About IRRI The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baรฑos, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.
Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.
Job Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Finance Business Partnering Head, the Senior Business Partner - Research is responsible for providing financial information to donors, budget holders, IRRI Management, and all other stakeholders by providing financial information in a timely and accurate manner and in compliance with the Instituteโs, CGIARโs and donorsโ guidelines. As the primary individual responsible for the supervision of the financial analysis of Research unitsโ funds, the Senior Business Partner - Research will provide strategic support to IRRI Management, Platform Leaders, Cost Centre Leads, and budget holders, in general, by proactively monitoring financial activities and financial reporting specific to Research units and clearly communicating results of the analyses including financial and business advisories that are critical to the responsible leadsโ decision-making purposes.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baรฑos, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Supervise the analysis transactions, preparation of variance analysis, and prepare timely financial reports on the Research unitsโ funding status on a timely basis and in accordance with CGIAR guidelines and Donor memorandum of agreement.
- Provide exceptional business advisory and support for the financial activities of Research units by 1) monitoring spending and coordinating all movements of budget and providing financial expertise in budget profiling, budget revisions and preparation of best estimates, 2) anticipating the Research unitsโ needs and identifying improvements and new resources to support the platform, and 3) developing materials and training activities to provide stakeholders with an enhanced understanding of finance policies, guidelines, procedures and programs.
- Collaborate with resource partners such as other Financial Teams, Legal Services, Portfolio Management Office, Human Resources, IRRI Education, Communication, and Operations to provide optimal customer service and ensure grants adhere to institutional financial compliance and reporting requirements.
- Coordinate and collaborate with Research budget owners regarding the overall financial management of the grants/projects/ budgets under their leadership and/or responsibility, and proactively identify issues pertaining to their funds and recommend timely solutions.
- Coordinate and collaborate with other Finance Teams, Legal Services, Portfolio Management Office and other offices in reviewing contracts to ensure that all provisions are compliant with the Institute policies and procedures, and feasible within the context of the Instituteโs operations.
- Coordinate with external and internal auditors during project audits and ensure prompt response to queries for smooth and timely audit fieldwork.
- Coordinate and collaborate with the MIS team, through the Finance Transformation Team, for system improvement and functionality testing.
- Work collaboratively with other Finance Teams during month-end and year-end closing of books to ensure that all legitimate transactions are properly recorded and that all financial reports are accurately prepared and submitted to stakeholders and donors on time.
- Develop and deliver training programs to stakeholders for enhanced understanding of grant requirements and Institute policies and procedures from a financial perspective.
- Review and analyze transactions for the timely preparation and submission of quality financial reports to Research units, as applicable.
- Conduct regular discussions with Research units to provide support in the financial management aspect of the projects/tasks under their leadership/responsibility.
- Closely monitor and analyze Research budget spending and recovery (as applicable) patterns and communicate the same to budget owners for a more reliable budget profiling.
- Ensure full understanding and compliance of the terms and conditions of the projects as predetermined in the signed contracts for efficient implementation of grants.
- Maintain and update budget loading in the financial system for budget ownerโs use and ensure accuracy in the Statement of Budget and Expenditure reports.
- Proactively and closely monitor, reconcile, validate and analyze financial transactions and reports.
- Conduct periodic training for stakeholders
- Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, CPA preferred, with at least 5 years working experience in accounting, auditing, financial management, budgeting, or related field
Skills Required
Mandatory
- Has extensive knowledge of accounting systems, bookkeeping, and financial reporting.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, CPA preferred, with at least 5 years working experience in accounting, auditing, financial management, budgeting, or related field
- Must be highly analytical and stakeholder service-focused with exceptional problem-solving and organizational skills
Preferred
CPA; with deep knowledge and understanding of grant budgets, donor regulations; and financial compliance requirements;IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.
Join our team and be part of our story!
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.