M25318 Accounting Operations Manager

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.

CIMMYT seeks a dynamic, with orientation to results, with teamwork skills for the Accounting Operations Coordinator position to be part of the Accounting Unit.

The Accounting Operations Manager ensures the reliability, timeliness, and scalability of core accounting processes (P2P= Procurement to Pay, R2R= Record to Reporting, FA=Fixed Assets) across HQ, Experimental Stations, Hubs and Country Offices. This role leads multi-location teams, upholds a robust internal-control environment, and drives ERP-enabled improvements that deliver accurate, on-time closes and clean audits. Acting as deputy to the Global Accounting Manager, this role coordinates cross-functional stakeholders, escalates and resolves issues, and ensures business continuity in the absence of the Global Accounting Manager. The role also serves as a key liaison with regulatory authorities—partnering with Tax and Legal to coordinate responses, compliance actions, and policy alignment with global standards. The role is critical to meet external financial reporting requirements.

Operational leadership:

- Oversee end-to-end Accounts Payable and Fixed Assets operations, including document review, vendor and fixed asset master data maintenance, invoice and PO processing, petty cash reimbursements, and multi-currency expense allocations.
- Sets and oversees performance standards and instill process excellence.
- Owns the month-end and year-end financial closing process.
- Manage fixed asset transactions (acquisitions, disposals, transfers, WIP, depreciation) across all locations.
- Oversee VAT refund process and maintain liaison with the Mexican Ministry of Treasury.
- Lead annual fixed asset inventory counts and ensure accurate asset records.
- Administer and optimize the ERP system’s AP and FA modules, including automation initiatives.
- Financial Control & Compliance:

- Ensure accurate expense coding, timely month-end closings, and proper accruals in coordination with HQ and field offices.
- Guarantee compliance with Balance Sheet Account Reconciliations (BSAR) across all relevant entities (P2P, FA, R2R scopes).
- Support internal and external audits by validating and providing required documentation.
- Ensure compliance with IFRS and local accounting regulations, maintaining current expertise in standards and updates.
- Develop and strengthen internal controls, policies, and metrics to drive quality, compliance, and operational efficiency.

People & Performance Management:

- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 12 accounting professionals across multiple sites.
- Allocate resources, prioritize workloads, resolve conflicts, and provide ongoing training and performance feedback.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Systems & Process Improvement:

- Act as subject matter expert for ERP updates and related accounting projects
- Lead process mapping, KPI tracking, and standardization of SOPs across AP/FA/R2R areas.
- Implement digital tools and automation to reduce manual work, minimize exceptions, and strengthen process integrity.
- Manage accounting-related projects, including implementation of employee expense reporting tools.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Engagement:

- Provide exceptional internal and external customer support by resolving accounting-related inquiries promptly and accurately.
- Collaborate effectively with Finance, Business Services, and Operation teams to ensure seamless end-to-end processes.

Other:

- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Global Accounting Manager.

Requirements

- Master's degree in accountancy, finance, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant accounting experience, including IFRS knowledge and ERP system implementation.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (or equivalent Chartered Accountant) in good standing.
- Current, demonstrable proficiency in IFRS (e.g. documented CPD, ability to interpret/apply new and revised IAS/IFRS to AP/FA/R2R processes).
- Advance English Level (C1).

Benefits

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).

Candidates must apply hereto M25318 Accounting Operations Manager.

Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Foreign national candidates must have legal documents to work in Mexico.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.