US Accounting Lead

Posted Nov 8

About IDinsight

We amplify social impact by partnering with leaders to develop tailored solutions. Our mission is to use data and evidence to help leaders combat poverty worldwide.

IDinsight is a mission-driven global advisory, data analytics, and research organization that helps global development leaders maximize their social impact. We tailor a wide range of data and evidence tools, including randomized evaluations and machine learning, to help decision-makers design effective programs and rigorously test what works to support communities. We work with governments, multilateral agencies, foundations, and innovative non-profit organizations in Asia and Africa. Our work spans a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, education, health, governance, sanitation, financial inclusion, and other areas.

We have expertise in a variety of rigorous approaches and methodologies, which we tailor to each client depending on their needs and constraints. To achieve a positive social impact, we:

  • Support clients’ use of data and evidence for routine and major decision-making.
  • Inform funding decisions – toward high-impact initiatives and away from less effective programs or approaches.
  • Create and share tools, knowledge, and ideas that expand the use of data and evidence for social good.

Our diverse, growing team of roughly 250 outstanding colleagues operate in nearly two dozen countries around the world. Learn more about our mission and values at www.IDinsight.org.  

About the US Accounting Lead

The US Accounting Lead reports to the CFO and works extensively with the Deputy CFO to oversee the financial matters related to the US entity IDInsight Inc. and to execute projects to support the implementation of the organization’s financial strategy. Key functions include oversight of the organization’s investment accounts and US banking management, coordination of the organization’s US GAAP audit and annual form 990, preparation of financial analysis in support of leadership and donors, and supporting due diligence, projects, and reporting as needed.

This role is ideal for an experienced accounting professional with an excellent understanding of US GAAP, good analytical and communication skills, lots of proactivity, and a desire to be part of a growing, dynamic and impactful organization.

This role has no direct reports but will coordinate input from various team members across functions and may have staff to work with them on specific projects.

The responsibilities below are representative. Projects may change seasonally and over time.

Responsibilities (total to 50%)

Audit Coordination and US GAAP Accounting leadership (20-35%) 

  • Research, implement, and monitor the correct use of US Generally accepted accounting principles in the development of IDinsight’s financial statements.
  • Draft consolidated financial statements and notes
  • Coordinate the audit of IDinsight’s consolidated financial statements, ensuring that the audit is completely smoothly and on time, including:
  • Working with the accounting, FP&A, operations, and other teams to coordinate, review, and submit audit deliverables. 
  • Coordinate with the accounting and compliance team to complete local statutory audits and ensure they are available to inform the consolidated audit.
  • Review balance sheet reconciliations and complete analysis during the year to ensure that accounting books are timely, accurate, and complete on a monthly and quarterly basis
  • Work together with accounting and compliance teams to support local regulatory audits and implementation of new guidance.
  • Develop and maintain accounting policies and processes; develop process documentation and communicate new processes effectively to other teams in the organization.

US Financial Governance & Operational oversight (10-20%) 

  • Oversee preparation of IRS Form 990, working with the external accounting firm, internal finance team, and teammates across other functions. Implement an ongoing process to capture this information and document it.
  • Support internal US-based teams, including the Philanthropic engagement team, with financial support for donor financial information, explanations, and due diligence.
  • Partner with the fundraising, finance, and legal teams on US registration and statutory requirements as they arise.
  • Act as the point of contact for Finance in the US for our external partners and stakeholders
  • Select a global mobility vendor and recommend and implement a policy on global mobility. Coordinate the required research on tax and financial impacts of global mobility questions. 
  • Research financial vendors and lead the procurement process on new engagements, particularly those for US-based services.
  • Support the payroll team on tax-related research and compliance as needed.

US Treasury and banking (5-10%) 

  • Oversee and administer the US banking relationships of the organization, including the Vanguard investment accounts and the Bank of America operational and savings accounts, including minimizing fees and managing investments according to the organization’s investment policy.
  • Work with IDinsight’s bank to ensure we have appropriate products in place to manage our banking requirements and liquidity.
  • Oversee global cash forecasting, collaborating with regional teams and creating necessary reporting to monitor all aspects of cash, including correct allocation among IDinsight’s’ locations.
  • Prepare the organization’s FBAR submission to the US treasury.
  • Identify FX risk and propose appropriate mitigations.

