Financial Analyst (Budget Process, Expenses analysis)

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established to enhance 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 improve the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while striving for 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 security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Financial Analyst, focusing on Budget Process and Expenses analysis. This role is situated within the Financial Planning Unit under the Operations Chapter. The Financial Analyst will be responsible for various financial functions including finance, accounting, expenses analysis, and cost reallocation. The position is based at CIMMYT’s campus in Texcoco, located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the institutional yearly budget process, create templates for historical information and forecasts, and monitor expenses to ensure adherence to budgetary constraints. The role requires collaboration with various departments to gather necessary information for budget analysis and the preparation of financial reports that comply with international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Financial Analyst will be involved in the following specific duties: Participate in the Institutional yearly Budget Process, which includes administration and operational expenses, CAPEX, etc. Create institutional templates that include historical information and forecasts for the remainder of the year. Upload the budget for support and institutional units in the system (Microsoft Dynamics AX/365). Conduct monthly monitoring of expenses, comparing budget versus actuals, and control significant variations to prevent overspending, particularly concerning the D365 project. Prepare and distribute monthly and quarterly financial management information and reports. Monitor D365 project contracts with consultants and outsourcing services. Prepare midyear revisions and analyses, comparing budget versus actuals and forecasts. Support the maintenance of institutional master data in the system, including new project codes and expense categories. Manage large databases in Excel to provide financial analysis and insights. Contribute to the development of reporting formats and KPIs. Prepare accurate financial reports in compliance with international standards and agreements. Support the integration of the Management Reporting Package (IMRP) on a monthly basis, including explanations of main variances. Collaborate closely with different areas within the organization to gather necessary information for budget analysis. Respond to ad hoc requests for financial information and perform other duties as directed by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. A minimum of 5 years of working experience in financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and expenses analysis is required. Knowledge of financial systems, ERP, MS Office, and managing large databases is essential. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in data extraction methods, report presentation, and analytical skills. Experience in preparing relevant and timely financial management information, including the use of visual information, is also necessary. Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify financial trends are crucial for this role. Advanced Excel skills are required, along with the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and plan effectively. A proactive and flexible approach is essential, as is the ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines. Strong customer service orientation and excellent communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail, are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the foundational knowledge necessary for financial analysis, budgeting, and accounting tasks.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience in financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and expenses analysis. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the Financial Analyst role effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Spanish is mandatory, with good written and oral communication skills, presentation abilities, and negotiation skills. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for collaboration within the diverse work environment at CIMMYT.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package along with support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits as per Mexican regulations (IMSS, SAR/Infonavit). The position is full-time and is based in Texcoco, Mexico.