1. Background

Penal Reform International (PRI) is an international non-governmental organisation working globally to promote criminal justice systems that uphold human rights for all. PRI’s Middle East and North Africa Office manages and implements programmes across the region in cooperation with governments, criminal justice institutions, civil society organisations, international partners and donors.

PRI is seeking a qualified and experienced Accountant to support the sound financial management of its MENA Office and regional programmes. The Accountant will maintain accurate financial records, ensure compliance with PRI’s financial policies and donor requirements, support budget monitoring and financial reporting, and contribute to effective financial controls across the Office.

2. Purpose of the position

The Accountant will ensure the accurate, timely and compliant management of the MENA Office’s financial transactions and records. The position will support the Regional Director, programme teams and PRI’s global finance function by providing reliable financial information, monitoring project expenditure and ensuring that financial documentation meets organisational, donor and statutory requirements.

3. Key responsibilities

A. Accounting and financial records

• Maintain complete and accurate accounting records for the MENA Office and its projects.
• Record all income, expenditure, advances, transfers and other financial transactions in PRI’s accounting system.
• Ensure that transactions are correctly coded against approved budgets, projects, donors and cost centres.
• Prepare and process payment vouchers, journal entries and supporting financial documentation.
• Maintain organised electronic and physical financial records in accordance with PRI’s document-retention requirements.
• Ensure that supporting documents are complete, accurate, properly authorised and compliant with applicable policies before processing payments.
• Maintain the fixed-assets register and support regular physical verification of assets.

B. Banking, cash and payments

• Prepare bank transfers, cheques and other payments for appropriate review and authorisation.
• Conduct monthly bank reconciliations and promptly investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Manage petty cash and ensure regular reconciliation and adequate supporting documentation.
• Monitor cash balances and prepare cash-flow forecasts to ensure the timely availability of funds.
• Manage staff and partner advances and ensure that they are settled within the required deadlines.
• Support the processing of salaries, benefits, deductions and other payroll-related transactions, where applicable.

C. Budget monitoring and financial reporting

• Support the preparation of annual office and project budgets.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and provide regular budget-versus-actual reports.
• Identify overspending, underspending, incorrect allocations and other financial risks at an early stage.
• Work with programme managers to review project expenditure and forecast future spending.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports for management, donors and PRI’s global finance team.
• Support the preparation of financial information for funding proposals, budget revisions and donor contract amendments.
• Ensure that financial reports are accurate, consistent with the accounting records and submitted within agreed deadlines.

D. Donor and organisational compliance

• Ensure compliance with PRI’s financial policies, delegated authority arrangements and internal control procedures.
• Review donor contracts and financial requirements and advise programme staff on relevant compliance obligations.
• Verify the eligibility and allowability of expenditure under individual donor agreements.
• Monitor compliance with procurement, travel, consultancy and partner-management procedures.
• Flag potential ineligible expenditure, conflicts of interest, fraud risks or control weaknesses to the Regional Director and relevant finance colleagues.
• Support the implementation of recommendations arising from audits, financial reviews and internal control assessments.

E. Partner financial management

• Review partner budgets, financial reports and supporting documentation.
• Monitor partner expenditure, advances and financial reporting deadlines.
• Conduct financial capacity assessments and compliance checks for implementing partners, when required.
• Provide practical financial guidance and capacity-building support to partners.
• Assist in identifying and addressing financial management and internal-control weaknesses among partners.
• Support financial monitoring visits and prepare documented findings and recommendations.

F. Audit, statutory and administrative support

• Prepare financial records, schedules and supporting documentation for internal and external audits.
• Respond promptly to audit queries and support the implementation of agreed recommendations.
• Support compliance with applicable Jordanian tax, social security, payroll and other statutory requirements.
• Liaise with banks, auditors, service providers and relevant authorities, as authorised.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Office’s financial systems and procedures.
• Undertake other finance-related duties reasonably assigned by the Regional Director.

4. Key deliverables

• Accurate and up-to-date accounting records.
• Timely monthly bank and cash reconciliations.
• Complete and properly authorised supporting documentation for all transactions.
• Regular budget monitoring reports and reliable expenditure forecasts.
• Timely financial reports for PRI management and donors.
• Effective tracking and settlement of staff and partner advances.
• Proper financial oversight of implementing partners.
• Successful preparation for audits and timely resolution of audit findings.
• Compliance with PRI policies, donor conditions and applicable Jordanian legislation.

5. Required qualifications and experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a closely related field.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in accounting or financial management.
• Demonstrated experience working with an international NGO, national NGO, development organisation or donor-funded programme.
• Experience managing financial records and reporting for multiple projects and donors.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial controls, budgeting and bank reconciliation.
• Experience reviewing supporting documentation and ensuring compliance with financial and procurement procedures.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and practical experience using accounting software (QuickBooks & SunSystems).
• Fluency in Arabic and good professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and work effectively with programme and operational teams.
• High standards of integrity, confidentiality and professional judgement.

Desirable

• Professional accounting qualification or progress towards certification, such as CPA, ACCA, CMA or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience with institutional donors, including the European Union, UK Government, Dutch Government, United Nations agencies, GIZ or other international donors.
• Experience with partner financial monitoring and financial capacity-building.
• Knowledge of Jordanian labour, tax and social security requirements.
• Experience working within a regional or multi-country programme structure.

6. Core competencies

• Financial accuracy and attention to detail.
• Planning, organisation and timely delivery.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
• Accountability and sound professional judgement.
• Clear communication of financial information to non-finance colleagues.
• Ability to identify and escalate financial and compliance risks.
• Collaborative working across multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to PRI’s values, human rights mandate and safeguarding standards.

7. Safeguarding, ethics and conduct

The postholder must comply with PRI’s Code of Conduct and all relevant policies concerning safeguarding, prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, anti-fraud and corruption, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, data protection and responsible financial management.

Any appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and other appropriate pre-employment checks.

8. Application process

Applicants should submit:

• A curriculum vitae;
• A brief cover letter explaining their suitability for the position;
• Contact details for at least two professional referees; and
• Salary expectations, if requested.

Applications should be submitted to priamman@penalreform.org, no later than 13 August 2026, quoting “Accountant – PRI MENA Office” in the subject line.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. PRI is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.