Financial Accounting Manager

The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the trade association for cooperative businesses in the United States and an international development organization. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. For nearly 100 years, NCBA CLUSA has sought to advance and protect cooperative enterprises, highlighting the impact that cooperatives have in bettering the lives of individuals and families. In the last 60 years, NCBA CLUSA has worked in over 100 countries in the areas of food security, agricultural development, strengthening of communities and farmer organizations, community-based health, natural resources management, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, women, and youth. We currently work in 21 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

NCBA CLUSA’s USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer program sends American farmers and agribusiness professionals on 2-4 week agricultural development assignments, promoting sustainable growth and agricultural development worldwide.  Volunteer technical assistance from U.S. farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives and universities helps smallholder farmers in developing countries improve productivity, access new markets and conserve environmental and natural resources.  During COVID-19 we have shifted to a hybrid volunteer model that affords US volunteers and in-country volunteers the opportunity to continue to provide technical assistance.   For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking 2 (1- remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Loja, Ecuador) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Financial Accounting Manager to support Asociación Agroartesanal de Productores Ecológicos de Café Especial del Cantón Loja (APECAEL), based in Loja, Ecuador.

APECAEL was founded in 2004 to save coffee farms in Loja. Due to a decrease in coffee prices, many growers saw coffee as a non-profitable business and some abandoned their production altogether. APECAEL was able to stabilize their production and sell coffee at a fair price. In 2016, APECAEL expanded, building a facility to roast, grind, and store coffee. Currently, APECAEL gathers members’ coffee to sell in the national and international markets.

APECAEL’s long term goals are to increase coffee production and purchase better harvesting equipment. Currently their Board of Directors has two women and one youth, as part of their goals to increase youth participation.

In order to meet their goals and grow their business opportunities, APECAEL needs to understand how to interpret basic financial documents to make sound financial decisions. APECAEL’s members and Board of Directors understand they need to know what the financial reports say in order to make better decisions for themselves and the association. However, there is a misunderstanding about what current financial reports say and how they can use this information.

Duration: 2 Weeks (August to October 2021)

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze the current financial and accounting management practices for the associates and Board of directors and provide constructive feedback about improvement opportunities.  
• Based on the analysis above, provide training on essential financial management for associates, including how to create and interpret basic financial documents.  
• Provide training on business financial management and its influence on decision-making for the Board of Directors. 
• Teach participants about protocols used in financial audits. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• The volunteer should have experience in accounting and financial management and the ability to transmit this knowledge using non-technical language.  
• A Degree in Finance, Administration, Accounting, and/or a related field is required.  Background working with associations in agriculture is a plus.  
• Experience in Latin America is also desirable.  
• Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable but not mandatory.  
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization, Staff and Co-volunteer
• US candidate must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Advanced English language skills; reading, writing, speaking.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

All application materials must be submitted in English.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

NCBA CLUSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, and legally protected characteristics for non-merit factors.