Job Description

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org

Objective of the post

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated candidate for the position of Finance Analyst to be based in our Southern Africa Office in Harare, Zimbabwe. This is a nationally recruited position and is open to all Zimbabweans with excellent academic records. The role supports the Country Finance Manager in maintaining a strong control environment and ensuring financial sustainability. The Finance Analyst is responsible for coordinating day-to-day financial operations, supporting budget management, ensuring compliance with organizational and donor requirements, and providing high-quality financial support to country office staff and field teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management & Accounting

• Oversee daily financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, cash and bank management, reconciliations, and month-end close processes.
• Ensure timely and accurate posting of financial transactions in the accounting system.
• Review and verify supporting documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Lead cash-flow forecasting for country office operations and field sites.
• Monitor cash balances to ensure availability of funds while minimizing financial risks.
• Prepare and review bank reconciliation statements.
• Oversee the reconciliation and follow-up of staff personal accounts to ensure compliance with CIMMYT policies
• Ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements including PAYE, NSSA, VAT etc.

Budgeting & Budget Monitoring

• Support preparation of annual country budgets and donor proposal budgets.
• Update forecasted expenditures and provide financial analysis to inform decision-making.
• Review expenditure eligibility and ensure correct allocation of costs to grants and cost centers.

Donor Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with donor financial requirements (e.g., USAID, EU, FCDO, UN agencies, etc.).
• Support internal and external audits and maintain proper audit trail documentation.
• Update finance team and program staff on donor rules and compliance expectations.

Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Implement and strengthen internal control systems in line with organizational policies.
• Conduct periodic reviews of financial practices to ensure compliance.
• Identify financial risks and propose mitigation measures to management.
• Direct and Indirect Tax compliance, VAT refund management
• Ensure compliance with CIMMYT guidelines, accounting principles, and regulatory requirements.

Fixed Assets Management

• Ensure accurate recording, tagging, reconciliation, and periodic verification of fixed assets in compliance with organizational policy and donor requirements.

Capacity Building & Leadership

• Supervise and mentor finance staff, providing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Provide finance training to non-finance staff, especially on budget management and compliance.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of finance team members as needed.

Coordination & Communication

• Act as liaison between finance and program teams to ensure smooth implementation of activities.
• Work closely with procurement, administration, HR, and logistics to ensure integrated operations.
• Participate in country operations team meetings.
• Ensure clear communication of financial processes, deadlines, and expectations.

Systems, Tools & Data Management

• Support effective use of the organization’s ERP/accounting system.
• Maintain an updated asset register and support periodic physical verification.
• Oversee proper archiving of financial documents in line with audit requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification and membership: - (CA, CIS, ACCA, CIMA)
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in finance roles, preferably within an INGO
• Experience managing donor-funded projects (USAID, EU, UN, GIZ, BMGF, etc.).
• Strong understanding of accounting standards, internal controls, and audits.
• Proficiency in costing is essential.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and financial management systems.
• Proficiency in Data Visualization like Power BI, Tableau.

Benefits

• Private Health Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Training & Development