Manager, Accounts

iFOREST; Dadri; Remote; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

iFOREST seeks an experienced Manager – Accounts to lead the Finance & Compliance division from its Noida head office. You will oversee day-to-day accounting, month-end close, statutory compliance and audits, including FCRA obligations for foreign contributions.

You will manage a small team, work with auditors and banks, and ensure accurate books, timely filings and strong internal controls. NGO experience and familiarity with Tally are required.

Qualifications

• NGO accounting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of FCRA accounting, TDS, GST and non-profit tax rules.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting team and ensure timely month-end close.
• Manage payments, payroll accounting and documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

English proficiency

Education

CA

CA (Inter)

MBA (Finance)

M.Com

Tools

Tally

Job description

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to lead the organisation’s accounting team.

A successful applicant must have a proven aptitude for NGO accounting, month-end close, statutory compliance and audits, and good communication skills with colleagues, auditors and banks. The candidate should ideally have working experience in the NGO sector, and knowledge of FCRA accounting, TDS, GST, income tax rules for non-profits, and Tally or a similar accounting system.

Position summary

Title Manager – Accounts

Division Finance & Compliance

Reports to Director – Finance & Compliance

Location Noida head office

Experience 8+ years in accounting, including at least 4 years in the NGO sector

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organisation established in 2019. It identifies, promotes and scales up solutions for pressing environment–development challenges in India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Our work is rooted in regional priorities. We accelerate environmental action at the sub-national level and use that regional knowledge to improve national policies and plans and strengthen international collaboration. We conduct independent, evidence-based research, develop new knowledge and innovative solutions, convene stakeholders to build consensus, and partner with think tanks, civil society, government agencies, philanthropies and industry to scale up solutions.

Much of our work is funded by international grants and delivered with state and district partners. We have a team of about 80 people across three offices in India.

Purpose of the role

The Manager – Accounts will lead iFOREST’s accounting team and make sure the books are accurate, complete and compliant. The role covers day-to-day accounting, payments, statutory compliance and audits, including the separate accounting that foreign contributions require under the FCRA.

Success in this role means that, within a year:

• Books are closed every month on time, with reconciliations complete.
• Statutory dues and returns are filed on time, with no penalties.
• Statutory, FCRA and donor audits close with no significant findings.
• Payments are processed promptly, with proper approvals and documentation.

Key responsibilities

1. Accounting and month-end close

• Maintain books of accounts, with separate accounting for foreign and domestic contributions as required by the FCRA.
• Run the month-end close, including bank, vendor and grant reconciliations.
• Code transactions to the right grants and cost centres, working with the Deputy Director – Grant Management & Budget.
• Maintain fixed asset accounts in line with the asset register.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and annual financial statements.

2. Payments and payroll accounting

• Process vendor, consultant and staff payments after checking approvals and documents.
• Manage advances, travel claims and their settlement.
• Account for payroll and statutory deductions, working with the Culture & People team.

3. Statutory compliance

• Ensure timely deduction, payment and filing of TDS, GST, provident fund and other statutory dues.
• Prepare information for income tax returns and FCRA returns with the Director – Finance & Compliance.
• Keep track of changes in tax and FCRA rules and update procedures.

4. Audits and controls

• Coordinate statutory, FCRA, donor and internal audits, and follow up on findings.
• Apply financial controls, delegation of authority and accounting SOPs, and propose improvements.
• Keep complete, well-organised supporting documents for every transaction.

5. Team leadership

• Lead, coach and develop the Assistant Manager and two Associate Managers – Accounts, sharing out work and checking quality.

Qualifications and experience

• CA, CA (Inter), M.Com, MBA (Finance) or a related qualification, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years of accounting experience, including at least 4 years in the NGO sector.
• Hands‑on experience with FCRA accounting and compliance.
• Working knowledge of TDS, GST and income tax rules that apply to non‑profits.
• Experience with Tally or another accounting system.
• Experience supervising an accounts team.
• Experience in a think tank, research institution or international NGO.
• Experience handling audits for international donors.
• Experience moving an organisation to a new accounting system or ERP.
• Accurate and thorough, with high standards of integrity.
• Meets deadlines reliably and plans ahead for busy periods.
• Explains finance rules clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Leads and develops a small team.
• Communicates clearly in English, in writing and in person.

What we offer

iFOREST provides an inclusive and supportive work environment and is committed to professional development through education, training and capacity building. We offer salaries that are competitive in the think‑tank sector and recognise performance through annual appraisals.

Remuneration: Depending on qualifications and experience. The final designation will depend on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.