Staff Accountant - Syracuse, New York, , United States

About Near East Foundation · Since 1915, Near East Foundation (NEF) has supported community-led economic and social development in Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus. As a non-profit international development organization, NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in ...

Job description

About Near East Foundation

Since 1915, Near East Foundation (NEF) has supported community-led economic and social development in Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus. As a non-profit international development organization, NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in these regions to create community-led solutions to reduce poverty, create economic opportunity, increase resilience, and empower conflict, climate- and crisis-affected people to improve their outlook and wellbeing. Our programs span three focal areas: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate Resilient Development, and Peace and Stability.

NEF works through a network of country offices and with local partners, with current or recent operations in Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Our global headquarters are based in Syracuse, NY, London, UK, and Brussels, Belgium.

Position Summary

The Staff Accountant will be responsible for maintaining financial reports, records, and general ledgers; support month end close; and perform general bookkeeping.  Under the supervision of the Global Controller they will assist with the preparation of reconciliations of balance sheet accounts, support consolidation of multiple country offices, and also collect pertinent information for third party audits. Some travel may be required.

Essential Responsibilities

Accounting

• Prepare accounting related entries to numerous registers, journals and logs. Ensure adjustment entries are recorded correctly and supported with documentation, globally;
• Provides exchange rate data to global accounting offices;
• Support accounts payable and procurement process;
• Regularly maintain detailed reconciliations of all balance sheet accounts – includes reconciling with individual country ledgers;
• Prepare documentation for external auditors and provides support for both consolidated and project audits;
• Verifies data in external/internal financial accounting and budget systems, provides guidance for adjustments and modifications;
• Provide support to the country offices to ensure that all financial reports and backup documentation are filed timely;
• Assist with time sheet management;
• Serves as liaison with various global accounting staff and coordinates account payable activities;
• Monitors project start and end dates of programs to notify management of accounting activities;
• Performs entries and reconciliations of headquarters balance sheet accounts;
• Responsible for calculating indirect expense calculations for projects;
• Provides accounting support to country offices in the absence of accounting personnel;
• Assist with developing, monitoring, and analyzing program and other relevant budgets and financial reports for donors and grants

General

• IT Support;
• Provides liaison support as needed.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

We encourage all individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to succeed within this position and thrive at NEF to apply for this role, even if you do not meet 100% of the qualifications.

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required;
• 3 years' experience in accounting or related field;
• Proficient in Word and Excel;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Strong organizational and analytical skills;
• Able to read and understand technical forms and financial reports;
• Willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be legally authorized to work in US without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

NEF US will accept a rolling application until the position is filled. Review of application will begin on March 1, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents to the Near East Foundation's careers page at

1. Cover letter outlining all relevant experience, how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer). You will be given further notice prior to us contacting references.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at 

The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.

 Pre-employment Checks 

Any Employment with the Near East Foundation will be subject to the following checks prior to start date: 

• A satisfactory Restricted Party Screening; 
  
• Receipt of satisfactory references;
  
• Proof of eligibility to work in the national location for this role.
  

Benefits 

NEF offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: 20 PTO days plus 12 Company Holidays; generous medical, dental and, vision coverage; HRA and FSA benefits; employer paid short and long-term disability; employer paid life insurance; TIAA-CREF retirement plan with 8% employer contribution, paid family leave, and more 

NEF's strength is its people.  To help our team thrive, we support a working structure that prioritizes flexibility, personal commitments, and staff well-being while promoting a work culture of teamwork, collaboration, respect, integrity, and excellence.

As an international organization, we value a truly diverse workforce and prioritize a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We strive to create a high-achieving work environment informed by different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. With a commitment to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion in all we do, our aim is to ensure that people feel heard, protected, and empowered to contribute to NEF's mission from day one.