Accountant and Grants Associate At Hedayah

Hedayah is the leading international organization dedicated to utilizing its expertise and experience to counter extremism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. Established in 2012, Hedayah was founded in response to the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF) and the wider international community’s call for an independent, neutral, and multilateral centre focused on dialogue, communication, capacity-building programs, research, and analysis. As a leader in the countering extremism community, Hedayah enhances understanding and shares best practices to effectively build the capacity of counter extremism actors worldwide, promoting tolerance, stability, and security.

Job Scope: To provide accounting and financial support to Hedayah’s team as per agreed-upon regulations and procedures, to ensure accurate and timely payment, efficient data recording in the accounting systems, ensures that all financial, accounting and grant related activities, are accurately administered and in compliance with Hedayah and Donor’s policies, procedures, and international financial and accounting standards.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Receive and verify suppliers’ and service providers’ invoices along with justification and supporting documents.
• Process all transactions in accordance to the methods of payments of Hedayah and record all financial transactions in QuickBooks.
• Process and monitor all financial transactions, including accounts receivable and payable, as per the organisation’s policies and procedures, ensuring all expenses are in line with the budget.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliation reports to meet the financial commitments of Hedayah.
• Prepare and maintain all financial statements and reports and books of accounts in a timely and accurate manner and as per Donor’s regulations.
• Participate in and facilitate external audits to ensure compliance.
• Maintain financial records, ensuring updates on a regular basis for retrieval, reference and audit purposes.
• Manage petty cash funds in accordance with policies and procedures, including but not limited to spot checks, cash count, reconciliation, and data recording.
• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns in accordance to the UAE VAT Law.
• Ensure proper documentation and maintain an accurate filing system for all financial records.
• Review the financial and accountancy controls of grants to ensure that the grant agreement is adhered to.
• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure proper implementation of financial policies, processes and procedures to maintain effective financial and accounting controls.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, (or related field) or similar internationally recognized accounting/auditing certification.
• Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, or CMA is preferred.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years’ experience of working as an accountant, with progressive increases in level of responsibility (or similar).
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and budgeting processes.
• Proficiency in accounting systems, such as QuickBooks.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• Prior experience of working in an international setting and/or NGOs is a plus.
• Strong understanding of the applicability and implementation of relevant financial legislations and regulations.

Key Interactions

Internal: All departments

External: Vendors & Suppliers; Subcontractors; External Auditors; Financial Institutes & Banks; Grant authorities; Grantees

Skills and Competencies

• Result orientation
• Building relationships
• Teamwork
• Cultural intelligence
• Communication
• Planning and organizing
• Problem-solving
• Presentation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Excellent command of written and oral English