About the Middle East Council on Global Affairs

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) is an independent, non-profit policy research institution based in Doha, Qatar. It conducts policy-relevant research, convenes meetings, and dialogues, and engages policy actors on geopolitical and socioeconomic issues specific to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Serving as a bridge between the MENA region and the rest of the world, the ME Council provides a regional perspective on global policy issues. It also establishes partnerships with other leading research institutions and development organizations across the MENA region and the world.

Position Summary:

The Junior Accountant plays a key role in managing financial transactions, preparing financial reports and conducting budget analysis. This position involves a wide range of daily tasks, including processing expenses and invoices and ensuring that the ME Council’s financial records comply with all relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage accounting transactions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger activities.
• Serve as the primary contact and manage all administrative details related to ongoing vendor relationships.
• Review purchases and program expenditures, including travel expense reports, petty cash requests, cash advance requests, check requests, and purchase orders.
• Review and prepare payments.
• Review monthly program-wide expenses.
• Ensure timely payment of all monthly recurring expenses (e.g., utilities, internet, stipends, vendor, and contractor payments).
• Perform month-end accounting activities, such as journal entries and reconciliations.
• Generate financial reports and statements for management review.
• Assist in budget preparation, financial forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Monitor and analyze budget performance against actual results, providing insights to management.
• Prepare and examine financial statements and reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established accounting standards and procedures.
• Maintain budget files.
• Prepare and provide necessary documentation and reports for audits.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial information.
• Assist in reviewing agreements and renewals.
• Maintain legal, financial, and all other ME Council files.
• Undertake any other duties as required.

Skills

Requirements

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in bookkeeping or a similar role.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-up.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in Arabic is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant software.
• Familiarity with budgeting or accounting software is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a high-pressure environment.