The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of the One CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food-secure future.
We are
recruiting to fill the position below:
Job
Title: Financial
Controller - Operations
Ref. No: P4D/IITA/FC/02/24
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Employment Type: Full-time
General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years
Job
Description
- We are looking
for a talented, creative, and dynamic individual who will report to the
Director of Finance and provide professional and administrative support to
the directorate in preparation for the Annual Institute budget and
projection.
- The successful
candidate will oversee the accounting bookings and report to internal and
external stakeholders.
- The successful
candidate will supervise the Payroll, Corporate Accounts, and Project
Finance Units.
- The successful
candidate will support the preparation of the monthly management accounts
for the Institute and will be responsible for the management of annual
external audits and financial reporting.
- The successful
candidate will work with the new role of internal control to ensure
internal controls are complied with.
Position
Responsibilities
- General
management of Institute Financial Operations and Reporting.
- Prepare IITA
Annual Financial Statement in line with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS).
- Prepare an
accurate and timely medium-term financial plan.
- Prepare
projections and annual budgets.
- Manage the
Institute’s corporate accounts and payroll system.
- Monitor financial
performance against budget to support the dynamic reallocation of
resources according to priorities.
- Develop tools and
systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the
Director of Finance and make actionable recommendations on both strategy
and operations.
- Work with the
Director of Finance to create a long-term strategy for the finance
directorate by providing advice on issues, trends, and changes in the
operating models and operational delivery.
- Assist in
establishing yearly objectives and work plans for the workshops in the
Finance Directorate.
- Advise the
Director of Finance on long-term budget planning and cost management in
alignment with the Institute’s strategic plan, considering limitations and
changes in the funding environment, strategic growth opportunities and
collaborations with external organisations.
- Work with the
Head of Internal Audit and advise the Director of Finance on the integrity
of the Institute’s investment policies and reporting and control
procedures.
- Remain up to date
on non-profit audits and financial best practices.
- Ensure compliance
and maintain oversight for all accounting and operating activities.
- Lead the annual
financial audits; review audit materials and prepare management responses
to internal and external auditors.
- Manage stations’
finance and imprest system.
- Mentor and
develop finance management teams, providing input on work allocation,
training, troubleshooting, problem and conflict resolution, and the
building of an effective team dynamic.
- Train accounting
personnel and others on accounting controls and procedures.
- Provide financial
support to TAAT Clearing House on budget, operations, and reporting.
- Provide
management support to TAAT Clearing House on the expanded deliverables
financed by BMGF.
- Provide financial
and accounting support to the Business Incubation Platform (BIP) group for
consolidation purposes.
- Participate in
Grant Accounting Module development.
- Perform the
corporate Account Manager’s role pending recruitment of replacement.
- Provide support
to Account Payable administration and Vendors payment management.
- Act as Officer in
charge during periods of absence of the Director of Finance.
Educational
Qualifications
- The desired
candidate should have a minimum of Master’s Degree / MBA in Finance and
Accounting or any related fields from a reputable higher institution with
recognized professional accounting certifications/licenses such as ACA,
CPA, ACCA, etc.
Core
Competencies:
- Minimum of ten
(10) years relevant experience in core accounting, auditing, or finance
function from a leading or well-structured accounting firm, preferably in
a donor-funded not-for-profit international organization, and three (3) of
which must be at a senior management level.
- Solid knowledge
in financial and contractual management of large, complex donor-funded
projects, preferably within the agricultural research arena.
- Excellent
leadership, management, interpersonal, and team building skills.
- Relevant finance
experience should include planning, forecasting, and enterprise financial
systems with an emphasis on budgeting and financial reporting (with sound
knowledge/hands-on experience of IFRS).
- Experience in
working with a leading accounting firm of an international organization or
multinational private sector company within a cross-cultural environment
at a senior level.
- High level of
proficiency in using Microsoft Office packages (Word, PowerPoint, and
advanced-level user of Excel).
- Proficiency in at
least one major enterprise management system (oracle, sun, platinum SAGE,
etc.) and relevant computer applications.
- Experience in
designing and implementing Oracle modules and other applications will be
an added advantage.
- Ability and
proven track record in leadership of small groups; experience as a manager
of staff, team builder/leader; and ability as a manager of strategic
relationships.
- High-level
attention to details.
- Excellent written
and verbal communication skills in English are essential, including the
ability to set out coherent presentations and group interactions.
Remuneration
IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S.
Dollars.
Application
Closing Date
2nd March, 2024.
Method
of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online
Note
- Applications must
include a Cover Letter which should address how the candidate’s background
/ experience relating to the specific duties of the position applied for,
Curriculum Vitae, and names and addresses of three professional referees
(which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous
organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor / Superior at his/her
present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to
the Head, People and Culture.
- IITA is an equal
opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce,
particularly welcoming applications from women.
- While all
applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted
candidates will be contacted.