International Foundation for Electoral Systems
Senior Field Accounting Officer
International Foundation for Electoral Systems, Arlington, Virginia, United States, 22201
Description
About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) : IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES' approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces, and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice, and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.
The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pays, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork, and Collaboration.
PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:
Ensures the integrity of accounting information by recording, verifying, consolidating, and entering AP and payroll transactions and records.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Help to maintain a comprehensive control system, including policies and reporting procedures, that insures efficient financial performance by programs and provides accurate and timely reporting to IFES senior management, program managers, and program staff in headquarters and field offices.Review cash payment requests from designated Regional Field offices and Subrecipient payments, wire transfer requests to ensure timeliness in compliance with IFES procedure.Provide full service accounting for projects advance account reconciliation for assigned portfolio.Work with other Field Finance team members to provide full-service accounting for projects Balance sheet /advance account reconciliation.Assist in the tracking, analysis, and reporting of projects of varying contract type, size, complexity, and level of risk.Interact with and advise program staff of financial policies and procedures for IFES and donor organizations.Extract field office financial transactions from QBs, review against supporting documents, upload financial data from QuickBooks, analyze in the Bridger and make it ready for recording in to Cost Point.Monitor and reconcile the Subrecipient accounts monthly, includes posting the expenses, reconciling the advances and ensuring compliance with the Contract and Donor requirements.Review and process project transactions and reports to ensure compliance with IFES policies, Single Audit/Uniform Guidance, and donor requirements.Track advances, reviewing balances in deferred revenue accounts, and spending planning.Provide data and reporting formats for all types and levels of program reviews and financial reports using Costpoint and Cognos.Assist in conducting financial training in the field and at headquarters to support understanding of financial systems and procedures, suggest updates to the field financial handbook and desk procedures as needed.Provide training and guidance as needed to local field staff and Field Finance AdministratorsGeneral:
Work closely with other accounting/finance team in supporting project and annual financial audits.Assist with special projects.Other duties as assigned.POSITION SCOPE:
Provides financial support functions and performs moderately complex job duties requiring familiarity with contract compliance and financial controls. Coordinates work activities with internal and external partners.
DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING:
Identifies problems affecting achievement of goals, requiring research into internal and external factors. Analyzes and interprets issues and proposes alternative solutions relying on knowledge of professional standards and accounting principles. Consults with necessary stakeholders to develop or introduce new and improved methods or procedures.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Perform regular tracking, analysis and reporting of project financial data. Provide full-service accounting for projects and ensure compliance with IFES policies CFR regulations and donor requirements. Monitor program performance vs budget and funding and prepares month-end reporting and account reconciliations.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Maintains collaborative working relationship with team members and other staff, both within the headquarters and field offices. Initiates contact with staff in other departments to exchange detailed, substantive information and coordinate activities necessary to achieve work goals. Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external partners, auditors etc. Requires interpersonal skills involving active listening, creativity and problem solving to assure desired outcomes.
#LI-Hybrid
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or High School Diploma and 8 years of experience.
EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree and 6 years of progressive experience in the finance or accounting field, or High School Diploma and 8 years of experience in the finance or accounting field preferably with USAID and non-USG donor business development and government grants and contracts. Understanding of multiple contract types, including time and materials (T&M) and cost plus fixed fee (CPFF).
Experience with financial reporting software packages. Deltek Costpoint, Cognos, and Quick Books experience strongly desired.
RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Solid understanding of record keeping and accounting principlesProven ability to calculate, post and manage accounting figures and financial recordsData Entry skills along with an aptitude for numbers and fact-checkingHands-on experience with spreadsheets and accounting softwareProficiency in MS Office applicationsProficiency in QuickbooksCustomer service orientation and excellent verbal and written communication skillsHigh degree of accuracy, attention to detail, organized and deadline-orientedStrong team building skillsConfidentiality
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Fluency in English required.
TRAVEL:
Limited
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
The position description is a guide to the critical duties and essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet IFES' changing needs, at the sole discretion of management.
