FINANCE OFFICER – International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES)

About IFES:

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is an international, nonprofit organization that supports the building of democratic societies. IFES promotes democratic stability by providing technical assistance and applying field-based research to the electoral cycle in countries around the world to enhance citizen participation and strengthen civil societies, governance and transparency. Founded in 1987 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, IFES has developed and implemented comprehensive, collaborative democracy solutions in more than 145 countries.

Job Responsibilities: 

The Finance Officer will manage IFES’ program finances and documentation, in close coordination with the IFES headquarters finance team. This position will be under the supervision of the Country Director, and will be full-time, based in Suva, Fiji.

• Manage all financial processes in conformity with local laws and practices as well as IFES and donor policies and procedures.
• Prepare vouchers and receipts for all deposits and withdrawals to and from the project accounts, and record them in the pre-defined chart of accounts in the system.
• Collect all receipts, prepare vouchers on office expenditures and submit them for approval to the Country Director for approval.
• Record all expenditures into the accounting system.
• Prepare and submit monthly field expenses reports and wire transfer requests in a timely manner and in accordance with the organization’s rules and procedures.
• Manage petty cash, collect all receipts and ensure accurate reconciliations.
• Execute payments to local suppliers in a timely manner.
• Ensure the timely payments of all taxes to the tax authorities within prescribed deadlines.
• Collect employees’ and consultants’ timesheets and ensure that correct budget codes are utilized.
• Oversee and manage grants to grantees, including tracking finances and issuing payments.
• Prepare payrolls for all employees and execute monthly payment of salaries.
• Precisely track vacation, severance, holidays and special leaves for all employees.
• Support office start-up, including initial procurements in coordination with HQ.
• Collect all necessary documents for service providers before signature and verify the deliverables before payment
• Collect, organize and archive all financial and human resources documents
• Identify, manage, and respond to financial risk and alert Country Director of issues.

Skills and Specifications:

• Ability to remain highly organized;
• Ability to complete tasks with supervision and meet tight deadlines;
• Must possess solid communication skills;
• Must value operating in a collaborative and cooperative environment;
• Ability to show initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness;
• Conduct himself/herself with integrity and function ethically;
• Must be collaborative and team oriented.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related required; Master’s Degree preferred;
• Minimum 4 years of experience in finance and accounting;
• Proven experience in using accounting software. Knowledge of QuickBooks is desirable∞
• Experience in working in international organizations and managing grants from international donors are desirable;
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Power point, and Outlook.

Language Skills: Fluency in written and spoken English required.

Travel: Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment: Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

IFES is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.