Job Description

Do you have a passion for numbers and the environment? Do you want to make an impact on sustainability by ensuring that our books are in order, that invoices are paid, and salary handled efficiently? If so, then you might be the match for our role as Senior Accounting and Finance Specialist based in India.What you can expect:As Senior Accounting and Finance Specialist, you will manage essential accounting processes, support tax compliance, and contribute to financial operations for both our limited company and NGO entity. Your role will involve helping organizations meet sustainability goals, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, supporting team activities, and establishing trust-based client relationships. Besides that, you will also assist with tailored services for agriculture projects. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact while working in a dynamic and mission-driven environment.Working with us is never routine so in the first year, you can expect the following areas to be central to your work.

• Overseeing and managing daily accounting operations for both the limited company and NGO entity, including processing expenses, invoices, payroll, and bank transactions.
• Ensuring accurate tax compliance by preparing and filing taxes, advising on payroll tax, VAT, CIT, and WHT, and reconciling tax records with the authorities portal.
• Leading the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring timely preparation of financial statements and adherence to global reporting standards.
• Providing tailored financial support for agriculture projects, including preparing quarterly financial reports, analyzing staff timesheets, and managing invoicing and payments.
• Building and maintaining trust-based client relationships by supporting their sustainability goals, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and addressing financial queries.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and global finance colleagues to streamline financial processes, optimize internal systems, and contribute to the broader organizational mission.

Your first year with us:Within three months, you will:

• Begin by familiarizing yourself with the organizations accounting systems, processes, and software. Focus on mastering daily tasks such as processing expenses, and client invoices, recording bank transactions, and payroll journals, and assisting with tax preparation and filing.
• Build a strong foundation in understanding the specific financial reporting and tax compliance requirements for both the limited company and the NGO entity in India. Engage in training sessions and seek guidance from senior team members, understanding of key processes, and successful integration into the finance team.
• Work closely with the global finance team to understand the timelines and expectations for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Have a smooth integration into the Agriculture project works and process supplier and consultant invoices and payments.

Within six months, you will:

• Take on more complex tasks, such as preparing financial statements for the monthly and quarterly closes, advising staff on reimbursable expenses, and providing input on tax-related issues. Start handling the reconciliation of taxes and supporting payments between NEPCon India and its related parties.
• Mastering the tasks in the Agriculture projects, preparing quarterly financial reports, managing client invoicing and payment follow-ups. Ensure all tasks are completed in line with project timelines and client expectations.
• Complete the transition process with the external accountant and take full ownership of the accounting and tax for both the limited company and the NGO entity in India

Within one year, you will:

• Do annual close for the company, review the financial statement, prepare documents, and take the lead for the annual financial audit. Provide strategic support to the finance team by identifying areas for improvement in the financial processes.
• Actively contribute to the financial management of Agriculture projects by optimizing the preparation of financial reports, ensuring timely payments to suppliers, and maintaining accurate financial records. Begin to provide insights that help align financial operations with broader organizational goals.
• Demonstrated leadership in financial management, successful execution of complex accounting tasks, advising the group finance team on tax, transfer pricing, operation optimization, and a proactive role in supporting the organizations financial strategy.

Important that you:

• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent) in finance, accounting or a related field
• 8+ years of experience with accounting, financial reporting and corporate accounting tax
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
• Knowledge of international accounting standards. Experience in working in international organizations and working with different departments for different services;
• Full proficiency in the use of the MS Office package (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Strong understanding of administrative IT systems, and the ability to learn to work with new programs fast;
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and good governance;
• High level of self-discipline, ability to organize and manage tasks and time;
• Excellent communication skills and inter-cultural skills to work with staff across the world and external partners, responsiveness and punctuality
• Strong commitment to contributing to Preferred by Natures vision and mission.

Would also be great, but not necessary, if you:

• Have a higher degree in accounting and finance

• Having experience working in an NGO

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!What Sets Us Apart:

• Global work culture
• High degree of flexibility - remote work, work from home.
• An in-depth onboarding and professional training that prepares you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role.
• Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development
• Potential future international travel opportunities
• A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment
• Private life/accident/medical insurance plan
• Start with 20 days of vacation leave per year.

Preferred by NaturePreferred by Nature is a non-profit, mission driven organisation that works for sustainable land management and climate-friendly solutions. With 300+ employees and a network of local experts, we develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. We focus on forest and climate impact commodities and related sectors.How to apply:If you feel you meet the requirements of the role, please submit your CV and cover letter (in English), including salary expectations by 30th September 2024 via the application form below.Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period.Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.Preferred by Nature is a non-profit organisation that works for sustainable land use and climate-friendly solutions. With 300+ staff around the world, our projects build capacity, raise awareness, conserve nature and streamline sustainability through innovation.

Preferred by Nature