Financial Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a non-profit, international organization established to address global agricultural challenges. CIMMYT is dedicated to enhancing the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple crops such as maize and wheat, particularly in the Global South. The organization focuses on building strong partnerships to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and aims to create a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while adhering to planetary boundaries. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is part of a global research partnership committed 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 resource management. For more information, visit www.cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Financial Analyst, which will focus on finance, accounting, expense analysis, and cost reallocation. The role is situated within the Financial Planning Unit of the Finance for Science and Innovation Chapter. The successful candidate will be responsible for actively participating in the budgeting process for research projects, liaising with the Program Finance Manager to maintain budget figures in the ERP system, and executing monthly financial monitoring and analysis. This position requires collaboration with various departments to ensure accurate budgeting and forecasting, as well as the preparation of financial reports that comply with international standards. The role also involves supporting institutional and research projects with financial analysis and reporting activities, making it essential for the candidate to have a strong background in project finance, particularly in the context of NGOs or international organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Financial Analyst will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: participating in the budgeting process for administration and operational expenses, CAPEX, and research projects; liaising with the Program Finance Manager to upload and maintain budget figures in the ERP system; executing monthly monitoring and financial analysis of research project expenses to identify variations and prevent over-expenditure; preparing and analyzing monthly and quarterly financial reports for internal users; collaborating with various departments to gather accurate information for budgeting and forecasting; ensuring compliance with international financial reporting standards; contributing to the development of reporting templates and KPIs; supporting institutional and research projects with financial analysis and reporting; compiling and analyzing financial and budgetary information for research projects; responding to ad hoc requests for financial information; and performing other duties as directed by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and general and administrative analysis. Proficiency in ERP systems, particularly financial modules, as well as MS Office and large database management, is essential. The candidate should have experience in project finance management, including budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, and should be comfortable engaging with senior management. Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify project finance opportunities are crucial, as well as advanced skills in Excel and Power BI for creating business intelligence dashboards. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage conflicting priorities effectively.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding financial principles, accounting practices, and budgeting processes, which are critical for the role of Financial Analyst.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of working experience in financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and general and administrative analysis. Candidates should have a proven track record in project finance management, including budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, particularly in the context of NGOs or international organizations. Experience working with international funders in the global development or international assistance sector is preferred.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at a C1 level is mandatory, with strong written and oral communication skills, presentation abilities, and negotiation skills. The ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse nationalities and backgrounds is essential, and additional language skills may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes benefits beyond the provisions of Mexican Labor Law, such as 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 regulations (IMSS, SAR/Infonavit). The organization is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Foreign national candidates must possess legal documentation to work in Mexico. This position will remain open until filled, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.