Financial Planning and Analysis Accountant at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Job Description

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Financial Planning and Analysis Accountant  to provide Institute-wide support in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, business intelligence and decision analysis. The position will ensure the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of financial data and reports; translates financial and operational information into actionable insights; and drive reporting automation and continuous process improvement. Through effective business partnering, financial modelling, full costing and cost recovery analysis, the role supports informed decision-making, optimal resource allocation, accountability and the Institute’s long-term financial sustainability.

ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasises the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions.

ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Management Reporting:

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual management reports, supported by clear analysis, commentary and recommendations.
• Develop and monitor key financial performance indicators and dashboards that highlight the Institute’s financial position, performance, risks and emerging opportunities.
• Perform detailed variance and trend analyses, assess budget performance and resource utilization, identify key financial drivers and risks, and provide actionable recommendations to enhance financial stewardship, cost recovery, and operational effectiveness.
• Prepare financial models, scenario analyses, status updates and ad hoc reports to support strategic and operational decisions.
• Present complex financial information in a clear and accessible manner for finance and non-finance stakeholders.

Budgeting, forecasting and analysis:

• Support the Institute’s budgeting process through financial analysis, budget consolidation, forecasting, and the preparation of timely and accurate budget reports to support planning, resource allocation, and decision-making
• Performing budget analysis to come up with trends, variances, insights and meaningful reports.
• Prepare short, medium and long-term financial forecasts and scenario models to inform planning, resource allocation and decision-making.
• Ensuring automation and updating of budget templates to ensure completeness and accuracy and facilitate sharing of the same (and related guidelines) to budget holders on a timely basis.
• Review all budgets to ensure consistency, accuracy and completeness and share review outcomes with budget holders for budget revisions, where necessary.
• Develop customized templates for budget submissions utilizing advanced Excel, AI tools and automated budgeting platform.
• Explore ways of improving the budgeting process to ensure efficiency – mainly through Agresso and/or other systems including automation.

Full costing:

• Support the development, implementation and periodic review of the Institute’s full costing and cost recovery methodologies.
• Identify cost pools and appropriate cost drivers, calculate the full cost of services and activities, and support equitable allocation and recovery across units and projects.
• Monitor cost recovery performance, identify gaps and work with budget holders and unit leads to recommend corrective or alternative recovery mechanisms.
• Develop and maintain automated costing and pricing tools that incorporate relevant assumptions, including inflation and changes in cost drivers.
• Maintain an up-to-date catalogue of Institute services, cost bases, approved prices, users and responsible service-providing units.
• Conduct cost-benefit and financial viability analyses for proposed investments, services and strategic initiatives.

Business Partnering and Continuous Improvement:

• Partner with program leaders, budget holders and finance teams to strengthen financial literacy, planning discipline and accountability.
• Provide relevant financial advice and analysis to support business cases, operational choices and effective use of resources.
• Identify, document and implement improvements to financial planning, budgeting and analytical processes, including agreed audit and control recommendations.
• Build the capacity of finance and non-finance colleagues in budgeting, forecasting, costing, reporting tools and interpretation of financial information.

Others:

• Ensure proper archiving of all documentation relating to this function both in physical and soft copy.
• Improving data visualizations and insights, workflows, processes and ERP enhancements
• Develop a deep knowledge of the institute and its processes and convert information into easily understood reports for finance and non-finance audiences.
• Build capacity within the department on all aspects of this job to ensure continuity.
• Other projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or relevant field
• Relevant professional certification – CPA (K) or ACCA
• 6 years progressive practice in accounting with experience in financial analysis reporting, financial modelling and creating presentations (Excel, PowerPoint)
• Three (3) years of experience in data analytics, business intelligence, and reporting automation, with demonstrated proficiency in AI-enabled analytics and visualization platforms such as Agresso ABW, Power BI, and Tableau.
• Experience working with databases e.g., MySQL, SQL Server to transform financial reports is an added advantage
• Business partnering skills including the ability to work well with various stakeholders.
• Excellent oral, written, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Critical thinking and business analysis skills
• Ability to work independently, managing projects from inception to completion.
• Advancedknowledge of computerized accounting software and programming is required.