About Aid Gate Organization "AGO"

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is an independent national NGO in Iraq, committed to supporting Internally Displaced Persons, returnees, and vulnerable communities across all Iraqi cities and governorates. With operations in key regions such as Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Anbar, Nineveh, Diyala, and Basra, AGO focuses on rebuilding lives and promoting inclusivity for all, including minorities and persons with disabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Finance Officer plays a critical role in maintaining the financial integrity, efficiency, and sustainability of Aid Gate Organization. This position is responsible for overseeing day-to-day financial operations, ensuring accurate and compliant financial reporting, supporting grant and donor requirements, and contributing to strategic financial planning. The Finance Officer will work closely with internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure effective financial management, adherence to donor regulations, and timely reporting using accounting systems such as QuickBooks and SAGA.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial Management and Reporting
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records in accordance with internal policies and donor requirements.
• Record and classify all financial transactions in QuickBooks and/or SAGA, ensuring integrity and accuracy.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Reconcile bank accounts, petty cash, and other balance sheet accounts on a regular basis.
• Ensure proper documentation and filing of financial documents for auditing and reference.
• Assist in the preparation of annual financial statements for external audits.
2. Budgeting and Forecasting
• Collaborate with program and operations teams to develop and revise annual budgets, project budgets, and forecasts.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets, identifying variances and preparing detailed variance analyses.
• Provide financial analysis and support to inform strategic decision-making.
• Assist in mid-year reviews and reforecasting exercises.
3. Compliance and Internal Controls
• Ensure all financial activities comply with internal policies, donor guidelines, and statutory regulations.
• Implement and maintain internal control systems to protect the organization's assets and financial information.
• Support internal and external audit processes, including preparation of audit schedules, documents, and responding to audit queries.
• Monitor changes in financial regulations relevant to non-profit organizations and ensure organizational compliance.
4. Accounts Payable and Receivable
• Process vendor payments, staff advances, reimbursements, and other disbursements in a timely and accurate manner.

• Review invoices and payment requests for accuracy, proper authorization, and compliance.
• Oversee receivables and ensure timely collection and recording of incoming funds.
• Manage payroll processing, ensuring accuracy in salaries, benefits, tax deductions, and social security contributions.
5. Donor Compliance and Grant Management
• Ensure compliance with financial and reporting requirements of all donors, including timely and accurate submission of financial reports.
• Track grant expenditures against approved budgets and ensure proper allocation of costs.
• Support donor audits and financial reviews, ensuring availability and accuracy of financial documentation.
• Collaborate with program teams on budget realignments, funding proposals, and donor financial reporting.
6. Financial Systems and Tools
• Utilize accounting software such as QuickBooks and SAGA to manage financial transactions and reporting.
• Ensure data integrity and system backups.
• Assist in system upgrades or migrations as needed.
7. Capacity Building and Support
• Provide training and technical support to non-finance staff on budgeting, expense tracking, and financial compliance.
• Assist in building financial management capacity of partner organizations, when applicable.
• Develop and update finance-related manuals, procedures, and training materials.
8. Coordination and Collaboration
• Liaise with other departments (HR, Logistics, Programs) to ensure coherent financial operations and accurate cross-functional budgeting.
• Support procurement processes by providing financial oversight and ensuring value-for-money principles are applied.
• Participate in relevant coordination meetings and contribute financial insights to organizational planning.
9. Other Duties
• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Finance Manager or Operations Manager in line with the overall goals of the organization.
• Stay informed about sector best practices and emerging financial trends relevant to the NGO sector.

1. Education and Professional Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA/ACCA certification is a strong asset).
• Minimum of 4–6 years of relevant experience in finance or accounting, preferably in the NGO or humanitarian sector.
• Demonstrated experience with donor financial regulations (e.g., UN, EU, GIZ, USAID, etc.).
• Experience in financial audits, grant management, and multi-donor financial reporting.

2. Technical Skills

• Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks, SAGA, or similar platforms.
• Solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel (including advanced functions such as pivot tables, formulas, and financial modeling).
• Experience with budget preparation, analysis, and variance reporting.
• Familiarity with financial controls, risk mitigation, and compliance frameworks.
• Knowledge of payroll systems, taxation, and social security processes relevant to the country of operation.

3. Analytical and Organizational Skills

• Strong attention to detail with high levels of accuracy in financial reporting and documentation.
• Proven ability to analyze complex financial data and present insights to non-finance staff.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Ability to develop and implement financial procedures and systems.

4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English (Arabic or local language is an advantage).
• Ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance staff in a clear and accessible manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

5. Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive financial information.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the organization, especially in a humanitarian/development context.
• Willingness to travel to field offices if required.

Interested applicants must complete the Job Application Form.

Note:

• Applications not meeting the specified minimum requirements may not be considered.
• The CVs received after the closing date may not be considered.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview that may include a written test of communication and writing skills.

Due to the nature of AGO work activities, AGO demand its employee to have the highest discretion and flexibility qualities. AGO can anytime according to the needs of his mission, and change the work location of his employee. AGO can at any time update tasks on this Job Description according to the evolution of the program or strategy changes. The above-listed tasks are not exhaustive, the employee can be asked to undertake other tasks by the employer according to the competencies, to work over settings time.

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.