@yazda.org with a subject “ JV20325-Finance Manager “   NOTES: – Applications not meeting the minimum requirements or received after the closing date may not be contacted.  – Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview that may include a technical written exam. – Due to the urgency of the position, we might close the announcement prior to the mentioned deadline. – The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the publication dates.