Senior Specialist – Collections and Partner & Donor Engagement

Job Purpose

• The Finance Business Partnering Team forms the core team of finance professionals 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 Institute’s, CGIAR’s and donors’ guidelines.
• A key responsibility of the Collections Specialist is to ensure the timely collection of existing grant funds and other receivables owed to the organization. He will work closely with the finance team, portfolio management office, and research team to coordinate the collection process and monitor the submission of deliverables required for fund disbursement.
• This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Serve as the focal point for tracking and monitoring the status of grants and other receivables owed to the organization.
• Ensures that all receivables are collected promptly, providing the Institute with a reliable cash flow to support its operations and programs.
• Streamline the collection process by implementing standardized procedures, freeing up other departments to focus on their core function such as program delivery and strategic planning.
• Provide a clear point of responsibility for collections, enhancing accountability and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and grant requirements.
• Proactively communicate with donors, funders and other stakeholders regarding outstanding payments, sending reminders, statements and invoices as necessary to ensure timely collection.
• Liaise with the portfolio development and management office and research team to gather and compile the necessary deliverables required for fund disbursement.
• Communicate effectively with the finance business partners, program managers and project leads to ensure timely submission of required reports, invoices, and other documentations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve any issues or discrepancies related to grant deliverables or payment schedules
• Collaborate with Treasury and project accountants for the preparation of the monthly cash flow schedule.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on the status of grant and other receivables and collection efforts.
• Develop and maintain a system of tracking receivables, including payment schedules, outstanding balances and required deliverables to claim payments from the donors.
• Proactively follow-up donors and clients to ensure timely payment of funds owed, escalating any issues, additional requirements or discrepancies as necessary.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting,  CPA preferred, with at least 7 years working experience in collection, accounting, auditing, financial management, or related field
• Master’s degree in a related field with at least 3 years of relevant work experience

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Must have strong leadership, management and analytical skills
• Must be highly analytical and stakeholder service-focused with exceptional problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate professionally, positively, and effectively with a variety of individuals integral to the position and with strong negotiation skills
• Must have strong planning and organization skills, with attention to detail and precision in managing records, payments and customer information
• Can work with minimal supervision
• Proficient in using MS Office and has relevant experience in computerized financial systems and flexibility to adapt new software applications

Preferred

• CPA; with deep knowledge and understanding of grants budgets, donor regulations; and financial compliance requirements

Source: https://www.irri.org/talentlink/details.html?id=Q7LFK026203F3VBQB79QWQWAS&nPostingID=1903&nPostingTargetID=3476&mask=irriext&lg=EN