Controller

Organization description

The Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM) strengthens, develops, and manages secure, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable global supply chains to improve the health and well-being of people in low- and middle-income countries through increased access to quality and affordable health products. We help governments, non-profit organizations, and humanitarian agencies to achieve their public health goals through cost-saving procurement, efficient logistics, pharma-grade storage, last-mile delivery solutions, and real-time data tracking. PFSCM demonstrates its commitment to customer satisfaction and service excellence by upholding an ISO 9001:2015 certified Quality Management System that underpins all our processes, systems, and services.

PFSCM is a subsidiary of one of the leading international health consultancy organizations in the US — JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI). In addition to our project management headquarters in Washington D.C., in the U.S., and our operational facility in Woerden, in the Netherlands, we have access to 50 other JSI offices around the world.

Within PFSCM’s global structure, approximately 120 seconded staff members from more than 50 countries contribute to the impact achieved through PFSCM’s services. PFSCM’s diversity of thought and culture allows us to engage fully with our clients and each other. We believe we can achieve our mission by upholding our purpose- and results-driven cultural style. We do this by creating an environment where staff can demonstrate our cultural values of collaboration, learning, proactivity, problem solving, and outcome orientation on a daily basis.

Overall responsibilities

The Controller will serve as the primary oversight and management for PFSCM accounting and finance teams. The Controller is responsible for accounting, cash management and vouchering systems for PFSCM, in accordance with the project contract requirements and applicable government regulations and standards. The Controller is expected to maintain transparent and effective operational processes and procedures.

The Controller is also responsible to provide thought leadership and direction on accounting best practices and to share them with staff, PFSCM and JSI leadership, and clients, as appropriate. It is expected that the Controller will operate with integrity and credibility, while demonstrating a proactive approach and ownership of accounting, in partnership with the COO/CFO.

Additionally, the Controller is responsible to direct the Accounting and Finance Units with proficient managerial capabilities and lead change management efforts to support continuous improvements. The Controller directs and manages accounting and finance Units within the Business Support Services division and is responsible for Unit performance on key performance indicators and staff management, development, support, and coaching of the manager(s).

Specific responsibilities

• Ensure accounting systems are established and maintained in order to provide appropriate controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), working closely with the Accounting Manager and Finance Manager.
• Provide senior management with advice on the financial implications of business activities and provide detailed standard reporting.
• Manage organizational and contractual cash flow, including letter of credit drawdown and reporting process, and reporting cash disbursements and balances, as applicable.
• Oversee preparation of financial statements ensuring full review and overall accuracy.
• Oversee preparation of monthly vouchers and appropriate forms (such as USG standard forms), billing reconciliation, and other financial information required to meet contractual, PFSCM, and JSI reporting requirements.
• Interface with subcontractor accounting systems; oversee management of subcontract-obligated balances and other significant commitments against overall project obligation.
• Manage all aspects of the annual financial audit; address audit findings and recommendations, working with external auditors and internal teams, and JSI as needed.
• Manage project chart of accounts; and oversee monthly close process and reporting of financial positions and revenue recognition; manage the closing out of projects including the resolution of asset and liability balances.
• Maintain banking relationships, manage cash flow, and cash reconciliation.
• Provide corporate financial analysis and support new project implementation and proposals.
• Implement risk management procedures and policies.
• Cultivate effective working relationships with necessary internal and external stakeholders, including other PFSCM Units such as, as well as, clients, banks, subcontractors, etc.
• Oversee the use and maintenance of accounting systems, Costpoint, online banking, wires, etc., and ensure operations support by providing financial information to clients and staff, working with the Finance Manager.
• Lead teams in full accordance with PFSCM policies, standard operating procedures, and work instructions, creating maximum synergies between the Accounting and Finance teams.
• Directly supervise the Accounting Manager & Finance Manager while providing leadership, mentorship, and a proactive, empowering work environment to the accounting and finance teams.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of an on-boarding training program and regular refresher training for internal teams, new hires, and external stakeholders for alignment on processes and SOPs.

Qualifications

Professional and Technical Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required. Active CPA designation highly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience. Nonprofit finance or accounting experience preferred.
• 2+ years of public accounting experience required.
• Previous experience with international business operations required.
• Working government contract accounting knowledge of FAR and AID regulations and procedures, OMB circular A-122 accounting principles, OMB Circular A-133 audit requirements and other relevant regulations and laws; previous government audit liaison experience is a plus.
• Technology savvy with advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software. Facilitates data driven solutions and efficiencies.
• Affinity for public health, health care, and international development is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel and perform other duties as assigned.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States of America or the Netherlands.

Interpersonal skills/Communication

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work across disciplines, audiences, and in diverse locations internationally, including written and verbal communications.
• Experience successfully managing external relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders in multi-cultural environments and in diverse locations internationally, including governments and the donor community.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. English fluency required, including speaking, writing, understanding, and reading; French/Spanish language skills is a plus.

Continuous improvement/Innovative

• Experience with continuous improvement initiatives and change management activities.

Priority Setting, Problem Solving, & Detail Orientation

• Strong organization skills with an eye for details, ability to plan, prioritize and implement day-to-day operations in a timely manner in a fast moving, dynamic, and time-bound environment.

Leadership/Strategic Thinking

• Strong action management including the ability to manage projects in the most cost efficient manner; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgement, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressing conditions.
• Strong leadership and proven ability to recruit, direct, train, and manage a team of personnel.