Finance Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) is a non-profit international research institute dedicated to addressing food, nutrition, and livelihood security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, as well as environmental rehabilitation in South Asia. Established to combat the challenges faced by over 300 million undernourished individuals in the region, BISA operates as a collaborative effort involving the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR). The organization focuses on innovative research and development initiatives to improve agricultural practices and enhance food security across South Asia, contributing to sustainable development and poverty alleviation. BISA is committed to fostering partnerships and collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve its mission and has a diverse workforce dedicated to making a positive impact in the region.

Job Overview:
The Finance Manager position at BISA is a critical role that requires an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional. The individual will not only manage the entire finance function within BISA but will also serve as the Country Finance Services Lead for the Country Financial Service Center. This position is based in Ludhiana, Punjab, and involves overseeing financial management, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, and leading the finance and accounting teams. The Finance Manager will report to the BISA Managing Director and the Regional Finance Manager, and will be responsible for establishing a country shared service center that provides efficient financial services for multiple organizations. The role demands excellent organizational and people skills, as well as the ability to mentor and train finance staff to enhance their performance and skills. The Finance Manager will also be responsible for maintaining performance indicators to measure financial management effectiveness and ensuring that all policies and benefits are clearly understood and implemented by the staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Manager will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: managing and overseeing the entire finance function within BISA, supervising the financial management of BISA and the Finance Service Center, leading the finance and accounting teams, providing guidance and mentorship to finance staff, maintaining performance indicators for financial management, reviewing and preparing supplements to BISA standard policies, overseeing accounting entries and financial report preparation, ensuring compliance with internal control frameworks, preparing periodic financial reports, leading budget cycles, ensuring timely vendor payments, overseeing treasury and cash management practices, supporting partner organizations with financial reporting, ensuring payroll accuracy, preparing budgets for seed production and farm operations, ensuring full tax compliance, managing fixed assets, facilitating audits, preparing annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with financial statutory regulations, and ensuring sound financial management across BISA’s farms in India. The Finance Manager will also be responsible for ensuring high-performing finance team responsibilities and performing any other duties related to financial management as requested.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Finance or Accounting and must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA). Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of working experience, with a minimum of 5 years in leading and managing diverse teams in support services. An advanced level of knowledge of financial and procurement best practices is essential, along with expert knowledge of IFRS accounting standards and Indian GAAP. Candidates should also have deep knowledge of financial grant management and the ability to provide strategic inputs for proposal and budget development, financial tracking, and analysis. Experience in operating ERP software, particularly Microsoft D365, is preferred, and experience working in the non-profit (International NGO) sector is highly desirable. Knowledge of Indian statutes, applicable laws, taxation, regulations, and prevalent practices in the international NGO sector is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Manager position includes a Master’s Degree in Finance or Accounting. Additionally, candidates must hold a professional accounting certification such as CPA or CA, which demonstrates their expertise and commitment to the field of finance and accounting.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least 10 years in finance-related roles, with a strong emphasis on leadership and management. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading diverse teams and providing support services in a financial context. Experience in the non-profit sector, particularly with international NGOs, is highly desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the unique challenges and requirements of financial management in this field.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and the need for clear communication with various stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages may also be beneficial for effective communication within the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as an initial fixed-term contract of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and the continued availability of funds. BISA provides an attractive remuneration package, which includes health insurance and other benefits. Candidates are required to apply online for the position, and applications must include a CV with contact details, three work-related references, and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. BISA is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity, and encourages women to apply.