Project Audits & Compliance Manager

Job Description

About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): Together we build democracies that deliver for all. Our independent expertise strengthens electoral institutions/systems and builds local capacity to deliver sustainable solutions. As the global leader in democracy promotion, we advance good governance and democratic rights by providing technical assistance; empowering the underrepresented to participate in the political process; and applying field-based research to improve the electoral cycle. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries across the globe.

Job Responsibilities:

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The Project Audits & Compliance Manager will manage the day-to-day operation of all donor required audits. The position will be responsible for providing information/resolving issues regarding project audits, both in the field and HQ. In addition, the position will oversee IFES compliance to include managing the hotline, developing policies and lead in all compliance investigations. Finally, the individual will support the Finance Director with the institutional audit and A133 audits, as needed.

REPORTING LINES:

The Project Audits & Compliance Manager , will report to the CFO on all audits (70%) and to the CEO on compliance (30%).

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

COMPLIANCE

• Assist in the management and implementation of the compliance strategy.
• Research and report on significant developments and topics that support ongoing compliance related actions within the organization including best practices in compliance in the non-profit field and changes in donor regulations, and make recommendations regarding policies and procedures.
• Assist in the identification, reporting, and the correction of compliance deficiencies and violations within the organization.
• Lead internal compliance investigations and/or coordinates these with other business units (HR, Finance, IT) and Legal Counsel, where appropriate.
• Oversee the compliance training program and compliance/operational review program, and ensure that the compliance program and procedures are uniform and effectively implemented across the organization.
• Lead the policy working group and update policies for Compliance.
• Assist with ensuring that IFES’ country registrations are tracked and kept up-to-date.
• Develop, maintain and improve the Compliance site on IFES’ intranet.
• Serve as the Point of Contact (POC) and System Administrator for IFES’ implementation of the LexisNexis Bridger software for conducting terrorism and debarment checking.

AUDITS

• In coordination with the Director of Finance, manage the audits performed by non-scheduled audits (DCAA, USAID and others) related to projects.
• working to coordinate documentation and schedules with the Finance Director in a timely manner.
• Support the Finance Director with the institutional audit and A133 audits.
• Manage the audits performed in the field and/or HQ by local auditors for projects.
• Coordinate with IFES’ business units as needed and liaise with audit firms to provide requested documentation in a timely manner.
• Perform site audits/reviews with and without external auditors.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION SCOPE: Manage and/or perform highly technical or complex functions, requiring knowledge of contract compliance and financial controls, auditing guidelines, ingenuity and capacity to evaluate and respond to new and changing issues. Manage day-to-day operations of all donor required audits. Lead and manage activities with internal and external partners to integrate efforts toward departmental objectives.

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Identifies risk factors with potential to disrupt achievement of program or operational goals. Analyzes and proposes solutions based on knowledge of professional principles and best practices. Consults with stakeholders within and outside the organization; identifies, proposes and builds consensus around best solutions.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Manage daily operations of all donor required audits. Develop financial policies, procedures and models applying to project spending, planning, field reporting, accounting and internal controls.

RELATIONSHIPS: Maintain collaborative working relationship with team members and other staff, both within the headquarters and field offices. Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners, auditors etc.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree required in business, finance or accounting.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience. Previous experience working with external auditors and audit function. Experience with USAID funding rules and regulations. Working knowledge of US government contracting procedures and regulations, including FAR, CFR and OMB circulars, and policies is required. Prior experience working with external auditors and the audit function preferred. Working knowledge of international donors (European Commission, DFID) etc. .

Related Skills or Knowledge: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel required. Experience with Costpoint and/or Deltek GCS Premiere and QuickBooks preferred. Proven track record of managing multiple priorities across multiple platforms with tight deadlines, with strong problem solving skills. Strong team building and management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Supervisory experience a plus.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: English required. Proficiency in Arabic, French, and/or Spanish language is a plus.

TRAVEL: Travel up to 15% of time

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”

About the Organization

Vision: Our vision is a world in which strong democratic institutions empower citizens to have a voice in the way they are governed.

Mission: The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) supports citizens’ rights to participate in free and fair elections. Our independent expertise strengthens electoral systems and builds local capacity to deliver sustainable solutions.

As the global leader in democracy promotion, we advance good governance and democratic rights by:

• Providing technical assistance to election officials
• Empowering the underrepresented to participate in the political process
• Applying field-based research to improve the electoral cycle

Since 1987, IFES has worked in over 145 countries – from developing democracies, to mature democracies.

“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”

“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”

“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”