Financial Accountant

Contract type:  Permanent

Application deadline: Sunday 26th February 2023

Hours:  Full time

Location:  London (possibility to work from home several days a week).

ABOUT IWPR:

The Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) is an international non-profit organisation founded in 1991, with charitable status in the US, UK and the Netherlands. We give voice to people at the frontlines of conflict, crisis and transition to help them drive change and build more stable, just and inclusive societies.

Drawing on three decades of experience in some of the world’s most challenging environments, we support media, civil society, democracy and governance, gender, and youth-focused projects in over 30 countries – promoting reliable information and responsible public debate and removing barriers to freedom of expression

SUMMARY:

As the Financial Accountant you will work in a fast-paced environment within a small team working across financial reporting and finance operations, and you will report into the Financial controller. You will be posting entries in the finance system, setting up payments, performing regular balance sheet reconciliations, supporting with monthly management accounts and the yearly statutory audit; you will help to maintain an appropriate internal control framework across IWPR and be involved in improvement projects.

IWPR is made up of 4 separate legal entities (IWPR charity (UK), IWPR UK Limited (LTD), IWPR Netherlands (NL) and IWPR US (US).  This role will be supporting the UK and NL entities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support FC to ensure IWPR charity, IWPR Limited (LTD) and Netherlands (NL) financial systems are kept up to date on a monthly basis and that the month end timetable is adhered to
• Set up and / or review weekly payments in the bank, ensuring proper documentation has been provided and requests have been approved in line with IWPR authority matrix
• Support with posting/setting up entries in the finance system, ensuring timeliness and accuracy
• Support with biweekly review, posting and payment of travel invoices and employee expenses, liaising with grant accountants to ensure costs are allocated to projects according to budgets/forecasts
• Support with reconciling AP ledger, to ensure timely payments are made to suppliers and disputes addressed/escalated promptly
• Proactively liaise with the UK and NL banks to follow up on payments with issues and escalate where necessary
• month end reconciliations and assist the FC in the completion of global consolidated monthly management accounts
• Carry out quarterly balance sheet reconciliations for the UK entities and NL for nominated accounts, liaising with grant accountants as needed
• Play a key role in supporting the FC on the year-end financial accounting close process and during the statutory audit for all entities. Assist in preparing the financial statements
• Contribute to ongoing Finance improvement processes
• Undertake other duties and assignments as may be assigned from time to time. This could include work for the IWPR US entity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES**:**

• ACA, ICMA, ACCA qualified or part-qualified or professional equivalent
• 3 or more years’ experience of working in a similar role.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work under pressure, prioritise and meet deadlines
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills whilst demonstrating sound judgment
• Excellent numeracy & financial analysis skills, with exceptional attention to detail and ability to produce accurate work
• Possess an agile approach and be able to assess risks and development for a strict internal control environment, whilst building strong working relationships at all levels.
• Experience in the NGO/charity sector essential, preferably within an international organization
• Strong team player
• Self-starter, comfortable taking the initiative to solve issues
• Strong excel skills and experience of working with financial software (IWPR uses MIP)
• Advanced knowledge of and ability in accounting principles and financial reporting

Principals only. No calls please. Only those who have been considered for an interview will be contacted.

IWPR is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, veteran status or pregnancy and maternity. IWPR will never ask for payment for recruitment.