Controller

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Position Title: Controller
Location: Washington DC
Country: United States
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is an international non-profit research organization that was established to provide research-based policy solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. With over 500 employees worldwide and an annual budget exceeding USD 100 million, IFPRI operates in multiple countries, focusing on food policy and agricultural research. The organization aims to improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition through innovative research and partnerships with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Job Overview:
The Controller position at IFPRI is a critical role within the Finance and Administration Division, responsible for directing the financial and accounting activities of the Institute. This includes establishing fiscal policies and procedures that align with the organization's mission and objectives. The Controller will serve as the Treasurer to the Board of Trustees, a role that involves significant oversight and strategic financial management. The position is based at IFPRI's headquarters in Washington, DC, and requires international travel, particularly to developing countries, to ensure compliance and support for financial operations globally. The Controller will play a key role in maintaining the financial health of the organization, ensuring that all financial practices are in line with best practices and regulatory requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Controller's duties encompass a wide range of financial management tasks, including but not limited to:

• Financial Management: Develop and implement finance-related procedures and systems; monitor the overall financial status of the Institute; inform senior management of financial issues and operational risks; maintain the financial management information system and overall risk management.
• Budgets and Contracts Activities: Develop the Institute's annual budget; monitor actual revenues and expenses against the approved budget; interact with CGIAR on financial aspects of CGIAR-wide programs; ensure donor reporting and requirements are satisfied.
• Accounting Activities: Oversee payroll and disbursement; develop, implement, and monitor an effective system of internal control over the Institute’s assets and financial activities; ensure timely and accurate financial reporting; oversee preparation of all required corporate tax returns; work with in-country Finance and Administration Coordinators to develop financial reporting systems and sound financial practices; supervise the review and processing of field office financial reports.
• Cash and Investment Management: Ensure timely collection and disbursement of funds and management of investments within the parameters of the IFPRI Board approved investment policy.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare periodic reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and Director General; prepare formal financial status reports to the Board of Trustees and CGIAR System Office; provide timely information to project leaders for project management purposes; disseminate financial information to government agencies, donors, and other interested parties.
• Audit: Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors for the annual audit; coordinate with independent auditors to ensure that the annual audit is conducted efficiently and statements are produced timely; interact with the internal audit unit on audit activities.
• Supervision: Overall responsibility for the supervision of Finance staff; ensure staff is adequately trained.
• Inter-Center Collaboration: Participate in initiatives among CGIAR Centers to harmonize finance and administrative activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an undergraduate or master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, along with a professional certification such as CPA. A minimum of fifteen years of relevant experience is required, with at least five years in a management and supervisory role, preferably within a non-profit, research, international, university, or government contracting environment. Senior-level experience with grants and contracts administration is essential, as well as demonstrated experience with project-based accounting in a multiple cost center/allocation environment. Advanced spreadsheet skills are required, along with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Candidates must also demonstrate a willingness and ability to travel occasionally, possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and have the ability to collaborate professionally with a diverse group of employees and teams across all staff and management levels.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's or master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must hold a professional certification such as CPA, which is essential for the financial oversight responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of fifteen years in relevant fields. This includes at least five years of experience in a management and supervisory capacity, ideally within a non-profit, research, international, university, or government contracting environment. Candidates should have senior-level experience with grants and contracts administration, as well as demonstrated experience in project-based accounting within a multiple cost center/allocation environment.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential due to the nature of the work and the international context of the organization. Additional language skills may be considered beneficial, especially in languages relevant to the regions where IFPRI operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is a two-year, full-time, fixed-term, exempt, renewable appointment. The expected salary range for this position is between $159,800 and $195,700, with the final salary determined based on experience and other job-related factors. IFPRI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage, which is available to active, non-temporary, full-time and part-time US-based employees who work at least 25 hours per week. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.