Project Accountant Balkans

**About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)**: IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES’ approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.

**PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE**:
IFES is seeking to hire an experienced, local accountant to provide support to project teams in Montenegro and Serbia related to reconciliation of financial transactions, bank account management, field expense reporting, and general accounting and administrative needs. This position will be a part-time consultant engagement with a level of effort of three to four days a month.

**MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
Under the supervision of the IFES Country Director and HQ staff, the Project Accountant will be responsible for:

- Maintaining office accounting, including office funding requests, back account reconciliations, tax obligations, petty cash accounts, expense reporting, financial reporting, vendor payments, and other financial issues.
- Maintain accurate employee records/data (i.e., contact information, payment information and copies of employment letters), timesheet records, vacation and sick leave balances, etc. for each employee according to IFES policy.
- Coordinating with the firm responsible for submitting required financial, audit, and tax reporting to the Governments of Serbia and Montenegro in a timely manner.
- Provide support in local procurement processes and file keeping for general office needs.

The Project Accountant will provide the following deliverables on a monthly basis:

- Preparation of payments to local vendors and consultants.
- Reconciliation of financial/bank account transactions.
- Monthly field expense reports.
- Updated financial records database for country office expenses.

**POSITION REQUIREMENTS**:
**EDUCATION**:Bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, or related field.

**EXPERIENCE**:Minimum of three years of experience in provision of accounting/financial services, preferably for an international NGO.

**RELATED SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE**:

- Project financial management skills.
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, and ideally QuickBooks.

**LANGUAGE SKILLS**:Excellent English-language written and oral communication skills.