POSITION TITLE : Chief Accountant
DIVISION : Accounting
DEPARTMENT : Finance and Administration
DUTY STATION : ACB Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR : Director for Finance and Administration
TERMS OF REFERENCE
A. BACKGROUND
The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), established in 2005, is ASEAN’s response to the challenge of biodiversity loss. It is an intergovernmental organisation that facilitates cooperation and coordination among the ASEAN Member States (AMS) and with regional and international organisations on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of such natural treasures.
The Accounting Division, under the Finance and Administration Department, is responsible for analysing, classifying, measuring, recording, and summarising the Centre’s financial transactions, as well as preparing financial reports for internal and external stakeholders. The Division is also responsible for monitoring the actual utilisation of funds implemented by the Centre’s various divisions, projects, and programmes.
The Chief Accountant is in a key position within the Accounting Division and is responsible for overseeing fund management, financial planning and analysis, and ensuring that the Centre meets its current and future financial obligations. The Chief Accountant leads the Division’s day-to-day operations, supervises accounting staff, and ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial records with applicable accounting standards, donor requirements, and organisational policies. The position is also responsible for maintaining robust internal controls to safeguard the Centre’s assets and mitigate the risk of errors, irregularities, and fraud.
B. SCOPE OF DUTIES
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Director for Finance and Administration, and within the Accounting Division of the Finance and Administration Department, the Chief Accountant shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
a. Financial Reporting
• Lead and oversee the preparation of accurate periodic financial reports of the Centre and of each fund, project or programme, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework and/or financing or grant agreement;
• Through the Director for Finance and Administation, furnish the Executive Committee and the respective Project Coordinators with monthly financial reports and utilisation analyses of each fund every 15th of the month;
• Lead and oversee the regular preparation of cashflow projections for each project/ programme to anticipate funding needs and upcoming obligations;
• Submit monthly updates to the Director for Finance and Administration on Centre’s financial obligations and accountabilities, including accounts payable, cash advances, receivables and other unsettled accounts; and
• Assist the Director for Finance and Administration in presenting financial information during the Annual Governing Board Meeting.
b. Financial Management
• Regularly monitor the status of the Centre’s current and upcoming obligations, as well as the accountabilities of staff and partners;
• Assist with budget preparation, track expenses and revenues, and analyse variations.
c. Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Verify and certify financial transactions for approval as to completeness, validity, accuracy, legality, and compliance with the Centre’s policies, funding partners’ requirements, and applicable financing or grant agreements;
• Supervise the accurate, complete, and timely recording of all financial transactions, updating of applicable ledgers and schedules, and the completion of month-end and year-end closing activities in accordance with the applicable financial reporting frameworks, accounting standards and Centre policies;
• Review accounting entries and transactions to ensure accuracy, proper classification, and completeness of required supporting documents and compliance with the applicable financial policies;
• Review and certify bank reconciliations and the corresponding accounting entries;
• Periodically review the appropriateness of existing accounting policies and procedures based on standards issued by relevant standard-setting bodies, and recommend necessary updates or improvements; and
• Evaluate the computerised accounting system and recommend necessary enhancements and improvements.
d. Team Leadership
• Manage, mentor, supervise, and evaluate the accounting staff and oversee daily workflow operations.
e. Lead the preparation of the Division’s annual work plan, budget, and annual procurement plan;
f. Submit the Division’s annual work plan and budget to the Director for Finance and Administration for review and approval;
g. Ensure the timely preparation and submission of information, schedules, records, and responses requested by the internal and external auditors; and
h. Perform other related duties consistent with the Chief Accountant role, as may be assigned by the Supervisor(s) from time to time.
C. QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Work Experience
- Master’s degree in business administration or other related fields with at least five years of related work experience; or its equivalency requirements:
o Completed Academic Requirements in master’s degree programme with seven (7) years related work experience, or
o 18 units earned in master’s degree programme with nine (9) years related work experience, or
o Related bachelor’s degree and 12 years related work experience, or
o Non-related bachelor’s degree and 15 years related work experience - Minimum of five (5) years cumulative relevant work experience in Finance and Accounting using accounting system or software.
- Minimum of five (5) years of cumulative relevant work experience in handling accounts for regionally and/or internationally financed programmes and projects of the organisations.
- At least two (2) years of supervisory experience, with demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage performance, and oversee day-to-day operations of the Division.
Skills and Eligibility
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and financial reporting skills, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to prepare, analyse, and present clear, accurate, and comprehensive financial reports for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, mentoring, coaching, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and training facilitation skills, with proficiency in English.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computerised accounting systems, Microsoft Office applications and online collaboration and presentation platforms.
D. COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
Core Values:
- Integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity
- Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Treats all people fairly
- Prudence, dependability, and accountability
Core Competencies:
- Accountability and ethical conduct
- Financial management, reporting, and internal controls
- Strategic leadership and people development
- Results orientation and performance excellence
- Stakeholder engagement and effective communication
- Analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem Solving
- Collaboration, teamwork, and relationship building
- Continuous learning, innovation, and digital competence
E. APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applicants should prepare the following and send all to acb.hr@aseanbiodiversity.org:
- A letter of intent of no more than two pages, elaborating on how his/her qualifications and experiences make him/her suitable for the position. Address the letter to Executive Director Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor. JP 2026-24 Chief Accountant to be indicated in the aforesaid letter.
- Updated curriculum vitae, diploma or transcript of records, and valid PRC ID (Certified Public Accountant)
- A completed Job Application Form (which can be downloaded here)
The deadline for submission of completed applications is 12 November 2026. Only applications with complete documentary requirements (Letter of Intent, completed Job Application Form, and curriculum vitae) will be processed. Applications received beyond this date will not be considered. All applicants will be given notice as to the status of their application. Previous applicants may apply again.
F. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The ACB does not ask for payment at any stage of its recruitment process (application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fees) nor authorises anyone to officially receive applications from prospective candidates, except through the ACB Human Resources Division. The public is strongly advised to be vigilant when dealing with financial transactions online and to report any suspicious individuals or accounts representing the ACB.
