Controller – Office of Finance

International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Sick leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Group life insurance

Pension contribution

Job summary

IFDC is seeking a Controller to oversee all day-to-day finance operations, including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants administration. The role ensures financial compliance across our global organization and supports program implementation through strong financial systems.

The ideal candidate has CPA certification, a Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance (Master’s a plus), and at least 10 years of accounting/finance experience, preferably in nonprofit or

Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of accounting, budgeting, forecasting, banking, and admin functions.
• CPA certification required; GAAP and financial reporting expertise.
• Experience with nonprofit or international organizations preferred.
• Experience with donor-funded projects and compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual audit process with external auditors.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual GAAP-compliant financial statements.
• Oversee AP/AR and financial reporting.
• Maintain internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with program teams to support financial planning and budgets.
• Mentor accounting staff and ensure timely financial presentations.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

French language (desired)

Education

CPA Certification

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

Master’s degree (a plus)

Tools

NetSuite

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About IFDC

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.

About IFDC

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.

We work with farmers, governments and private sector partners to build resilient farming systems that produce nutritious food, improve livelihoods, and safeguard natural resources for future generations.

Our Values

We Are Guided By Four Core Principles

Collaborate - We work across teams, countries and partners to create lasting impact.

Innovate - We apply evidence and continuous learning to design practical and responsible solutions.

Include - We promote equity and meaningful participation for women, youth and underrepresented groups.

Act with Integrity - We steward resources responsibly, uphold transparency and remain accountable to the communities, partners, staff and donors who place their trust in us.

Position Summary

We are looking for an individual with experience in all accounting-related activities, including high-level accounting, managerial accounting, and finance activities within his work experience. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented financial professional to lead our accounting operations and ensure financial compliance across our global organization. The Controller will oversee all day-to-day finance operations, including functional responsibility for accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants administration. This roley will also ensure that IFDC has the systems and procedures in place to support effective program implementation and conduct flawless audits. Additionally, the Controller will work closely with program leaders and their teams, not only to educate them about finance and accounting procedures but also to explore how the finance function can best support program operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual audit process, coordinating with external auditors to ensure smooth and efficient audits;
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP;
• Ensure timely and efficient monthly accounting closes;
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting;
• Implement and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard organizational assets;
• Ensure compliance with international, national, and donor-specific financial regulations;
• Oversee external and project-related audits, tax preparations, compliant financial reports for donors and other regulatory requirements;
• Ensure contract and grant compliance by working closely with general counsel and program teams to track funding and expenditures;
• Ensure adherence to financial compliance requirements of IFDC’s major donors, including Dutch, U.S., and EU regulations (e.g., FAR, GAAP);
• Support budget development and financial forecasting processes.
• Collaborate with the Business Development team on financial aspects of proposals;
• Identify cost savings opportunities and keep IFDC senior leadership abreast of necessary changes to be made;
• Mentor financial staff by guiding them in the accurate analysis of financial data and the timely presentation of reports;
• Ensure clear communication of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, while helping the team monitor financial progress, identify changes, and keep senior leadership informed of IFDC’s financial status;
• Support the preparation of precise financial reports, ensuring deadlines are met and transparency is maintained.

Requirements

This position requires an advanced understanding of financial business aspects, such as accounting, budgeting, forecasting, banking, and administrative functions. Forward-thinking and communication skills to work with all levels of management and staff within IFDC, including overseas locations are critical.

• American Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certification required;
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Master's degree a plus);
• Minimum 10 years of experience in accounting/finance; experience with nonprofit or international organizations preferred;
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements;
• Experience working with foreign subsidiaries and accounting for related foreign currency translation matters;
• Experience with donor-funded projects and compliance requirements;
• Experience with project driven organizations;
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy;
• Self-motivated professional with strong leadership abilities;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g. Netsuite) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel;
• Knowledge of a foreign language, especially French, is desired.

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position reports to the (acting) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and supervises the accounting team, financial reporting team and program control team.

Location

This is a national recruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in Muscle Shoals, AL or Washington, D.C. International travel is required and expected (less than 15%).

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws.

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 11.

The determination of new employee salaries considers various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.

Required Skills

Required Experience