Background:
Forest Foundation Philippines (doing business as Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), Inc.) is a non-stock, non-profit, non-governmental organization that provides grants and technical assistance to organizations and individuals that empower the people to protect and conserve the forests. The Foundation was established in 2002 to manage conservation funds by virtue of two bilateral agreements between the governments of the Philippines and the United States of America.
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.
To fulfill the above tasks, Forest Foundation Philippines is in need of a General Accountant.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The General 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 General Accountant shall be required to perform the following duties and functions:
- Update the books of accounts of the Foundation by recording check vouchers, paid checks, journal vouchers and supporting documents of all financial transactions;
- Prepare bank reconciliation for all bank accounts and maintain files of bank statements and supporting documents;
- 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;
- Initiate the closing of monthly accounts by generating the balance sheet and income statements for all books;
- Reconcile abnormal transactions or discrepancies in balance sheets by gathering data for adjustments;
- Ensure timely (monthly) payments of BIR taxes such as withholding tax on Compensation and Expanded withholding tax, issuance of form 2307 to suppliers and preparation of quarterly and annual income tax;
- Compliance to BIR statutory requirements such as Quarterly Alphalist of Payees, Annual Alphalist of Payees, 1604-E, Annual Alphalist of Employees, 1604-C, and Form 2316;
- Prepare detailed schedule of balance sheet, income and expense accounts;
- Preparation and submission of loose-leaf books of accounts such as Cash Receipts Book, Cash Disbursements Book, General Journal and General Ledger;
- Prepare monthly financial reports for the review and approval of the Comptroller;
- Prepare the monthly, quarterly, annual receipts/remittances and disbursement report for each funding agency;
- Prepare monthly fixed assets (properties and equipment) registers and prepare monthly lapsing (depreciation) schedule;
- Record new acquisition as well as disposal of properties and equipment in the register;
- Lead the interim and annual external audit process such as generating Trial balance, Schedules and supporting documents; and
- Performs other tasks as may be assigned by the Comptroller from time to time.
Required Qualifications and Competencies:
Knowledge and Expertise:
- Advanced knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles and practices and financial management;
- Knowledge of banking operations and taxation laws;
- Knowledge of legislation affecting non-profit organizations;
- Ability to participate in planning, results-based management and reporting;
- Ability to effectively meet deadlines with minimal supervision;
- Ability to adjust to constantly changing situations while maintaining focus on delivery of work requirements;
- Proficiency in the use of accounting, word processing, and presentation applications and software;
- High integrity, strong results orientation, and drive for excellence;
- Can work independently, but also a team player; and
- Problem solving skills and ability to work across diversified culture to deal with emerging problems jointly with co-workers and project partners.
Education:
- Degree in Financial Management, Accounting, Commerce, or Business Management/Administration.
Skills:
- Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills to evaluate alternatives and provide recommendations on business issues;
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; and
- Ability to both work in a team with direction and work independently to achieve targets.
The following certifications and experiences are not required for this position, but will be an advantage:
- Professional certification in accounting
- Professional experience in financial audit
- Professional experience in a non-profit setting
Compensation and Benefits:
The General Accountant shall be paid commensurate to his or her qualifications and professional experience. Salary will be ranging from PHP 35,000.00 to 40,000.00 (gross) monthly. Benefits will include mandatory government contributions and insurances.
Duration and Places of Work:
The General 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 General 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 admin@forestfoundation.ph on or before April 15, 2024.
Applicants shall submit the following through email:
- One-page letter of intent, addressed to Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, Executive Director;
- Curriculum vitae (3-5 pages only); and
- List of at least three character references.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Foundation.