Project Accountant

About us

By sharing knowledge and science, CABI tackles global issues like poverty, hunger, education, equality, sustainability, climate change and biodiversity. We do this by helping farmers grow more and lose less of what they produce, combating threats to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases, protecting natural habitats from invasive species, and improving access to scientific knowledge.

CABI is an international, inter-governmental, not-for- profit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our approach involves putting information, skills, and tools into people’s hands. CABI’s 48 Member Countries guide and influence our work which is delivered by scientific staff based in our global network of centres.

CABI is committed to making a difference, playing its part in creating a brighter, more equitable and sustainable future.

You can learn more at:www.cabi.org

Background:

The PlantwisePlus Burundi project aims to empower smallholder farmers to produce more food using sustainable crop production practices, with a vision to reach 75% of these farmers across the country. The project focuses on embedding a farmer advisory approach while addressing existing weaknesses in Burundi’s plant health system. Key initiatives include integrating plant clinic network operations into the national plant health system, linking these with other advisory approaches, and mainstreaming gender-inclusive methods to enhance women’s access to plant health services. Additionally, the project will promote lower-risk pest management practices, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and develop the capacity to identify, test, and scale cost-effective biological control solutions for priority pests.

Purpose of the Role.

The project requires a dedicated Project Accountant to ensure sound financial management, particularly in a context where compliance with CABI’s financial protocols and donor-specific requirements is critical. The Project Accountant will be key in managing day-to-day financial operations, including expenditure tracking, reporting, and compliance with financial regulations. This position is essential to maintain transparency and accountability in the financial management of project funds, particularly given the scale and complexity of the project, which involves multiple stakeholders and local procurement processes. A locally based accountant will be crucial in ensuring timely financial oversight, maintaining accurate records, and facilitating audits.

THE ROLE:

The Project Accountant will be responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the PlantwisePlus project in Burundi. This includes budget management, expenditure tracking, ensuring financial compliance, and providing regular financial reports to the project and the CABI finance team. The accountant will manage the project’s accounts in line with CABI’s financial policies and donor requirements, including preparing financial statements, tracking project income and expenditure, and ensuring all transactions are properly recorded and documented. The role requires strong financial stewardship to ensure that resources are utilized effectively and efficiently, supporting the project in achieving its objectives. Additionally, given the multilingual environment in Burundi and the importance of effectively communicating with both local partners and international stakeholders, a strong command of French (the official language) is essential. Additionally, proficiency in English is critical for engaging with CABI’s global team. The accountant’s ability to navigate financial documentation and contracts in both languageswill be key to ensuring compliance with regulations and fostering smooth communication across all levels of the project.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Manage the day-to-day financial operations of the PlantwisePlus Burundi project.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure that all project spending is in line with the approved budget.
• Process and document financial transactions in accordance with CABI financial policies and donor requirements.
• Prepare and submit monthly financial reports, including budget forecasts, to the CABI finance team.
• Assist in preparing project financial audits and ensure compliance with CABI and donor financial regulations.
• Support procurement processes by ensuring financial due diligence and appropriate documentation for purchases and contracts.
• Ensure proper filing and maintenance of all financial documentation for audit purposes.

ABOUT YOU:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional qualification in accounting (e.g., CPA, ACCA).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a similar accounting role, preferably within an NGO, development, or international organization.
• Proven experience with budget management, financial reporting, and auditing.
• Strong knowledge of financial management systems, including accounting software (experience with ERP systems is an advantage).
• Familiarity with donor compliance requirements (especially with bilateral and multilateral donors).
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluency in French and English is required, with knowledge of Kirundi an advantage.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in a multicultural and multi-stakeholder setting.

Personal Characteristics:

• Unquestionable integrity
• High initiative and self-driven requiring little or no supervision
• Adaptive and pro-active
• An effective, creative, innovative, and team player with the ability to work in multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environment.

ROLE DETAILS:

Grade: HAY Band 2

Reporting to: Country Co-ordinator

Direct reports: None

Key peer group: Admin Officers, Project assistants.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We aim to recruit and retain passionate people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and commitment to help us achieve our mission. Our benefits are designed to make our lives easier, improve our work-life balance, save money, and safeguard our well-being.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

We are a thriving international organisation that attracts a diverse range of talented people worldwide. Our staff currently comprises over 30 nationalities. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. No applicant will be disadvantaged by conditions that cannot be justified, and selection will be based on merit.