Finance Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a non-profit, international organization that focuses on improving agricultural production systems, particularly for basic cereals such as maize and wheat. Established to address the challenges of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and poverty, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South and is part of the CGIAR Research Center, which is a global partnership dedicated to achieving a food-secure future. The organization aims to enhance the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers by fostering partnerships and applying agricultural science. CIMMYT is committed to sustainability and resilience in agrifood systems, working within planetary boundaries to ensure that agricultural practices are both productive and environmentally sound. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders across multiple countries to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Finance Analyst position at CIMMYT is a critical role within the Southern Africa Office located in Harare, Zimbabwe. This position is designed for a highly skilled and motivated individual who will support the Country Finance Manager in maintaining a robust financial control environment and ensuring the financial sustainability of the organization. The Finance Analyst will be responsible for coordinating daily financial operations, which include managing accounts payable and receivable, overseeing cash and bank management, and ensuring compliance with both organizational and donor requirements. The role also involves providing high-quality financial support to country office staff and field teams, thereby playing a vital part in the overall financial health of the organization. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to budget management, financial reporting, and compliance with donor regulations, ensuring that CIMMYT's financial practices align with its mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Analyst will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: overseeing daily financial operations such as accounts payable and receivable, cash and bank management, reconciliations, and month-end close processes; ensuring timely and accurate posting of financial transactions in the accounting system; reviewing and verifying supporting documents for completeness and compliance; leading cash-flow forecasting for country office operations; monitoring cash balances to minimize financial risks; preparing and reviewing bank reconciliation statements; ensuring compliance with statutory requirements including PAYE, NSSA, and VAT; supporting the preparation of annual country budgets and donor proposal budgets; updating forecasted expenditures and providing analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis; ensuring compliance with donor financial requirements; supporting internal and external audits; implementing internal control systems; conducting periodic reviews of financial practices; supervising and mentoring finance staff; providing finance training to non-finance staff; acting as a liaison between finance and program teams; and maintaining an updated asset register and supporting periodic physical verification of assets.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Analyst position must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Additionally, professional certification and membership in recognized accounting bodies such as CA, CIS, ACCA, or CIMA is required. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in finance roles, preferably within an international non-governmental organization (INGO). A strong understanding of accounting standards, internal controls, and audits is essential, along with proficiency in costing and advanced skills in MS Excel and financial management systems. Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau is also highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Analyst position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management and accounting practices necessary for the role. Additionally, candidates are expected to hold professional certifications from recognized accounting bodies, which further validate their expertise and commitment to the field of finance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in finance roles, with a preference for candidates who have worked within international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). Experience managing donor-funded projects, particularly those funded by USAID, EU, UN, GIZ, or BMGF, is highly advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of accounting standards, internal controls, and audit processes, as well as proficiency in financial management systems and tools.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of CIMMYT's operations. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in local languages spoken in Zimbabwe, to facilitate communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a nationally recruited role, specifically open to Zimbabweans with excellent academic records. It is important to note that the Finance Analyst will be expected to work full-time and may involve collaboration with various departments within the organization. The role offers several benefits, including private health insurance, a pension plan, paid time off, and opportunities for training and development, which are designed to support the professional growth of the employee.