IFPRI: Controller – Washington DC

Job Summary:

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), an international non-profit, research organization with over 400+ employees worldwide and an annual budget of USD 100+ million, seeks a Controller for its Finance and Administration Division. The Controller will be responsible for directing the financial and accounting activities of the Institute; and establishing fiscal policies and procedures. The Controller, through Board appointment, serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees.

This is a two-year, full-time, exempt, renewable appointment based in IFPRI’s headquarters in Washington, DC and involves international travel, particularly to developing countries.

Essential Duties:

Specific tasks include but are not limited to:

• Financial Management: Develops and implements finance‑related procedures and systems; monitors overall financial status of the Institute; informs senior management of financial issues and operational risks; takes a proactive role in maintaining the financial management information system and overall risk management.
• Budgets and Contracts Activities: Responsible for development of the Institute’s annual budget; monitors actual revenues and expenses against the approved budget; interacts with CGIAR on financial aspects of CGIAR-wide programs; ensures donor reporting and requirements are satisfied.
• Accounting Activities: Oversees payroll, and disbursement; develops, implements and monitors an effective system of internal control over Institute’s assets and financial activities; ensures timely and accurate financial reporting; and oversees preparation of all required corporate tax returns; work with in‑country Finance and Administration Coordinators to develop financial reporting systems and sound financial practices; supervise the review and processing of field office financial reports.
• Cash and investment Management: Responsible for timely collection and disbursement of funds and management of investments within the parameters of the IFPRI Board approved investment policy.
• Financial Reporting: Prepares periodic reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and Director General; prepares formal financial status reports to the Board of Trustees and CGIAR System Office; ensures the provision of timely information to project leaders for project management purposes; provides Unit Directors and Department Heads with information to assist them in financial management; responsible for disseminating financial information to government agencies, donors and other interested parties.
• Audit: Serves as the primary liaison with external auditors for annual audit; coordinates with independent auditors to ensure that the annual audit is conducted efficiently and statements are produced timely. Interact with internal audit unit on audit activities.
• Supervision: Overall responsibility for supervision of Finance staff; ensure staff is adequately trained.
• Inter-Center Collaboration: Participate in initiatives among CGIAR Centers to harmonize finance and administrative activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field, plus eighteen years of relevant professional experience or a master’s degree in the disciplines listed above, plus fifteen years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 8 years of experience at a management and supervisory level preferably in a non‑profit, research, international, university or government contracting environment.
• Senior level experience with grants and contracts administration.
• Demonstrated experience with project-based accounting in multiple cost center/allocation environment: advanced spreadsheet skills required.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate/interact professionally with a multiculturally diverse group of employees/teams/colleagues, across all staff and management levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A professional certification, such as a CPA
• Experience in Deltek-Costpoint and Cognos software highly desirable
• Experience with large audit firms

Salary Range: The expected salary range for this job requisition is between $135,400 – $165,900. In determining your salary, we will consider your experience and other job-related factors.

Benefits: IFPRI is committed to providing our staff members with valuable and competitive benefits, as it is a core part of providing a strong overall employee experience. This position is eligible for health insurance coverage and a summary of our benefits can be found on our website. Please note that the listed benefits are generally available to active, non-temporary, full-time and part-time US-based employees who work at least 25 hours per week.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is an equal employment opportunity employer – F/M/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.