Senior International Accountant, Global Accounting Operations

The Global Accounting department is responsible for driving all activities related to PATH's accounting and financial functions and ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), PATH policies and procedures, internal controls, and audit support operations in 20+ countries. The team works closely with partners in human resources, legal, IT, office of grants and contracts, and the extended program leadership team to not only educate regarding finance and accounting procedures but also explore how the finance function can support program and other operations groups in building and optimizing finance business processes and systems to meet future needs and demands.    

PATH's Global Accounting department is currently seeking a Senior International Accountant for the International Accounting Services (IAS) team, who will work with the rest of the Global Accounting team and others outside of accounting to oversee adherence to PATH’s Accounting policies and those of our donors. The IAS team provides accounting oversight and support to PATH’s Country Offices and with approximately 60% of expense transactions initiated in the field, the IAS team is an integral part of the Global Accounting operations. This position will require solid understanding of GAAP/IFRS, superb organizational skills, attention to detail, analytical thinking, ability to research and superior customer service skills (in person as well as via video conference and email).  

Responsibilities: 

• Perform quality control review of Country Office financial reports and transactions to ascertain and ensure proper accounting/bookkeeping activities. 

• Coordinate month-end, quarter-end, year-end process with the site offices to ensure all activities are completed within the agreed timelines. 

• Support financial close by compiling and analyzing accounting information and preparing various adjustments, accruals, journal entries and schedules as required. Clear out reconciling items in PATH's accounting software periodically to ensure hygiene of books. 

• Prepare, analyze and review reconciliations of balance sheet accounts using existing and new tools, follow up on outstanding items. 

• Monitor bank account reconciliations and follow up on unresolved items. 

• Ensure compliance with PATH’s policies, in-country statutory requirements and donor requirements. Request clarification or additional documentation on questionable items. 

• Provide guidance and support to field and program staff on accounting related processes, as well as policies and procedures. 

• Design/implement and evaluate/improve internal control systems and processes using tools such as flowcharts, process documentation, etc. 

• Conduct training on proper financial processes including segregation of duties, procurement authorization and thresholds, transactions documentation, cash handling, and related internal control practices and procedures. 

• Maintain current documentation of policies and procedures for assigned areas of responsibility.  

• Analyze, record, monitor and report on moderately complex to complex accounting matters and transactions, ensuring continuous compliance.   

• Develop, document and implement recommendations to improve accounting policies and procedures, internal controls and training materials. 

• Review new accounting standards & guidance and provide implementation recommendations.  

• Answer questions and provide support to others regarding proper accounting treatment for transactions and other finance related queries. 

• Perform analysis and assist with special projects as requested by senior management. 

• Work with departments outside of accounting to ensure new initiatives are properly tracked, monitored, and reported. 

• Support internal and external audits; participate in external auditor selection, preparation/review of financial statements/management letters and follow up on closure of audit exit items. 

• Understand the operations of the country offices and provide updates to HQ Finance leads as necessary. Act as a bridge between HQ and PATH’s Country Office Finance teams to facilitate work and communication exchange. 

• Support country offices with ad hoc queries on day-to-day operations/issues. Liaison with multiple teams across PATH to close out topics concerning the country offices across different time zones. 

• Assist and train new team members in their onboarding process. 

• Provide training and guidance to country offices staff in formal and informal settings. 

• Travel to country offices to provide support and training, depending on the needs.  

Required Skills and Experience: 

• Strong understanding of US GAAP and/or IFRS, and accounting fundamentals 

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience working in accounting or finance field. 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance field or similar. 

• Certified Public Accountant Qualification (CPA/ACCA) 

• Good command of both English and French languages (spoken and written). 

• Knowledge of USAID regulations, such as 2CFR200, as well as experience working for or with global not-for-profits is a plus. 

• Experience with a global ERP system with multi-currency capabilities is a plus. 

• Effective communication skills both spoken and written, as well as customer service with both internal and external clients. 

• Able to handle unstructured situations requiring quick response time. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook). 

• Attention to detail and ability to analyze data, research information to clarify issues, identify and propose appropriate solutions. 

• Strong ability to collaborate with team members from different geographical regions. 

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage and complete multiple projects simultaneously, capable of rapid coordination and distribution of information. 

• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet policy driven deadlines, as well as ability to work independently with high degree of reliability, accuracy and productivity. 

• Ability to work flexible hours as needed for video or audit conference calls with team members in different geographical regions.