Finance & Administration Officer, Play to Learn

* Applicants must already be based in Amman w/ legal authorization for employment in the country, region, territory

* The monthly salary range is an estimate to be discussed in detail during the interview process

About Sesame Workshop:

Sesame Workshop is the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.

Learn more at www.sesame.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.

Position Overview:

The Play to Learn Finance and Administration Officer will oversee day-to-day finance and accounting. Additionally, this role will ensure day-to-day administrative management of the Jordan office, including procurement of equipment, services and resources required to maintain and conduct business, payroll and in consultation with Regional Director will lead and manage human resources activities spanning the full employment life cycle.

The Finance and Admin Officer is a member of the Impact Programs Department and reports to the Play to Learn Middle East Regional Director.  The position is based in Amman, Jordan. This is a term-limited position.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Finance and Admin Officer supports the successful management of the Play to Learn project, a multi-country global program focused on advancing scalable solutions for early child development in crisis and conflict settings, working across teams and countries to ensure the project is delivered on time, on budget, and achieve results. This includes initiating, tracking and following up on all relevant financial actions, while ensuring that Sesame financial processes and donor regulations are followed.

Delivery:

• Manage treasury, cash, and banking functions including preparing relevant bank reconciliations and other banking forms and invoices, preparing cash requests and invoices and and ensure timely payments and tracking of activity expenditures.
• Assist with cash projections, annual audits, and liaise with banks and legal and finance teams in NY.
• Manage and maintain accounting software (Quickbooks), close books monthly, ensure financial data is correct and backed up regularly, and maintain financial files and records in a way that is easily accessible by the reviewers and auditors.
• Maintain petty cash and disburse as per finance processes and procedures.

• Maintain financial and compliance records as per applicable government, Sesame, and donor regulations.
• Conduct monthly reporting to corporate office and answer transactional questions asked by Corporate accounting.
• Work with vendors and partners to review financial reports, invoices, and cash requests, collect supporting documents, check for accuracy, prepare payment requests, and liaise with NY to execute payment.
• Process payroll for four staff and deduct and remit payroll taxes to the appropriate authorities.
• Consult with NY HR legal to maintain records and comply with local law for hiring and payment of local staff and consultants.
• Support annual filings required to maintain Jordanian registrations, including annual audit and reports.
• Manage local procurement, in coordination with program management team and compliance, including solicitation and review of proposals, execution of purchase orders, and timely tracking of deliverables and submission of payment.
• Manage local contracts and consultants as needed for office maintenance, repairs, cleaning etc.
• Support development of policies and practices that are consistent with SW operations and in accordance with local laws.

Engagement:

• Coordinate with various internal and external stakeholders, including project consortium partners, SW finance and legal departments, third-party individuals and organizations, Ministry counterparts, and department and functional team members who own relationships and program outcomes. 
• Coordinate with Compliance and Risk Management team to support compliance with internal policies and donor regulations and requirements  

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• Master/s Degree in Finance or Accounting.
• 3-5 years of working experience in accounting, finance and operations.
• Previous experience with donor-funded projects. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of accounting and finance procedures.  
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel and Word and financial software applications (QuickBooks).
• Ability to implement and complete tasks independently and on time.

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, IFRS, and laws, rules and regulations. 
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, and work under strict deadlines.
• Knowledge of work plans, budgets, timelines, communication tools, and key performance indicators. 
• Based in Amman, Jordan and legally eligible to be employed in the country.
• Fluency in Arabic and English languages.

Other Preferred Qualifications:

• Other Middle Eastern languages and dialects a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employment (EOE) Statement

Sesame Workshop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy-related condition, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

PSEA Statement

Sesame Workshop is an equal-opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on the business needs, job requirements & suitability of the candidate. Sesame Workshop strictly follows a Global Safeguarding Policy, Child Safeguarding Policy, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of program participants from exploitation and to clarify the responsibilities of Sesame Workshop staff, consultants, visitors to the program and partner organization, and the standards of behavior expected from them.