Accounting Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established with a mission to improve the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops, CIMMYT focuses on applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. The organization builds strong partnerships to enhance the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is part of a global research partnership aimed at achieving a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Accounting Operations Manager position at CIMMYT is designed for a dynamic individual with a strong orientation towards results and teamwork skills. This role is crucial for ensuring the reliability, timeliness, and scalability of core accounting processes, including Procurement to Pay (P2P), Record to Reporting (R2R), and Fixed Assets (FA) across various locations such as headquarters, experimental stations, hubs, and country offices. The Accounting Operations Manager leads multi-location teams, upholds a robust internal-control environment, and drives improvements enabled by ERP systems to ensure accurate and timely financial closes and clean audits. Acting as the deputy to the Global Accounting Manager, this role coordinates with cross-functional stakeholders, escalates and resolves issues, and ensures business continuity in the absence of the Global Accounting Manager. Additionally, the role serves as a key liaison with regulatory authorities, partnering with Tax and Legal teams to coordinate compliance actions and policy alignment with global standards, which is critical for meeting external financial reporting requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Accounting Operations Manager will oversee end-to-end Accounts Payable and Fixed Assets operations, which includes document review, vendor and fixed asset master data maintenance, invoice and purchase order processing, petty cash reimbursements, and multi-currency expense allocations. The manager will set and oversee performance standards, instill process excellence, and own the month-end and year-end financial closing processes. Responsibilities also include managing fixed asset transactions such as acquisitions, disposals, transfers, work-in-progress, and depreciation across all locations. The manager will oversee the VAT refund process and maintain liaison with the Mexican Ministry of Treasury, lead annual fixed asset inventory counts, and ensure accurate asset records. Furthermore, the role involves administering and optimizing the ERP system’s AP and FA modules, including automation initiatives. In terms of financial control and compliance, the manager will ensure accurate expense coding, timely month-end closings, and proper accruals in coordination with HQ and field offices, guarantee compliance with Balance Sheet Account Reconciliations (BSAR) across all relevant entities, support internal and external audits, and ensure compliance with IFRS and local accounting regulations. The manager will also develop and strengthen internal controls, policies, and metrics to drive quality, compliance, and operational efficiency. In terms of people and performance management, the manager will lead, coach, and develop a team of 12 accounting professionals across multiple sites, allocate resources, prioritize workloads, resolve conflicts, and provide ongoing training and performance feedback. The role also includes acting as a subject matter expert for ERP updates and related accounting projects, leading process mapping, KPI tracking, and standardization of SOPs across AP/FA/R2R areas, implementing digital tools and automation to reduce manual work, and managing accounting-related projects, including the implementation of employee expense reporting tools. Additionally, the manager will provide exceptional internal and external customer support by resolving accounting-related inquiries promptly and accurately and collaborating effectively with Finance, Business Services, and Operation teams to ensure seamless end-to-end processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in accountancy, finance, or a closely related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant accounting experience is required, including knowledge of IFRS and experience with ERP system implementation. Candidates must also be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or hold an equivalent Chartered Accountant designation in good standing. Current and demonstrable proficiency in IFRS is essential, including documented Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the ability to interpret and apply new and revised IAS/IFRS to AP/FA/R2R processes. An advanced level of English (C1) is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in accountancy, finance, or a closely related field. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, financial management, and the complexities involved in managing accounting operations within an international organization.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant accounting experience. This experience should include a strong understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and practical experience with ERP system implementation. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing accounting operations and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with an advanced level (C1) required. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days of salary, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits in accordance with Mexican law (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). Candidates must apply for the position using the reference M25318 Accounting Operations Manager. It is important to note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and foreign national candidates must have legal documents to work in Mexico. This position will remain open until filled, and CIMMYT is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.