Background:
Land O’Lakes Venture37 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping communities around the world build economies by strengthening local agriculture, helping agribusinesses create jobs and linking farmers to markets. Since 1981, it has implemented over 315 integrated dairy, livestock and crops development programs in nearly 80 countries — creating lasting impact by linking farmers, businesses, and the public and private sector in local and global contexts. Land O’Lakes Venture37’s long-standing affiliation with Land O’Lakes, Inc. sets it apart. Land O’Lakes, Inc. is one of America’s largest farmer-owned cooperatives. It supports Land O’Lakes Venture37 project implementation with nearly 100 years of expertise in dairy, animal nutrition, crop inputs and agricultural insights and technologies. This gives Land O’Lakes Venture37 development projects a unique global view of agriculture, food and the power of well-functioning market systems. Land O’Lakes, Inc. supports these efforts as part of its enterprise purpose of Feeding Human Progress at home and around the world.
Project Summary:
Land O’Lakes Venture37 is preparing for an anticipated USAID/Sri Lanka Economic Modernization Activity with a potential procurement release date later in 2023. The purpose of the Sri Lanka Economic Modernization Activity is to improve Sri Lankan economic competitiveness through an improved business enabling environment, agriculture sector efficiency, increased small and medium business export competitiveness, and upgraded workforce capacity.
Position Summary:
The Finance & Administration Director is responsible for the overall financial oversight for the program and in country staff. This position will oversee the accounting, financial reporting and audits, while ensuring program compliance with Land O’Lakes and donor rules and regulations. This position partners with and supports the Chief of Party in all accounting and financial reporting activities, while providing support to the program team surrounding all financial and administrative issues.
Reporting and Supervision
The Finance and Administration Director reports to the Chief of Party and will directly supervise finance, procurement and administrative staff. The position will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Ensure all accounting transactions for the project, including payroll and payroll related payments, are properly supported, documented and recorded in the CostPoint accounting system, and that all documentation is retained in accordance with internal procedures and donor policies.
- Manage all project advances to staff and ensure they are accounted for and cleared per the accounting policies and procedures.
- Ensure accurate and timely project financial reconciliations and reports are prepared as required by internal Finance and Accounting policies and donor rules and regulations.
- Monitor program spending by reviewing the monthly project status reports and other management reports for accuracy, impact and potential adjustments.
- Lead the budgeting and forecasting process for the project, ensuring that future budget forecasts are accurate and reviewed with the technical team.
- Establish and maintain strong internal control environment to safeguard organization assets and ensure all documentation is properly maintained.
- Maintain strong internal control environment to safeguard organization cash and other assets.
- Ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations, including payment of taxes.
- Ensure local payroll is calculated and processed timely and accurately and ensure that changes to salaries or supplemental payments are supported by appropriate documentation.
- Ensure compliance with all Venture37 and donor financial and operational policies.
- Coordinate all necessary audits, statutory requirements, and financial enquiries from donor, the Government of Sri Lanka and HQ; including tax reporting as required by local law.
- Ensure registration requirements are met each year and registration renewal is documented.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/ Economics/Business Administration.
- Minimum of 7 years in a relevant accounting and financial management role.
- Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Previous experience in managing U.S. Government grants, agreements, and/or contracts.
- Excellent inter-personal skills managing people in complex projects while under tight deadline schedules.
- Knowledge of Sri Lanka labor and tax laws and reporting procedures.
- Professional proficiency in the English language.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Master’s Degree or equivalent in Accounting, Business or other relevant area.
- ACCA/CPA qualifications or certifications.
The position described above is contingent upon activity award.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted.
Land O’Lakes never requests money or payment from candidates for any position type. Please report any such requests to Land O’Lakes.