#LI-Hybrid
About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) : IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES' approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces, and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice, and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.
The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pays, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork, and Collaboration.
PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:
Ensures the integrity of accounting information by recording, verifying, consolidating, and entering AP and payroll transactions and records.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Help to maintain a comprehensive control system, including policies and reporting procedures, that insures efficient financial performance by programs and provides accurate and timely reporting to IFES senior management, program managers, and program staff in headquarters and field offices.Review cash payment requests from designated Regional Field offices and Subrecipient payments, wire transfer requests to ensure timeliness in compliance with IFES procedure.Provide full service accounting for projects advance account reconciliation for assigned portfolio.Work with other Field Finance team members to provide full-service accounting for projects Balance sheet /advance account reconciliation.Assist in the tracking, analysis, and reporting of projects of varying contract type, size, complexity, and level of risk.Interact with and advise program staff of financial policies and procedures for IFES and donor organizations.Extract field office financial transactions from QBs, review against supporting documents, upload financial data from QuickBooks, analyze in the Bridger and make it ready for recording in to Cost Point.Monitor and reconcile the Subrecipient accounts monthly, includes posting the expenses, reconciling the advances and ensuring compliance with the Contract and Donor requirements.Review and process project transactions and reports to ensure compliance with IFES policies, Single Audit/Uniform Guidance, and donor requirements.Track advances, reviewing balances in deferred revenue accounts, and spending planning.Provide data and reporting formats for all types and levels of program reviews and financial reports using Costpoint and Cognos.Assist in conducting financial training in the field and at headquarters to support understanding of financial systems and procedures, suggest updates to the field financial handbook and desk procedures as needed.Provide training and guidance as needed to local field staff and Field Finance AdministratorsGeneral:
Work closely with other accounting/finance team in supporting project and annual financial audits.Assist with special projects.Other duties as assigned.POSITION SCOPE:
Provides financial support functions and performs moderately complex job duties requiring familiarity with contract compliance and financial controls. Coordinates work activities with internal and external partners.
DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING:
Identifies problems affecting achievement of goals, requiring research into internal and external factors. Analyzes and interprets issues and proposes alternative solutions relying on knowledge of professional standards and accounting principles. Consults with necessary stakeholders to develop or introduce new and improved methods or procedures.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Perform regular tracking, analysis and reporting of project financial data. Provide full-service accounting for projects and ensure compliance with IFES policies CFR regulations and donor requirements. Monitor program performance vs budget and funding and prepares month-end reporting and account reconciliations.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Maintains collaborative working relationship with team members and other staff, both within the headquarters and field offices. Initiates contact with staff in other departments to exchange detailed, substantive information and coordinate activities necessary to achieve work goals. Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external partners, auditors etc. Requires interpersonal skills involving active listening, creativity and problem solving to assure desired outcomes.
#LI-Hybrid
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or High School Diploma and 8 years of experience.
EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree and 6 years of progressive experience in the finance or accounting field, or High School Diploma and 8 years of experience in the finance or accounting field preferably with USAID and non-USG donor business development and government grants and contracts. Understanding of multiple contract types, including time and materials (T&M) and cost plus fixed fee (CPFF).
Experience with financial reporting software packages. Deltek Costpoint, Cognos, and Quick Books experience strongly desired.
RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Solid understanding of record keeping and accounting principlesProven ability to calculate, post and manage accounting figures and financial recordsData Entry skills along with an aptitude for numbers and fact-checkingHands-on experience with spreadsheets and accounting softwareProficiency in MS Office applicationsProficiency in QuickbooksCustomer service orientation and excellent verbal and written communication skillsHigh degree of accuracy, attention to detail, organized and deadline-orientedStrong team building skillsConfidentiality
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Fluency in English required.
TRAVEL:
Limited
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
The position description is a guide to the critical duties and essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet IFES' changing needs, at the sole discretion of management.
#LI-Hybrid