Other financial projects and processes (5-15%)

  • Support development, review, and monitoring of internal controls for various processes.
  • Support the monitoring and improvement of finance customer service to our internal customers.
  • Coordinate across all finance functions and with other global support functions and regions on projects and processes that span across the organization.
  • Provide mentorship to other team members, including helping teammates understand and correctly apply US GAAP principles.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of years of work experience in finance and accounting
  • Relevant Bachelor’s degree and US CPA designation
  • Previous experience with US 501c3 support and form 990 is strongly preferred.
  • Experience in a project-based client service environment is highly desirable.
  • Skills and attributes: 
  1. Excellent analytical skills
  2. Demonstrated success at building effective processes
  3. Highly organized
  4. Organized and able to work independently
  5. Thrives in fast-paced environments and is excited by opportunities to explore and implement new ideas as our organization grows and changes
  6. Proactive attitude with a bias to action
  7. Excellent communication skills
  8. Strong project management and change management skills
  9. Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams located across many countries

Professional development

Skill and career development are core to IDinsight's values and long-term impact strategy and have been noted as highlights of teammates’ experiences. IDinsighters receive significant mentorship from IDinsight leadership and support from talented peers and are given considerable autonomy when ready. They maintain professional development plans and are given "stretch" opportunities designed to strengthen a variety of skills. Real-time feedback is embedded in our culture, and a formal structure enables maximum professional growth. Additionally, teammates have access to an annual professional development stipend that they are encouraged to utilize to explore their career interests and develop their skills.

Nuts & bolts

Location

This location for this role is flexible, with a strong preference for the Eastern time zone. This position is eligible for remote work or otherwise from the United States. Preference will be given to those with pre-existing work authorisation. 

Compensation

Compensation and benefits are commensurate with the qualifications and experiences IDinsight is hiring for and competitive within the global development sector. We are especially proud of the people-focused benefits we offer, including comprehensive international health insurance, including mental health coverage; paid vacation, sick, and parental leave; relocation benefits; a travel stipend; technology and work-from-home stipends; a professional development budget; and more.

Please note that, as a non-profit, we are unable to provide compensation similar to leading private-sector organizations. 

How to apply

Please click the "Apply for this job online" button at the top right. Applications are rolling and considered as they are submitted.] The application asks various questions in order for us to get to know you and requires a CV and cover letter. 

Please ensure that your CV includes relevant professional and personal experience as well as details on academic qualifications. CVs can range from one to two pages. Please note headshot photographs, parental details, birth dates, marital status, and other personal information not relevant to the application do not need to be included in your CV. Additionally, we strongly encourage you to use your cover letter to highlight why you want to work for IDinsight specifically and what has prepared you to succeed in the role you’re applying for. A customized cover letter is an important part of IDinsight’s recruiting process as it allows us to understand your motivations for the position, relevant skills, and clarity of writing.

More information, including details on IDinsight’s hiring process and frequently asked questions, can be found online at IDinsight Careers. Any questions should be directed to careers@IDinsight.org. 

IDinsight’s commitment to reducing power asymmetries

IDinsight is committed to reducing power asymmetries in the social sector. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion reflects our understanding of the need for the sector to abandon unhealthy practices of the past. We wish to be part of a new generation of international NGOs who are honest about this history and transparent about our role in the present. Our commitment is also aligned with the impact of our work. 

We seek a workforce that is inclusive of a variety of perspectives that will help us refine and improve our methods and relationships and strengthen the services we provide our clients and their communities or constituencies. The following commitments represent our vision for the IDinsight team:

  1. IDinsight will have greater representation from the populations with whom we work and the clients we serve.
  2. IDinsight will have greater representation from the countries in which we work.
  3. Across all countries in which we recruit, we will seek greater representation from historically excluded communities.
  4. IDinsight will foster an inclusive work culture that empowers a diverse team to do their best work.

IDinsight is committed to non-discrimination in our recruitment, employment practices, and organizational culture, regardless of people’s age, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.