Project Finance and Compliance Controller

Développement international Desjardins (DID); Cagayan de Oro; On-site; PHP 1,674,000 - 2,567,000; Full time

Job summary

Développement international Desjardins (DID) invites applications for a Finance and Compliance Controller based in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The role oversees all financial management, compliance, and internal control functions for a donor-funded project focused on strengthening resilience of women agri-entrepreneurs, with collaboration from Landscape Alliance.

You will lead budgeting, reporting, cash flow monitoring, and risk management, while supervising the Finance and Administration

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• CPA or equivalent is a strong asset and preferred.
• Minimum five years of progressive financial management experience.
• Experience with donor-funded projects and international programs is expected.
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records in line with policies and donor requirements.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure proper documentation, coding, and approvals.
• Oversee internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure sound management.
• Coordinate audits and respond to audit findings, and manage procurement processes.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting & forecasting

Donor compliance

Internal controls

ERP systems

Excel expertise

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

CPA or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Project Finance and Compliance Controller (FCC)

Desjardins International Development (DID) is seeking a Finance and Compliance Controller based in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, for the implementation of a project aimed at strengthening the socio‑climatic resilience of women agri‑entrepreneurs in the region, who are particularly exposed to natural disasters. The project is being implemented in collaboration with Landscape Alliance and will focus on the coffee and cacao value chains in the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

The project is structured around three complementary pillars: (1) promoting the adoption of gender‑sensitive, climate‑resilient and disaster risk reducing land‑use solutions, including sustainable agroforestry and landscape management approaches; (2) strengthening the economic resilience of women agri‑entrepreneurs through improved business capacities, market access, and financial inclusion; and (3) enhancing the gender responsiveness of local communities and institutions through more inclusive and effective disaster risk reduction and management systems.

Reporting to the Project Director, who is also based in CDO’s project office, the selected candidate will oversee all financial management, compliance, and internal control functions of the project. The Finance and Compliance Controller will ensure the integrity of financial information, compliance with donor and organizational requirements, and the effective implementation of financial policies and procedures. The position will contribute to sound financial decision‑making through accurate reporting, budget monitoring, forecasting, and analysis. Working closely with DID and Landscape Alliance teams, the Finance and Compliance Controller will support the efficient administration of project resources and contribute to the achievement of project objectives through strong financial stewardship and compliance oversight.

The Finance and Compliance Controller will supervise the Finance and Administration Assistant and the Project Driver, while providing oversight of project administration, logistics, and asset management functions.

General Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain accurate financial records in accordance with DID policies, donor requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.
• Monitor project expenditures and ensure transactions are properly documented, coded, and approved.
• Consolidate and analyze financial information and management reports, identifying significant variances and making recommendations to management.
• Support the development, monitoring, and revision of project budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Ensure compliance with donor agreements, contractual obligations, internal policies, and applicable financial regulations.
• Establish, implement, and monitor internal control mechanisms to safeguard project assets and ensure sound financial management practices.
• Coordinate financial audits and support the preparation of audit documentation and responses to audit findings.
• Monitor project procurement and financial processes to ensure compliance with established procedures.
• Support project management in financial planning, risk management, and decision‑making processes.
• Ensure timely submission of financial reports and compliance deliverables.
• Supervise, coach, and support the Finance and Administration Assistant in carrying out assigned duties.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project financial systems, processes, and internal procedures.
• Maintain effective collaboration with project staff, partners, consultants, and external stakeholders on financial and compliance matters.
• Lead the development, implementation, and periodic update of the Project Management Manual and Operational Procedures Manual, ensuring alignment with DID policies, donor requirements, and project implementation needs.
• Ensure the proper management, inventory control, safeguarding, and final disposition planning of all project‑funded assets, equipment, and materials, in collaboration with the Project Director.
• Oversee project administrative and logistical operations, including travel, procurement support, facilities, and other operational requirements necessary for effective project implementation.
• Supervise project vehicle management, including maintenance, insurance, compliance, and the performance of the Project Driver.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• Professional accounting designation (CPA or equivalent) is considered a strong asset.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in financial management, accounting, auditing, or compliance.
• Experience managing donor‑funded projects, preferably within international development programs.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience preparing financial statements and management reports.
• Familiarity with donor compliance requirements and audit processes. Experience with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded projects is an asset.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and provide actionable recommendations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic project environment.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to accountability.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, is required. Conversant in the local language (Cebuano) is an asset.

Employment conditions

• Fixed‑term contract of 24 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance;
• Full‑time, office‑based position located in CDO. The office location is currently being finalized and will be communicated prior to the start of employment;
• Reports to the Project Director;
• This position is intended for residents of the Philippines. The provisions of the Philippine Labor Code will apply.

About DID

For more than 50 years, Développement international Desjardins (DID) has been strengthening the economic autonomy of disadvantaged populations living in developing and emerging countries by promoting their financial inclusion and financial education. DID works to create sustainable economic opportunities for these populations while increasing their capacity to take action.

About Landscape Alliance

Landscape Alliance (formerly CIFOR-ICRAF) is a key strategic partner of DID and plays a central role in promoting sustainable and inclusive development across agricultural landscapes. By fostering collaboration among communities, producer organizations, private sector actors, research institutions, and public stakeholders, the Alliance supports innovative approaches that strengthen climate resilience, improve livelihoods, and encourage sustainable land use practices. Through this project, the Alliance will work closely with DID and local partners to support implementation, learning, evidence generation, and the achievement of project outcomes.