Overview:
Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion. Beyond our competitive compensation, full array of insurances, generous 401(k) plan, parental leave, commuter subsidy, career development, we also offer a vibrant, friendly, diverse, inclusive, passionate, and inspiring work environment.
The Director, Project Accounting will provide accounting and financial compliance support to ACDI/VOCA field accounting and HQ project teams. The position will closely interact with HQ based project teams, field office accounting teams, and Chiefs of Parties. The position requires accounting analysis, development, and maintenance of various accounting reports, ensuring accuracy of general ledger transactions, mentoring HQ Project Accountants and field office accounting teams, and other complex accounting matters.
This position reports to the Managing Director, Project Accounting and is part of the Accounting & Finance Department at ACDI/VOCA. This is a flexible headquarters-based position in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited institution or its equivalent in training and experience. Master's degree preferred. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Minimum seven (7) years of progressive grants/project accounting experience to include hands on General Ledger analysis and account reconciliations required, plus two (2) years of managing a team of accounting/finance professionals.
Ability and willingness to travel internationally required up to 25%; must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Responsibilities:
The Director, Project Accounting leads a team of accountants that monitors field office operations to ensure that all internal control procedures established by ACDI/VOCA are implemented and followed.
Manage Project Accounting Processes
a) Accounting
Manage project accounting processes, including leading the month-end close of his/her assigned regions or country portfolio.
Manage the FOSCAA process including execution of the monthly routine, leading FOSCAA discussions with project management, and updating the Shared Costs Matrix.
Supervise Project Accountant(s) and/or Project Accounting Manager(s).
Manage his/her own assigned projects, if and when required to meet periods of staffing shortage or work overflow.
Serves as expert resource to Project Accountants and field office Accountants.
Work with Managing Director, Project Accounting on ensuring statutory field audits, donor audits, and organizational audits are conducted timely, tasks would include, but not be limited to, reviewing/preparing audit samples, account analysis, audit schedules and other provided by client (PBC) items.
b) Financial reporting and field office support:
Direct the review of field office general ledger transactions, timesheets, and financial documents to ensure completeness and audit readiness.
Direct the timely recordation of amortization and adjusting entries.
Ensure compliance with ACDI/VOCA accounting and financial policies and procedures.
Manage the financial project close out phase to ensure that (a) final balance sheet account reconciliations and close out are done timely, and (2) financial documents archived on SharePoint have been inventoried, repatriated, or properly stored in country (if applicable).
Act as the final approver on monthly field cash advances.
Direct Project Accounting Managers with the preparation of their monthly project financial compliance snapshot reports.
Communicate concerns, issues, and questions to field finance staff and project management, as they arise.
Guide project management teams with making determination on cost allowability.
Travel to the field office for project start-ups and/or to train field office accountants.
Assist Project Management and Business Development teams with the selection and testing of field finance staff.
c) Other Management Responsibilities
Represent Accounting and Finance as requested by the Managing Director, Project Accounting.
Manage various projects trackers and analysis.
Build HQ and field office accountants capacity by leading training and education sessions.
Respond to requests for information and assistance.
Attend departmental and project planning/review (kick off, startup, close out) meetings.
Travel overseas up to 25% on average.
Instill, strengthen, and promote a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the team, driving behaviors that staff will emulate.
Ability to host or attend in-person meetings when required.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited institution or its equivalent in training and experience. Master's degree preferred. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Minimum seven (7) years of progressive grants/project accounting experience to include hands on General Ledger analysis and account reconciliations required, plus two (2) years of managing a team of accounting/finance professionals.
Strong knowledge of USG regulations (i.e. 2CFR 200, FTR, and Sub-recipient monitoring) and GAAP.
Experience working with international US NGO organizations supporting complex programs with multi sites, partners, and funders.
Experience with multi-media applications, Accounting Software packages (QuickBooks), Power Point, Excel, and other Microsoft programs. Knowledge of Agresso Business World a plus.
Ability to multitask, work under tight deadlines, and in a fast-paced environment.
Self-starter and ability to work with minimal supervision. Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
Fluency in English required. Professional fluency in French, Russian, Spanish, Hindi, Bengali, or Portuguese desirable.
Ability and willingness to travel internationally required up to 25%; must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Field office or work abroad experience preferred.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work across diverse cultures and personalities.
Strong analytical, organizational, research, and problem-solving skills.
Proven customer service and relationship-building skills.
Commitment to excellence and high standards.
Dependability and a strong work ethic are essential.
Must be available during core business hours and/or operating hours for international time differences; flexibility to work more hours when needed.
Flexibility to work in office based on work demands.
Must adhere to our company's Health Safety Code of Conduct, fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or receive approved exception.