Financial Planning and Analysis Accountant

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is a global research organization dedicated to improving lives and the planet through livestock science. As a member of CGIAR, ILRI focuses on transforming food, land, and water systems to address development challenges in low- and middle-income countries.

The Financial Planning and Analysis Accountant will play a crucial role in supporting informed decision-making, optimal resource allocation, and the Institute’s long-term financial sustainability. This involves effective business partnering, financial modeling, and comprehensive full costing and cost recovery analysis. The position is responsible for maintaining accurate financial data, generating timely reports, and continuously improving financial processes.

1. Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual management reports, including analysis, commentary, and recommendations.
2. Develop and monitor key financial performance indicators and dashboards to highlight financial position, performance, risks, and opportunities.
3. Conduct detailed variance and trend analyses, assess budget performance, identify financial drivers, and provide actionable recommendations for financial stewardship and operational effectiveness.
4. Create financial models, scenario analyses, status updates, and ad hoc reports to support strategic and operational decisions.
5. Present complex financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
6. Support the Institute’s budgeting process through financial analysis, consolidation, forecasting, and timely budget report preparation.
7. Perform budget analysis to identify trends, variances, insights, and generate meaningful reports.
8. Prepare short, medium, and long-term financial forecasts and scenario models to inform planning and resource allocation.
9. Ensure automation and timely updating of budget templates and related guidelines for budget holders.
10. Review all budgets for consistency, accuracy, and completeness, providing feedback for necessary revisions.
11. Develop customized budget submission templates using advanced Excel, AI tools, and automated budgeting platforms.
12. Explore and implement improvements to the budgeting process, particularly through Agresso and other systems.
13. Support the development, implementation, and periodic review of the Institute’s full costing and cost recovery methodologies.
14. Identify cost pools and appropriate cost drivers, calculate the full cost of services and activities, and support equitable allocation and recovery.
15. Monitor cost recovery performance, identify gaps, and recommend corrective or alternative recovery mechanisms.
16. Develop and maintain automated costing and pricing tools that incorporate relevant assumptions.
17. Maintain an up-to-date catalogue of Institute services, cost bases, approved prices, users, and responsible units.
18. Conduct cost-benefit and financial viability analyses for proposed investments, services, and strategic initiatives.
19. Partner with program leaders, budget holders, and finance teams to enhance financial literacy, planning discipline, and accountability.
20. Provide relevant financial advice and analysis to support business cases, operational choices, and effective resource utilization.
21. Identify, document, and implement improvements to financial planning, budgeting, and analytical processes, including audit recommendations.
22. Build the capacity of finance and non-finance colleagues in budgeting, forecasting, costing, reporting tools, and financial information interpretation.
23. Ensure proper archiving of all documentation related to this function, both physically and digitally.
24. Improve data visualizations, insights, workflows, processes, and ERP enhancements.
25. Develop a deep understanding of the institute and its processes to convert information into easily understood reports.
26. Build capacity within the department to ensure continuity of this function.
27. Undertake other projects as assigned.

1. Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a relevant field.
2. Relevant professional certification such as CPA (K) or ACCA.
3. Six years of progressive experience in accounting, with demonstrated expertise in financial analysis reporting, financial modeling, and creating presentations (Excel, PowerPoint).
4. Three years of experience in data analytics, business intelligence, and reporting automation, with proficiency in AI-enabled analytics and visualization platforms like Agresso ABW, Power BI, and Tableau.
5. Experience working with databases (e.g., MySQL, SQL Server) to transform financial reports is an added advantage.
6. Strong business partnering skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
7. Excellent oral, written, analytical, and presentation skills.
8. Demonstrated critical thinking and business analysis skills.
9. Ability to work independently and manage projects from inception to completion.
10. Advanced knowledge of computerized accounting software and programming is required.