Staff Accountant, International Operations

Grameen Foundation USA  is seeking a Staff Accountant to support our international operations headquartered in Washington, DC. Through microfinance and technology, our mission is to enable the poor, especially the poorest, to create a world without poverty. Keys to success in this role will be the ability to manage multiple projects with varying objectives and to effectively communicate with all staff, both domestic and in-region.

Job Summary: The Staff Accountant, International Operations is responsible for managing and coordinating the financial operations of Grameen Foundation USA’s international offices and employees.  Key duties include assisting in the set-up of new overseas offices, monitoring financial controls, coordinating the international aspect of the monthly and annual close, assisting ex-pats and third-country nationals with tax equalization and expense reporting, and administering the organization’s portfolio of direct loans to international MFIs.

Reporting and relationships: The Staff Accountant, International Operations reports directly to the Finance Officer.  This position requires close working relationships with the Controller, the Regional CEOs, country heads, Operations, and Human Resources.

Availability: The Staff Accountant, International Operations will be expected to work a standard workweek of 37.5 hours plus additional hours as necessary to complete the tasks assigned.

Essential Job Functions:
• Assist Finance Officer in activities required to set-up new foreign offices, including selecting payroll and bookkeeping providers, establishing bank accounts, securing insurance, identifying reporting and tax requirements, and setting up financial/accounting systems
• Coordinate monthly close, including receipt of key financial reports and documentation from foreign offices and assistance in consolidation of information
• Perform monthly cash flow reporting and coordinate funds transfer to each foreign office;
• Assist in monthly financial reporting for foreign offices
• Monitor foreign office financial procedures and controls, updating policies and systems as required
• Coordinate foreign aspects of annual audit and ensure all necessary local filings and payments are made to foreign government agencies
• Assist foreign offices during the annual budgeting and mid-year review processes;
• Set up foreign wires in online banking system
• Administer international loan portfolio, including monitoring payment schedules, sending invoices and late notices, receiving payments, and updating loan tracking software
• Manage ex-pat tax equalization program
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of not-for-profit accounting
• Knowledge of financial instruments and technology
• Proficiency in MS Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ability to work with standard accounting packages; advanced MS Excel user preferred
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects and priorities occurring in multiple locations simultaneously
• Ability to effectively communicate with all staff members

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration
• CPA preferred, not required
• 3-5 years experience in financial analysis, accounting, or financial management
• Experience working in the nonprofit sector and in an international environment is a plus, not required

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort.  This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Additional Comment: 
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Interested candidates should send their resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position and what you will bring to the position.  Resumes will be accepted through November 15, 2009 and should be sent via email to jobs@grameenfoundation.org. Please put “SA–IO” in the subject line.  No calls please.