Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, education, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The role – Financial Controller will be responsible for providing both financial and management accounting services.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Financial accounting

• Lead the delivery of all technical accounting services by finance officers and divisional finance staff, including ensuring the accuracy and completeness of income, expenditure, accruals, grantees, recoveries, management fees and other general ledger areas.

• Work closely with divisional finance team leaders to ensure the integrity of data within the finance system as it relates to transactions entered by their staff, especially where projects straddle multiple divisions and programmes.

• Lead in timely monthly general ledger closures for management accounts reporting purposes. This includes reviewing subordinates’ work to ensure all balances are accurate and complete.

• Contribute to dialogue around the impacts and implications of new or proposed accounting changes, either brought on by International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or a donor requirement. Lead the implementation of changes within the team for compliance.

Management reporting and audit

• Close off the general ledger each month-end and prepare the monthly management accounts for the senior leadership team. This includes performing various financial analyses.

• Lead the year-end closure and corporate audit preparations. This includes supporting the finance officers in the review and correction of balances for the finalisation of the trial balance.

• Perform the preparation and finalisation of the annual financial statements. Work closely with the finance manager and finance director to ensure balances and disclosures are accurate and complete.

• Support divisional finance teams in their performance of financial reports for donors and partners, including providing advice and reviewing reports.

Monitoring, compliance and risk mitigation

• Perform monitoring reviews and periodic integrity checks on systems and data to ensure controls are adhered to.

• Actively investigate and document instances of internal control weaknesses. Liaise with other senior finance staff to develop robust solutions. Lead in the implementation of solutions as may be required.

• Take a lead role where required in implementing changes relating to issues raised by external auditors.

• Undertake risk mitigation activities as highlighted in the finance risk register with other senior finance staff.

Shared services

• Actively participate in shared service programs and activities. This includes contributing to the development of best practice resources and the implementation of a complete training programme.

• Work collaboratively with divisional finance team leaders and other finance staff towards embedding shared services within divisions.

• Contribute to the development of the finance annual business plan. This includes identifying risks and making recommendations to address them.

People management

• Create a team environment that fosters and develops effective working relationships and high performance.

• Manage service levels to stakeholders and customers in a complex operating environment.

• Manage staff performance and support training and development.

• Monitor the performance and workloads of staff members to ensure objectives are met.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting, finance or business administration or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of experience and demonstrated competence in the same field with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Strong analytical ability and demonstrated ability to navigate complex technical issues and to achieve efficiencies.

• Sound collaboration and team working skills.

• Advanced Excel skills.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Financial Controller is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,245‒4,057 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,768–12,211 (USD 4,316–5,395; EUR 3,975–4,969). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,500–5,200 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.

How to apply

Application procedure

Closing Date: 27 July 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: TT000092

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees

• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position

• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

1. In your view, why are internal control important for an organisation like SPC?

2. Based on your experience, what particular challenges do you foresee in reshaping existing financial and business process procedures and implementing change successfully?

3. Based on your response above, how would you address these challenges?