Accountant

Background:

Forest Foundation Philippines (doing business as Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), Inc.) is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization that provides grants and technical assistance to organizations and individuals that empower the people to protect the forests. The Foundation was established in 2002, under two bilateral agreements between the Governments of the Philippines and the United States of America to treat and redirect around USD 32M of debt into a Tropical Forest Conservation Fund over ten years. 

To effectively manage the Fund, the Foundation crafted its medium-term strategy, the Results Framework 2017-2021. Under this framework, the Foundation supported over 300 projects that focused on the protection and sustainable management of its four focal landscapes: the Sierra Madre, Palawan, Samar and Leyte, and Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. These projects helped restore 1,243 ha of forests, improved the management of over 1 million ha of forestlands, empowered 211 community-based organizations, and supported 108 community-level livelihoods. 

For the next four years, the Foundation continues its mission with a new direction for its strategy. Under the new medium-term Results Framework, the Foundation will continue employing a sustainable forest landscape approach. Through this, the Foundation will work with partners to protect and sustainably manage the forests for water, land, and biodiversity, while also fostering forest-related climate action. The Foundation and its partners will seek to achieve four immediate outcomes:

Enhanced forested landscapes that provide multiple ecosystem goods and services;

1. Improved multi-stakeholder engagement through sustainable livelihoods and incentives;
2. Strengthened cross-sectoral partnerships for sustainable forest management; and
3. Enhanced knowledge management and strategic communications.

To fulfill the above tasks, Forest Foundation Philippines is in need of an Accountant.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Accountant shall perform the following duties consistent with the provisions of the bilateral agreements between the Governments of Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the United States of America (USG) regarding the Reduction of a Certain Debt Owed to the USG and its Agencies and the establishment of a Tropical Forest Conservation Fund as well as Foundation policies such as the Operations and Personnel Manual.

Specifically, the Accountant shall be required to perform the following duties and functions:

1. Update the books of accounts of the Foundation by recoding check vouchers, paid checks and supporting documents of all financial transactions as well as entries in the official receipt accounting system;
2. Prepare journal vouchers using the GL system;
3. Prepare bank reconciliation for all bank accounts and maintain files of bank statements and supporting documents;
4. Record all transactions and expenses (payment for consultants, suppliers, etc.) related to special projects in subsidiary files of GL System maintained for each funding agency;
5. Initiate the closing of monthly accounts by generating the balance sheet and income statements for all books;
6. Reconcile abnormal transactions or discrepancies in balance sheets by gathering data for adjustments;
7. Ensure timely (monthly) payments of VAT and BIR taxes and prepares annual BIR reports for suppliers and others subjected to expanded withholding tax;
8. Prepare detailed listing/schedule of major balance sheet, income and expense account;
9. Print out entries of computerized books of accounts such as Cash Receipts Book, Cash Disbursements Book, General Journal and General Ledger.
10. Prepare financial reports for the review and approval of the Comptroller;
11. Prepare with monthly, quarterly, annual income and disbursement report for each funding agency;
12. Prepare monthly fixed assets (properties and equipment) registers and prepare monthly lapsing (depreciation) schedule; and
13. Record new acquisition as well as disposal of properties and equipment in the register.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

Knowledge and Expertise:

1. Advanced knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles and practices and financial management;
2. Knowledge of banking operations and labor taxation laws; 
3. Ability to participate in planning and reporting; 
4. Ability to effectively meet deadlines with minimal supervision 
5. Ability to adjust to constantly changing situations while maintaining focus on delivery of work requirements
6. Proficiency in the use of accounting, word processing, and presentation applications and software. 
7. Experience in development work, NGOs, and/or donor-funded project will be an advantage;
8. High integrity, strong results orientation, and drive for excellence;
9. Can work independently, but also a team player; and
10. Problem solving skills and ability to work across diversified culture to deal with emerging problems jointly with co-workers and project partners.

Skills: 

1. Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills to evaluate alternatives and provide recommendations on business issues; 
2. Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; and
3. Has the ability to both work in a team with direction and work independently to achieve targets.

Education:

1. Advanced degree in Financial Management, Accounting, Commerce, or Business Management/Administration.

The following certifications and experiences are not required for this position, but will be an advantage:

1. Professional certification in accounting; 
2. Professional experience in financial audit; and 
3. Professional experience in a non-profit setting.

Compensation and Benefits:

The hired personnel shall be paid commensurate to his or her qualifications and professional experience. Salary will be ranging from 40,000.00 to 45,000.00 (gross) monthly. Benefits will include mandatory government contributions and insurances.

Duration and Places of Work:

The Accountant post is a regular position. There will be a six-month probation period prior to regularization. The individual contract will be reconfirmed annually by the Executive Director. The Accountant will be based in Forest Foundation Philippines’ office in Makati City, with regular travel and work in the project sites.

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants are requested to send an application to Girlie Ruta, Administrative Officer, through [email protected] on or before August 13, 2023.  Indicate “Accountant” as the subject of the email.

Applicants shall submit the following through email:

1. One-page letter of intent, addressed to Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, Executive Director; 
2. Curriculum vitae (3-5 pages only); and 
3.  List of at least three character references.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Foundation.