Main purpose of position

The Finance Specialist will ensure that financial services are provided in a timely and appropriate manner to internal and external requesters, that accounts are accurate and up to date and that internal control measures in relation to financial management are continuously in effect and improved. This includes ensuring that all transactions are carried out in compliance with ICARDA policies and procedures and with laws and regulations in effect in India and applicable to ICARDA.

The incumbent will be based in New Delhi, India and will report to the Finance Operations Manager who is based in Cairo, Egypt and will work closely with the Country Manager to ensure that services and risks are handled optimally.

About ICARDA

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR. ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org

All CGIAR Centers are currently engaged into a reform process (“One CGIAR’”) that will help ICARDA and CGIAR achieve better impact through more strategically integrated research, unified governance, an integrated structure, and new research modalities across participating Research Centers. This transformation is supported by CGIAR donors who have committed to increased funding as a result of these reforms.

Main responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and timely recording of transactions, based on proper documentation, and authorization and compliance with ICARDA policies and established practices.
• Ensure that account balances are accurate and managed proactively.
• Analyze accounts receivable and payable at least twice a month.
• Take actions to ensure that all balances are up to date, components are well identified, and the balance is accurate.
• Assist the Grant Finance Officer in preparing financial reports for donors in a timely and verifiable manner.
• Organize and carry out monthly and annual close in coordination with HQ and in compliance with established procedures.
• Prepare draft monthly cash and bank reconciliations.
• Analyze the GL accounts and initiate all necessary corrections & adjustments.
• Assist HQ Finance in the monthly, quarterly, and annual closing and reporting, with responsibility in the accounting areas of India Office.
• Assist HQ in keeping an up-to-date and accurate fixed asset register for assets in India.
• File all financial documents and prepare necessary conditions to work with auditors.
• Working with internal auditors as well as chartered accountants on financial management issues to submit required monthly, quarterly, and annual financial report on time.
• Ensure that cash management is optimized in India and that payments are made in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure regular monitoring of the petty cash and bank accounts (AFN & USD bank accounts in India) to ensure proper use and minimize exchange risks and coordinate all matters with the bank as necessary.
• Prepare monthly projections for submissions to HQ and monitor use vs. Projections.
• Carry out other tasks that contribute to good financial management and enhance internal control.
• Undertake any other administrative tasks related to liaising with governmental bodies, sister centers, and other external stakeholders.
• Vehicle Management: Verify logbooks ensuring proper use of vehicle and control of fuel and other expenses (oil, maintenance costs). Advise on how fleet management could be made more cost-effective if appropriate.

Requirements

Essential qualifications and competencies

• University degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in accounting or Finance.
• At least 3 years of progressive experience in financial management.
• Proficiency in computerized information system, databases and financial ERP is required.
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office specially advanced application of Excel is a plus.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.
• Strong attention to details.
• Good interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively in a highly dynamic multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team.

Desirable qualifications and competencies

• Master’s Degree in either Finance, Business Management or Accounting
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) certificates are preferred.
• Experience in working with an international non-profit organization will be an advantage.

Benefits

Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits

This is a nationally recruited position available for Indian nationals for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, five months’ maternity leave, 15 days’ paternity leave. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of 3 years. The contract will be renewable subject to continued need for the position, the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

• To ensure objectivity and professional standards, Guru Management consultants, India provides consultancy services to advise, facilitate and oversee this initiative’s design, delivery, and decision-making.
• By submitting your application, you agree that ICARDA may undertake a background check on you as part of the hiring process. This may include a review of your work history, qualifications, and other relevant information.

Please submit your application no later than April 21, 2023.

ICARDA is committed to increasing women’s representation in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from women.

Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.