ThaiNGO

The Center for People and Forests (RECOFTC) holds a unique and important place in the world of forestry. It is the only international not‐for‐profit organization that specializes in capacity development for community forestry and devolved forest management whilst taking a landscape approach to natural resource management. The Center engages in strategic networks and effective partnerships with governments, nongovernment organizations, civil society, the private sector, local people, and research and educational institutes throughout the Asia‐Pacific region and beyond. With over 30 years of international experience and a dynamic approach to capacity development—involving research, analysis and synthesis; strategic communication; training and learning networks; and piloting and demonstrating— The Center delivers innovative solutions for people and forests.

To address the needs and challenges of the Asia‐Pacific region, the Center for People and Forests (RECOFTC) has developed an innovative new strategy (2018-2023) to help local people find solutions together with government, the private sector, development partners, local institutes, academia, media and others. Building on its previous strategic phases, the 2018–2023 Strategic Plan puts people at the center of change, by empowering communities, governments and the private sector with rights, opportunities for dialogue, networking, technical expertise, tools and knowledge. The Center’s results will help nearly five million people in and near forest landscapes live more equitably, with dignity and greater empowerment to protect themselves from the injustices of poverty and environmental degradation.

The Center seeks a qualified candidate to work as the Finance Coordinator and serve as an integral part of RECOFTC’s Corporate Services team. The successful applicant will be based in Bangkok, Thailand. The contract duration is for 24 months with a possibility of extension subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.  The position is for Thai nationals only.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Finance Coordinator leads and supervises a finance sub-unit within the Corporate Services Unit and reporting to the Unit Director. The Finance Coordinator is responsible for the  centrally located finance and accounting functions within the regional office and provides supervision to those responsible for the financial functions within the country offices.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of Corporate Services Director, the Finance Coordinator will have the following responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Management

• Overall management of the Accounts Officers (AOs) and Assistants
• Provide supervision to Accounts and Administrative Officers (AAOs) in the country program offices of RECOFTC in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Viet Nam in consultation with the Unit Directors, Corporate Services, Program Coordination and Technical Services, the Deputy Executive Director and the Executive Director, as well as to the Directors of these countries, either directly or indirectly
• Monitor budget allocation and implementation for both unrestricted core funds and restricted project funds. Suggest reallocation of funds and ensure that funds are spent in accordance with the allocation; communicate with concerned staff in the allocation of budget
• Monitor and manage the cash flow of RECOFTC and its projects
• Ensure smooth operation and accurate transactions of computerized accounting and financial management system in both regional and country program offices
• Ensure smooth functioning of the accounting system including the  system upgrades as and when necessary and staff training on the accounting system
• Handle and supervise the reconciliation of bank statements, accounts receivable and payable, and communicate with both creditors and debtors
• Work with Corporate Services Unit Director in preparing the annual budget. Ensure the budget supports the Center’s goals and drives decision making

Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with Taxation Laws of the Royal Thai Government, and other countries (if needed)
• Ensure that the financial operations comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principle of the Regulatory Body in Thailand, and the Charter and any by-laws of the organisation, as well as any other compliances necessary in any of the focal countries
• Monitor financial transactions in the regional office and all country offices for compliance with the requirements of relevant government regulations, RECOFTC and donors’ policies and requirements
• Supervise the processing of accounting transactions within budgetary approvals and ensure that all accounting and financial transactions are valid and accurate, and supported with appropriate original documents. All journal entries are properly authorised and supported with adequate documentation and also reflect the accounting transactions and financial position of organization accurately

Financial Report, Audit and Control:

• Perform  tasks that facilitate year-end audits to ensure the smooth and timely completion of the audits
• Asist auditors or perform tasks affiliated  with financial reports and project close-out reports, wherever required by the donors and/or  Corporate Services
• Communicate monthly financial reports (budget vs actual expenditure) – for both restricted and unrestricted funds to the Executive Committee members, project managers and the Executive Director
• Coordinate with Executive Office and respective project managers for monthly review of budgets, variances and budget allocations, provide advice on budgeting, contracts, and other matters related to accounting and finance in program and projects
• Work with Program/Project Administrative Officers and Country Accounts and Administrative Officers to prepare and review grant reports from all countries, units and regional projects prior to the submission to the donors
• Supervise the submission of Financial Reports in accordance with various Agreements and ensure the submission to donors is performed on time and with the budget details required by each Agreement or project cost norms/ specifications.
• Execute  consolidated financial statements and relevant schedules (income expenditure statements, balance sheet, and other related statements  at the end of the financial year (October through September), which includes both unrestricted core funding and restricted project funding, in a common currency as per the advice of the management/board of trustees
• Arrange appropriate accounting and financial control system to ensure the accuracy of the accounting process and record in accordance with the overall organisation’s policy as well as proper financial controls and procedures for all expenditures
• Prevent dishonesty or unintentional misuse of funds; internal monitor control, correct wrong spending and if found, report to Corporate Services Director and the Executive Director

Others:

• Responsible for the Center’s asset management, including accounting inventory
• Liaise with banks and ensure that RECOFTC obtains best interest and exchange rates at all times
• As required, deliver capacity building on Finance and Accounting policy orientation, technical training and refresher/awareness for accounts and other staff in the regional office and country offices
• Co-review consultancy and partnership contracts/agreements entered into by RECOFTC
• Together with the Corporate Services Director, formulate and update Finance and Accounting policies, procedures and guidelines for the Center and its country programs
• Together with the Corporate Services Director, responsible for organising finance committee meetings and circulating minutes
• Review all documentation of dormitory and facilities income and reconcile with its daily occupancy report
• Any other responsibilities assigned by the Corporate Services Director and/or the Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The Finance Coordinator will have the following essential and desirable qualifications and experience:

Essential

• A Bachelor degree or higher in accounting. Preference will be given to those who also have a CPA or MBA  
• Minimum of 10 years of working experience in a similar capacity. Very good knowledge of English language  
• Experience in managing multicultural teams
• Experience in working with SAP or an equivalent enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, 
• Proficient in application software such as the MS Office suite (Excel, Word, Powerpoint)
• Fluency in English and in Thai
• Able to travel in the region  
• Ability to work on multiple tasks in a matrix management structure
• Thai nationality

Desirable

• Familiarity with the design elements of an ERP
• A confident and mature personality and positive attitude
• Be able to work with minimum supervision.
• Outgoing and service-minded
• Experience of having worked in a multicultural environment

General

In addition to job-specific skills and experience, the applicant should possess the following characteristics:

• Interpersonal communication skills, individually and in-groups, with an ability to work as an active member of teams. This implies flexibility and open-mindedness
• Initiative and ability to make informed independent judgments but commitment to teamwork
• Ability to work in a variety of cultural and institutional contexts

Interested candidates are requested to submit CV and a cover letter indicating why they are suitable for this position along with salary requirements and current contact details of three referees, including recent supervisors to HR@recoftc.org. Please quote the position title in the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The Center has a competitive compensation package. However, offers shall be based on salary history, relevant experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

To learn more about RECOFTC, please visit our website www.recoftc.org

Applicants shall not be discriminated based on ethnicity, religion, age, nationality, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by RECOFTC’s values and code of conduct. Reasonable accommodation may be made so that qualified disabled applicants can partake in the application process. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Please inform the Center’s Human Resources Office in writing of any special needs at the time of application.

The Center for People and Forests (RECOFTC) is an equal opportunity employer and the successful candidate will be selected based on merit.

The Center retains the right to offer this position at a job grade relevant to the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.