Controller - Office of Finance

Job Description

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

Responsibilities

We are looking for an individual with experience in all accounting-related activities, including high-level accounting, managerial accounting, and finance activities within his work experience.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented financial professional to lead our accounting operations and ensure financial compliance across our global organization.

The Controller will oversee all day-to-day finance operations, including functional responsibility for accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants administration. This roley will also ensure that IFDC has the systems and procedures in place to support effective program implementation and conduct flawless audits. Additionally, the Controller will work closely with program leaders and their teams, not only to educate them about finance and accounting procedures but also to explore how the finance function can best support program operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the annual audit process, coordinating with external auditors to ensure smooth and efficient audits;
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP;
• Ensure timely and efficient monthly accounting closes;
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting;
• Implement and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard organizational assets;
• Ensure compliance with international, national, and donor-specific financial regulations;
• Oversee external and project-related audits, tax preparations, compliant financial reports for donors and other regulatory requirements;
• Ensure contract and grant compliance by working closely with general counsel and program teams to track funding and expenditures;
• Ensure adherence to financial compliance requirements of IFDC's major donors, including Dutch, U.S., and EU regulations (e.g., FAR, GAAP);
• Support budget development and financial forecasting processes.
• Collaborate with the Business Development team on financial aspects of proposals;
• Identify cost savings opportunities and keep IFDC senior leadership abreast of necessary changes to be made;
• Mentor financial staff by guiding them in the accurate analysis of financial data and the timely presentation of reports;
• Ensure clear communication of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, while helping the team monitor financial progress, identify changes, and keep senior leadership informed of IFDC's financial status;
• Support the preparation of precise financial reports, ensuring deadlines are met and transparency is maintained.

Requirements

This position requires an advanced understanding of financial business aspects, such as accounting, budgeting, forecasting, banking, and administrative functions. Forward-thinking and communication skills to work with all levels of management and staff within IFDC, including overseas locations are critical.

• American Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certification required;
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Master's degree a plus);
• Minimum 10 years of experience in accounting/finance; experience with nonprofit or international organizations preferred;
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements;
• Experience working with foreign subsidiaries and accounting for related foreign currency translation matters;
• Experience with donor-funded projects and compliance requirements;
• Experience with project driven organizations;
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy;
• Self-motivated professional with strong leadership abilities;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g. Netsuite) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel;
• Knowledge of a foreign language, especially French, is desired.

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position reports to the (acting) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and supervises the accounting team, financial reporting team and program control team.

Location

This is a national recruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in Muscle Shoals, AL or Washington, D.C. International travel is required and expected (less than 15%).

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws.

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 11.

The determination of new employee salaries considers various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.