Financial Controller

Ref.: 12-06 FC/NRS/HQ

Financial Controller 

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a Financial Controller to provide leadership to the core accounting and general ledger functions including project accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, annual internal/external audits, monthly financial close, and systems integration. 

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members. 

The position: This position will be based in Lima, Perú and report directly to the Chief Financial Officer. The Financial Controller will support the Finance Department in implementing CIP’s organizational mission through efficient and effective financial management. The Controller will oversee the daily accounting functions at Headquarters including accounts payables, accounts receivables, general ledger management, financial systems, month end financial close, annual internal/external audits, financial reporting.  S/he will also work with the CFO on setting departmental strategy and developing relevant organizational policies and procedures.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Manage daily accounting functions of general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, project accounting, inventory controls, and sub award financial monitoring
• Oversee the timely and accurate monthly and fiscal financial closing.
• Prepare financial statements for management review
• Directly supervise accounting support staff in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, including hiring, training, performance management 
• Coordinate with the CFO and Project Accounting Staff to ensure high quality financial support to projects, countries and Headquarters staff.  Promote proactive customer service and communicate regularly to sustain strong financial reporting systems
• Review trial balance on monthly basis and resolve balances incorrectly presented on general ledger, including the clearing accounts, employee advances, credit cards, accrual and other accounts
• Oversee financial close down of government and private sector grants.
• Acts as key liaison to external auditors and responsible for the annual HQ audit and audits of the field offices.   Implements corrective action regarding all findings to insure compliance
• Responsible for invoicing funders and reconciling all federal and private awards to funder financing records 
• Ensures compliance with local tax and reporting requirements, including preparation and filing of the annual IRS Form 990
• Performs monthly reviews of all projects to prevent project budget variances.

Selection Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field plus 8 year of accounting. experience with increasing complexity and responsibility.
• Staff supervisory and training experience.
• Thorough knowledge of International Accounting Principles, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and ability to consistently apply these principles.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with staff members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to travel internationally and adjust to cultural differences.
• Experience working for International Non-Government Organizations or Non-Profits (desirable).
• Accredited Accounting Certification or master’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field (desirable).
• Experience in financial software design and implementation specifically of Unit4 ABW (desirable).

Conditions:  Employment contract will be for a two year term with the possibility of renewal. Salary will be commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth. 

Applications:  Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: CIP-Recruitment@cgiar.org. The title of the position should be clearly marked in the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on February 28, 2012 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, only short listed candidates will be contacted. Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply