Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day-to-day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:

Excellence – We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people.

Freedom – We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive.

Respect – We believe in trust, empathy, and empowering people.

Teamwork – We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the power of global collaboration.

Transparency – We believe in open communication and clear decision-making.

Accountability – We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

IRI is currently recruiting a Program Accountant for its office in Suva, Fiji.

The Program Accountant is responsible for supporting the financial, administrative and procurement operations of IRI’s Pacific Islands programs. They will work closely with the Institute’s Regional Finance Officer on IRI accounting and compliance matters as required, under the supervision of the Resident Program Director (RPD). They will oversee IRI’s Pacific Islands-based financial and procurement systems and processes.

The individual should be based in Suva, Fiji, and may include periodic travel to other countries in the Pacific Islands.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• A university graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance or any related subject;
• A minimum 3 years’ relevant professional experience in a professional finance and/or accounting role, preferably with an international non-profit organization or USAID donor-funded project;
• Familiarity with local finance and accounting regulations;
• Knowledge of general accounting principles and bookkeeping;
• Fluent in written and spoken English (other language fluency a plus);
• Demonstrated computer proficiency and knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and basic accounting software packages;
• Must be able to (travel to new environments for extended periods, and) work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Organizational and communication skills;
• Ability to work under strict deadlines; and
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completed or ongoing graduate studies or a finalist for CPA or other relevant professional certification;
• Knowledge of and experience with US government funder rules and regulations;
• Fluency in language(s) spoken in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu; and
• Experience with ERPs or accounting software/systems

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

Financial

• Maintains an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight;
• Fulfill IRI and funder reporting requirements in an accurate and timely manner;
• Reconcile all program and travel expenses on time, keep detailed records of IRI expenditures based on IRI regulations;
• Manage field office payments, vendor and partner inquiries and invoice processing;
• Compile monthly rolling budgets for the field office, and monitor daily expenditures, reconciliations and bank transactions;
• Review and record field office expenses in JAMIS and ensure that advances are reconciled;
• Prepares and processes payroll for local employees;
• Responsible for preparing all statutory returns (e.g. VAT, NSSF, NHIF, PAYE) as required by the respective government authorities;
• Ensure that field office staff have a strong understanding of IRI accounting policies and procedures and provide training as needed;
• In cooperation with the RPD and other field staff, preparation of operating budgets and work on monthly operations projections for the next quarter; and
• Secures information by completing database backups and updating tracking system.

Procurement

• Handle field office procurement processes in compliance with IRI and funder requirements;
• Create procurement plan and timeline for field procurement needs and monitor progress;
• Ensure that field office staff have a strong understanding of IRI procurement policies and provide training as needed;
• Draft solicitations and contracts/micro-purchase/subaward agreements;
• Track and follow-up on pending procurement requests and approvals, including processing payments;
• Draft funder approval documentation for relevant approvals;
• Provide logistical support for meetings and events;
• Ensure that all contracts are processed for renewal or termination prior to expiration date in coordination with local and DC staff; and
• Order supplies and maintain inventory.

Administration

• In coordination with the RPD and relevant headquarters staff, oversee the operations aspects of field office set up and management, including payments to relevant program vendors, consultants and contractors in accordance with IRI procurement rules and regulations;
• Manages administrative and logistical tasks related to management of the office space and daily office operations, including the procurement office supplies and administration;
• Oversees clerical tasks, such as preparing official correspondence, taking and delivering messages, sorting and sending mail, copying and printing, ensuring the office runs smoothly;
• Maintain an updated working knowledge of IRI and funder policies that impact organizational and field office operations
• Submit accurate timesheets on time;
• Ensure that DC HQ staff are regularly updated on financial records;
• Travel from time to time to support field office accounting needs;
• Ensures that all field office property (documents, archives, equipment, furniture etc.) is well protected, securely kept and that the inventory office list is revised monthly and updated daily; and
• Any other duties assigned by the RPD in support of IRI’s work in the Pacific Islands.