Financial Administration Specialist, Country Office Unit (COU)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to preserving the natural world and addressing the most pressing environmental challenges. Established in 1961, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has a diverse workforce of more than 5,000 employees. The organization focuses on various conservation efforts, including wildlife protection, climate change mitigation, and sustainable resource management, aiming to create a world where people and nature can thrive together.

Job Overview:
The Financial Administration Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial integrity and compliance of the Country Office Unit (COU) within WWF. This position is responsible for overseeing the financial administration processes, including budgeting, reporting, and managing financial agreements. The specialist will act as a liaison between Country Offices and headquarters, ensuring that financial operations align with organizational standards and donor requirements. The role requires a proactive approach to financial management, with an emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and capacity building within the Country Offices. The specialist will also be involved in training and supporting staff in financial reporting and management tools, contributing to the overall financial health of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Financial Administration Specialist include:

• Budgeting & Financial Planning: Prepare and maintain the COU department budget, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational standards. Monitor spending, coordinate quarterly updates, and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Financial Administration & Reporting: Review and approve incoming awards, manage agreement records, and oversee financial reporting for donor compliance. Act as the financial lead for outgoing agreements, ensuring proper management of grantee financial reports.
• System Administration & Data Integrity: Validate financial system integrations, support reclassifications, and maintain accurate financial data in relevant databases.
• Capacity Building & Technical Support: Develop training materials and provide ongoing support to Country Offices on financial management tools and reporting.
• Other Responsibilities: Manage donations related to CO portfolios, review expense reports, and facilitate information sharing across departments.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures, and maintain strong communication with stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in accounting, business, financial administration, or a related field, or have equivalent work experience. A minimum of 6 years of experience in financial administration roles is required, with at least 4 years in project management overseeing financial activities. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential. Familiarity with financial systems such as SAP, Oracle, Workday, or NetSuite, as well as BI tools like Power BI or Tableau, is highly preferred. Advanced Excel skills and financial modeling capabilities are necessary for this role. Candidates must be fully bilingual in English and Spanish, and the position may require travel to country offices and the US.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in accounting, business, financial administration, or a related field. Candidates with equivalent work experience may also be considered. The role demands a strong foundation in financial principles and practices, as well as familiarity with financial reporting standards such as GAAP or IFRS.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in financial administration, with a strong emphasis on project management. Candidates should have substantial experience in financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, or financial consulting. The ability to operate independently while also being an effective team member is crucial, as is the experience in managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position, as the role involves communication with diverse stakeholders across different countries. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in a WWF-US managed country office, with eligible locations including Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Guyana. The salary will be paid in local currency only. The role may require travel to various country offices and the US, up to 20%. WWF promotes a culture of inclusion and equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.