Comptroller

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. 

Forest Foundation Philippines is looking for a Comptroller.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Comptroller reports to the Executive Director and contributes to the overall success of the organization by effectively managing all financial tasks, overseeing budgeting and accounting. The Comptroller is accountable for the financial operations of the Foundation, including the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the Foundation’s reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards.

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

1. Develop and implement policies, and ensure the Foundation’s compliance with internal financial and accounting policies and procedures;
2. Ensure that all statutory requirements of the organization are met, including Tax Exempt Status, Withholding Payments, Income Tax, and Value-Added Tax;
3. Prepare all supporting information for the annual audit with the approved external auditor and supporting information for authorized groups, such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Department of Labor and Employment;
4. Maintain and manage bank accounts and reconcile bank and investment accounts, and ensure adequate cash flow;
5. Review monthly results and implement monthly variance reporting, as compared to budget;
6. Act as the Secretariat in the meetings of the Finance Committee;
7. Assist the Executive Director and the Board Treasurer with financial reporting during Board meetings and Annual General Meetings;
8. Prepare the annual budget in consultation with the Executive Director and Treasurer and/or Finance Committee;
9. Provide accurate and timely reporting on the financial activity of individual projects, including but not limited to the Mt. Mantalingahan Endowment Fund;
10. Review the work of the Program Accountant in relation to project funds disbursement;
11. Prepare all payroll functions to ensure that employees are paid in a timely and accurate manner;
12. Provide feedback and/or updates, on action required to be taken to the Executive Director on financial management concerns;
13. Provide training, capacity building and support to staff in the Foundation and grantee offices to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the Foundation’s grant policies and procedures and ensure proper implementation and use; and
14. Perform other audit/compliance oriented tasks as requested by the Executive Director.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

Knowledge and Expertise:

1. Advanced knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles and practices, financial management and internal control;
2. Knowledge of banking operations and labor taxation laws and investments; 
3. Knowledge of legislation affecting non-profit organizations;
4. Ability to participate in planning, results-based management and reporting; 
5. Ability to participate in the formulation of financial management and investments options;
6. Knowledgeable on Investments; and
7. Proficiency in the use of accounting, word processing, and presentation applications and software. 

Management and Leadership: 

1. Builds strong relationships with Foundation staff, depository and trustee banks, partners and other stakeholders;
2. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
3. Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills to evaluate alternatives and provide recommendations on business issues; 
4. Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; 
5. Ability to lead effectively, has mentoring and conflict resolution skills; 
6. Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills; and
7. 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.

Experience:

1. Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant certifications are an advantage; and
2. Four to six years of progressive financial responsibility in a medium sized corporation or foundation.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary will be ranging from 70,000.00 to 90,000.00 (gross) monthly. Benefits will include mandatory government contributions, communication, rice, wellness, clothing, and medical allowances, health insurance, life insurance, and accident insurance.

Duration and Places of Work:

The Comptroller 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 Comptroller 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 admi[email protected] on or before June 4, 2023.  Indicate “Comptroller” 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.