Assistant Manager – Finance and Accounting Mid level

About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.

Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.

Job Purpose

The Assistant Manager will manage and organize the day-to-day financial operations at the IRRI Burundi Office including the proper maintenance of systems and databases, reporting and documentation, accounts receivables (AR), and accounts payables (AP) processes. He/She will also work closely and communicate regularly with counterparts in IRRI Headquarters to ensure that practices and processes are standard and in line with the policy. Prepare reports (monthly, quarterly, and annually) for financial planning and budget-controlling purposes.

This position will be based at the IRRI Burundi office in Bujumbura and may only be filled by permanent citizens of Burundi.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor the implementation of finance and accounting services
• Manage the day-to-day financial management operations at the IRRI Burundi Office including the proper maintenance of systems and databases, reporting and documentation, accounts receivables (AR) and accounts payables (AP) processes
• Oversee and monitor compliance with IRRI Policy on financial management as well as the local fiscal and financial laws related to tax and exemptions
• Ensure that the country office’s asset management complies with IRRI policies and procedures, donor’s rules and regulations, and legal requirements.
• Work closely with the Country Support Service Manager (CSSM), local partners and stakeholders to achieve operational goals and to ensure the correct implementation of operational activities
• Work closely and communicate regularly with counterparts in the Headquarters to ensure that practices and processes are standard and in line with the policy
• Advise IBO staff on the different processes and requirements (e.g. liquidations, cash advances, reimbursements, etc.) to ensure a smooth flow of operations
• Assist HQ and external auditors with audit requirements
• Provide feedback to the Country Support Service Manager on the implementation of operational activities, suggesting actions for improvement
• Work closely with the Procurement and Logistics Department and the accountant to ensure office assets are well-maintained
• Review and monitor accounting reports prepared by the accountant to ensure adherence to budgetary requirements
• Prepare reports (monthly, quarterly and annually) for financial planning and budget-controlling purposes
• Ensure all payments are paid on time (i.e. office supplies and utilities etc.) and prepare checks, bills and vouchers
• Review liquidation requests ensuring that all cash advances were accounted for and liquidated within the established deadlines
• Ensure accurate and complete documentation and filing of financial and budget documents and other data using the computer-based accounting and financial management system
• Monitor budget and analyze budget variance reports regularly
• Supervise team members to ensure that operational activities are implemented as planned
• Ensure Property  Acceptance, Transfer, and Disposal reports are fully signed
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Management with at least 3 years of relevant work experience in accounting, audits, cash management, financial management, budgeting, taxing and other related
  fields
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Management with at least 1 year of relevant work experience in accounting, audits, cash management, financial management, budgeting, taxing and other related
  fields

Skills Required

• Extensive knowledge of accounting systems, bookkeeping and financial reporting and bank reconciliations
• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to explain clearly to project staff, vendors, consultants and grantees the requirements for financial and reporting compliance under donor-funded projects
• Advanced computer skills (MS Software, Accounting Software) Good organization and multi-tasking skills
• Prior experience working in an international donor-funded development organization
• Strong English Skills
• Good French and Kirundi Skills