Manager, Accounting Services (Rome, Italy)

The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people's lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

https://alliancebioversityciat.org/                     www.cgiar.org

About the position

Based in Rome, Italy, and under the supervision of the Senior Manager of the Unit, the Manager will provide strategic support to the financial operations of Bioversity International within the overall governance of the Alliance.

Responsibilities

Accounting

• Maintain, review, and update financial records including but not limited to general journal, general ledger and other working papers and documents needed to explain the details by which financial statements are made up.
  
• Oversee, implement, and maintain accounting processes and procedures in accordance with sound accounting practices.
  
• Identify financial accounting risks, internal control weaknesses and contribute towards developing and implementing mitigation strategies.
  
• Oversee monthly/quarterly/annual closing processes and ensure tasks are completed in accordance with established timelines and requirements.
  
• Prepare the organization's International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) financial statements.
  
• Coordinate with the Budget Office in updating budgets in the Organization's accounting system.
  
• Understand relationships/dependencies between accounts to assess financial statement assertions for a fair presentation of financial results.
  
• Research accounting issues and prepare technical memorandums.
  
• Design and prepare statements of accounts (i.e., balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, statement of changes in net assets) and management of reports to suit various stakeholders' financial reporting requirements.
  

   
  

  Tax, Compliance, Recording, Audit
  
  

  • Perform data gathering and analysis of information for the preparation of any federal or state tax returns as well as actual preparation of certain returns or business license filings and annual reports.
    
  • Research and prepare work papers for various book-to-tax differences.
    
  • Perform year-end accrual review and prepare tax provision.
    
  • Perform account reconciliations.
    
  • Investigate and resolve reconciling items and discrepancies identified in the reconciliation process.
    
  • Execute reporting controls and maintain documentation of such controls.
    
  • Prepare management and board reports and analysis in accordance with prescribed requirements and frequency.
    
  • Evaluate and implement process improvements, including the identification and evaluation of business requirements for new automated solutions.
    
  • Provide assistance with internal and external audits as needed.
    
  • Prepare audited financial statements, liaise with external auditors, and ensure documents are prepared on a timely basis to satisfy external auditor's requirements.
    

     
    

    Human Resources Management
    
    

    • Provide direction to and supervise accounting staff performing financial accounting, payroll, and fixed assets functions.
      
      

      Requirements

      Essential Requirements
      

      • University degree in a relevant field (e.g., Accounting, Business Administration), and relevant accountancy qualification
        
      • Relevant experience in financial analysis (minimum 7 years desirable), reporting, accounting, or public accounting, preferably in an international working environment
        
      • Supervisory experience (minimum 3 years desirable)
        
      • Demonstrated working knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, preferably with Unit4 Business World (Agresso) 
        
      • Knowledge of and experience with spreadsheets (advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel is a must), database and word processing software.
        
      • Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken
        
      • Excellent interpersonal, communications (including report writing) and teamwork skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different cultural and national backgrounds.
        
      • Highly developed skills with personal organization and priority setting
        
      • Ability to work with a high degree of independence within assigned areas complemented by sound judgment and initiative.
        
      • Ability to provide exceptional service to internal customers as well as external clients and business partners.
        
      • Ability to lead and motivate staff.
        
      • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks.
        
      • Ability to maintain the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality.
        
      • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and results orientation.
        

        
        

        Desirable Requirements
        

        • Working knowledge of Italian.
          
        • Experience in a not-for-profit organization or academic environment.
          
          

          Benefits

          
          

          Terms of employment
          
          

          This is a locally recruited position which will be based in Rome, Italy. The salary is level 10, on a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest. The salary range starts from Euro 60,670 per annum. The Alliance offers an attractive remuneration package which includes a competitive salary, leave provisions, medical and life insurance, and non-contributory retirement plan. The contract will be for a period of 2 years, subject to a probationary period of 6 months, and is renewable based on performance and availability of funds.
          

          Please note that eligible applicants must have the legal status to live and work in the European Union. Citizens of EU countries and citizens of non-EU countries are individually responsible for compliance with requirements and formalities established by the national immigration law of the country where they stay and carry out their working activity.
          Applications
          
          

          Please apply online through the website (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers) no later than 19 July 2023, attaching a curriculum vitae, motivation letter, both in English, and contact information (e.g. names, email address) of at least three references. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.