Audit Manager

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 Audit Manager is responsible for strengthening and overseeing NEF’s internal control environment, risk management practices, and audit processes across global operations. This role ensures compliance with donor requirements, organizational policies, and applicable regulatory frameworks in all jurisdictions where NEF operates.

Reporting to the Global Controller, the Audit Manager leads internal audit planning and execution, supports external audits, and works collaboratively with country and headquarters teams to mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks. The position plays a critical role in safeguarding organizational assets, enhancing accountability, and supporting NEF’s continued growth and operational excellence.

Essential Responsibilities

Internal Audit & Risk Management:
• Develop and implement a risk-based annual internal audit plan covering headquarters (HQ) and country offices;
• Conduct internal audits of financial systems, internal controls, compliance processes, and operational procedures.
• Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, identify weaknesses and recommend improvements.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and corrective action plans..

External Audit & Donor Compliance:
• Coordinate and support annual organizational financial statements and project audits.
• Liaise with external auditors to ensure timely completion of audits.
• Support donor audits, compliance reviews, and due diligence requests, including preparation of schedules and documentation.
• Ensure audit findings are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
• Monitor compliance with donor regulations (e.g., U.S. government, European donors, UN agencies, foundations).

Policies, Systems & Controls
• Review and strengthen financial and operational policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance to country finance teams on internal controls and compliance standards.
• Support implementation of standardized financial controls across all offices.
• Promote segregation of duties and appropriate approval processes across the organization.

Capacity Building & Advisory
• Train HQ and country staff on internal controls, compliance requirements, and audit preparedness.
• Advise leadership on risk mitigation strategies and control enhancements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

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 or Finance;


• 5-7 years of experience in accounting, audit, or compliance experience


• Experience in international NGO work


• Someone who demonstrates excellent attention to detail, and ability to plan, communicate, and deliver effectively with diverse teams.

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 https://neareast.org/current-opportunities/:

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 www.neareast.org

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.