Controller

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is an international non-profit research organization that was established to provide research-based policy solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. With over 400 employees worldwide and an annual budget exceeding USD 100 million, IFPRI operates in multiple countries, focusing on food policy research and development. The organization aims to improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition through innovative research and partnerships with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Job Overview:
The Controller position at IFPRI is a critical role within the Finance and Administration Division, responsible for directing the financial and accounting activities of the Institute. This position involves establishing fiscal policies and procedures that ensure the financial integrity of the organization. The Controller will serve as the Treasurer to the Board of Trustees, a role that underscores the importance of this position in maintaining the financial health of IFPRI. The Controller will be based at IFPRI's headquarters in Washington, DC, and will be expected to engage in international travel, particularly to developing countries, to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance with financial regulations and donor requirements. The role requires a proactive approach to financial management, including the development and implementation of finance-related procedures and systems, monitoring the overall financial status of the Institute, and informing senior management of financial issues and operational risks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Controller will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Financial Management: Develop and implement finance-related procedures and systems; monitor the overall financial status of the Institute; inform senior management of financial issues and operational risks; maintain the financial management information system and overall risk management.
• Budgets and Contracts Activities: Responsible for the development of the Institute's annual budget; monitor actual revenues and expenses against the approved budget; interact with CGIAR on financial aspects of CGIAR-wide programs; ensure donor reporting and requirements are satisfied.
• Accounting Activities: Oversee payroll and disbursement; develop, implement, and monitor an effective system of internal control over the Institute’s assets and financial activities; ensure timely and accurate financial reporting; oversee preparation of all required corporate tax returns; work with in-country Finance and Administration Coordinators to develop financial reporting systems and sound financial practices; supervise the review and processing of field office financial reports.
• Cash and Investment Management: Responsible for timely collection and disbursement of funds and management of investments within the parameters of the IFPRI Board approved investment policy.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare periodic reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and Director General; prepare formal financial status reports to the Board of Trustees and CGIAR System Office; ensure the provision of timely information to project leaders for project management purposes; provide Unit Directors and Department Heads with information to assist them in financial management; disseminate financial information to government agencies, donors, and other interested parties.
• Audit: Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors for the annual audit; coordinate with independent auditors to ensure that the annual audit is conducted efficiently and statements are produced timely; interact with the internal audit unit on audit activities.
• Supervision: Overall responsibility for the supervision of Finance staff; ensure staff is adequately trained.
• Inter-Center Collaboration: Participate in initiatives among CGIAR Centers to harmonize finance and administrative activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, along with eighteen years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a master’s degree in the aforementioned disciplines, combined with fifteen years of relevant professional experience, is acceptable. Candidates should have at least eight years of experience at a management and supervisory level, preferably in a non-profit, research, international, university, or government contracting environment. Senior-level experience with grants and contracts administration is essential, as well as demonstrated experience with project-based accounting in a multiple cost center/allocation environment. Advanced spreadsheet skills are required, along with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. A willingness and ability to travel occasionally is also necessary, as is a strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skill set. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to collaborate and interact professionally with a multiculturally diverse group of employees, teams, and colleagues across all staff and management levels.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree in these disciplines is preferred and may substitute for some years of required experience. The emphasis is on obtaining a solid foundation in financial principles and practices, as well as a comprehensive understanding of accounting standards and regulations relevant to non-profit organizations.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically eighteen years of relevant professional experience with a Bachelor’s degree or fifteen years with a master’s degree. At least eight years of this experience must be at a management and supervisory level, ideally within a non-profit, research, international, university, or government contracting environment. Candidates should have senior-level experience with grants and contracts administration and demonstrated experience with project-based accounting in a multiple cost center/allocation environment.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the international nature of the organization and the need for effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered advantageous, particularly in languages relevant to the regions where IFPRI operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is a two-year, full-time, exempt, renewable appointment based in IFPRI’s headquarters in Washington, DC. The expected salary range for this position is between $135,400 and $165,900, with the final salary determined based on experience and other job-related factors. IFPRI is committed to providing competitive benefits to its staff members, including health insurance coverage. The listed benefits are generally available to active, non-temporary, full-time and part-time US-based employees who work at least 25 hours per week. IFPRI is an equal employment opportunity employer, welcoming applicants regardless of gender, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.