Senior Officer, Accounting and Operations, Brussels

Job Summary

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day-to-day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:

Excellence– We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom– We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy, and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the power of global collaboration. Transparency– We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

IRI’s Brussels office serves as a platform to manage IRI projects, as well as to support activities in Brussels conducted by IRI staff across the organization. The Senior Officer for Accounting and Operations Officer (Senior Officer) is an administrative role that provides day‐to‐day oversight and coordination of field office operations, including accounting, procurement, logistics, and human resources, ensuring compliance with Belgian law, IRI policies, and donor regulations. S/he reports to the Director of Programs (DP) based in Brussels. The Senior Officer interacts with IRI Washington headquarters staff, IRI field staff, and stakeholders throughout Europe.

This role is based in Brussels, Belgium and requires current work authorization for Belgium.

Gross compensation range: 5,300-6,100 EUR/month, compensation is taxable under Belgian law.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in accounting or finance; additional years of experience accepted in lieu of a degree
• Proficiency in local finance and accounting regulations
• Computer literate with practical experience with various software packages
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a professional finance and/or accounting role, ideally within an international organization
• Experience with contract management for international donors, ideally compliance with internal and USG regulations on competition, administration, and oversight
• Demonstrated experience facilitating operations and logistics for field-based projects in Europe, including:
  • Ensuring office and donor compliance/operations, including registration, taxation and legal/financial/labor law compliance,
  • Liaising with government offices and operational suppliers,
  • Coordinating staff transportation, and
  • Supporting grant/contract procurement actions and resulting contracts/agreements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the logistical execution of high-profile events and delegations, including transportation, lodging, and visa/access requirements
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills. Proven attention to detail and ability to manage detailed records
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with various stakeholders, including high-level officials, partners and beneficiaries
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program and operational needs
• Experience proactively anticipating, identifying, and analyzing complex problems and developing creative solutions
• Fluency in English is required and French is highly preferred

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

The Senior Officer facilitates and oversees all operations related to the IRI field presence in Brussels, including accounting, procurement, logistics, and human resources, ensuring compliance with Belgian law, IRI policies, and donor regulations.

Accounting and Procurement Duties:

• Fulfilling regular reporting requirements of accounting, procurement, and overall financial operations of the IRI office in Belgium
• Conducting financial operations in accounting software, including bills, entries and approvals, expense reports, rolling budgets, monthly exchange rate calculations, online bank and cash operations, VAT return reporting, etc.
• Supervising all types of bank transactions in the office (i.e., online bank payments, cash payments, check payments, reconciliations, etc.)
• Ensuring that employees reconcile cash advances in a timely manner, and according to IRI deadline policy
• Monitoring monthly spendings, reconciliations and bank accounts, and making necessary recommendations to ensure compliance with the funder and financial obligations, sales and IRI accounting
• Conducting the VAT return operations
• Maintaining Petty Cash
• Overseeing the process of registration and deregistration of employees at the tax-office
• Working in close cooperation with IRI’s payroll and accounting companies
• Ensuring that all IRI documents (documents, archives, equipment, furniture, etc. are well protected at all times and that the inventory list is revised and updated
• Performing other duties as assigned

Administrative Duties

• Ensuring that all contracts are processed for renewal or termination prior to expiration date
• Facilitating the signing of contracts through DocuSign
• Leading procurement efforts and negotiating contracts with vendors
• Managing the completion of supply orders
• Facilitating logistical arrangements for IRI program events and consultations
• Organizing staff movements in-country and coordinating required travel authorizations
• Organizing the logistical and operational execution of assigned program activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Accounting or related field.

Experience

Required

5 years:

Undergraduate degree in accounting or finance Proficiency in local finance and accounting regulations Computer literate with practical experience with various software packages Minimum 5 years of experience in a professional finance and/or accounting role, ideally within an international organization Experience with contract management for international donors, ideally compliance with internal and USG regulations on competition, administration, and oversight