Organization: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) International Position: Junior Accounting Officer Location: Regional Hub (e.g., Quito, Bogota, Lima, or Remote within LATAM) Contract: Fixed-Term (1-2 Years) with possibility of extension Language: Spanish (Native/Fluent) & English (Fluent)
For finance professionals who want their spreadsheets to tell a story of conservation, WWF International is recruiting a Junior Accounting Officer for its Latin America Secretariat in 2026. This is a rare entry-level opportunity to join the world’s leading independent conservation organization and support critical projects in the Amazon, the Andes, and the Pacific Coast.
This role is the financial engine room of the region. While the scientists are in the field protecting jaguars and river dolphins, the Junior Accounting Officer ensures that the funds backing them are managed with transparency, precision, and compliance.
If you are a recent graduate or early-career accountant looking to build a career in the non-profit sector (NGO), this position offers the perfect blend of technical accounting experience and mission-driven purpose.
Also check Remote Legal Assistant Jobs 2026: No Experience Required – Full Training Provided ($45K-$60K)
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Background & Job Description
Managing finances for a global NGO is complex. WWF receives funding from diverse sources—including USAID, the European Union, and private donors—each with strict reporting rules. The Junior Accounting Officer supports the Regional Finance Manager in ensuring every dollar is accounted for.
You will likely be based in one of WWF’s regional hubs (Ecuador, Colombia, Peru) or work remotely within a compatible time zone. Your primary mandate is to maintain the integrity of the general ledger, process payments for field staff, and ensure statutory compliance with local tax laws.
This position fits into broader organizational goals of Operational Excellence. By maintaining clean books, you ensure that WWF passes its global audits and retains the trust of its donors, allowing the conservation work to continue uninterrupted.
Junior Accounting Officer 2026: WWF International (Latin America)
Key Responsibilities
This is a hands-on role requiring attention to detail and a high degree of ethics.
- Bookkeeping & Daily Operations:
- Process accounts payable (AP) transactions, ensuring invoices from vendors and consultants are valid and approved.
- Record daily financial transactions in the ERP system (Oracle or similar) with correct project codes.
- Manage the petty cash fund and process employee expense claims for travel and field visits.
- Bank & Account Reconciliations:
- Perform weekly and monthly bank reconciliations for multiple currency accounts (USD, EUR, Local Currency).
- Reconcile balance sheet accounts (advances, accruals, prepayments) to ensure accuracy before month-end close.
- Compliance & Audit Support:
- Assist in the preparation of monthly financial reports for the Regional Management Team.
- Prepare supporting documentation for annual external audits and project-specific donor audits.
- Ensure all payments comply with local tax withholding regulations and social security requirements.
- Digital Filing:
- Maintain a rigorous digital filing system for all financial vouchers, ensuring an audit trail exists for every transaction.
Qualifications
WWF seeks a candidate who combines technical accounting skills with a “can-do” attitude suitable for a dynamic NGO environment.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree: In Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Commerce.
- Certification: Progress toward a professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, or local equivalent) is an asset but not mandatory for this junior level.
Experience
- 1-3 Years Experience: Proven experience in an accounting or finance assistant role.
- NGO Experience: Prior experience with an international NGO or working with donor-funded projects is highly desirable.
- Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP) is mandatory. Experience with Oracle or other major ERP systems is a strong plus.
Languages
- Spanish: Native or bilingual proficiency is required for dealing with local tax authorities and vendors.
- English: Advanced/Fluent proficiency is mandatory for reporting to WWF International Headquarters in Switzerland.
- Bonus: Knowledge of Portuguese is a significant advantage for coordination with WWF Brazil.
Why Apply for This Position
1. Entry Point to the UN/NGO Sector Breaking into international development finance is difficult. This “Junior” role is a golden ticket. Once you are inside the WWF network, you gain access to internal vacancies globally (from Switzerland to Singapore).
2. Regional Impact You aren’t just processing invoices for office supplies; you are processing payments for drone monitoring in the Amazon or community engagement in the Galapagos. Your efficiency directly supports these teams.
3. Professional Development WWF invests heavily in its staff. You will likely receive training on complex donor regulations (e.g., US Federal Regulations 2 CFR 200), a highly marketable skill in the development sector.
4. Values-Driven Culture Join a diverse, inclusive team that values collaboration. WWF’s culture is defined by “Striving for Impact,” “Listening Deeply,” and “Collaborating Openly.”
Application Tips & Insights
1. Highlight “Multi-Currency” Experience If you have ever managed accounts in two currencies (e.g., paying a vendor in USD while your books are in COP), mention it. Multi-currency accounting is a daily reality at WWF.
2. Demonstrate “Audit Readiness” In your CV, use phrases like “Prepared schedules for external audit” or “Maintained audit-ready filing systems.” NGOs live and die by their audits.
3. The Bilingual Test Your application (CV/Cover Letter) should likely be submitted in English (unless specified otherwise), but be prepared for a technical interview that switches between English and Spanish to test your fluency in business terminology.
4. Show Passion Even for finance roles, WWF looks for “pandas at heart.” Briefly mention your interest in sustainability or environmental protection in your cover letter.
Additional Information
- Salary: Benchmarked against the local NGO market (Competitive for a Junior Officer level).
- Contract: Fixed-term (standard for project-based NGO work).
- Travel: Minimal travel expected, primarily desk-based.
How to Apply
- Visit: Go to the WWF International Careers page or the specific country office site (e.g., WWF Colombia, WWF Ecuador).
- Search: Look for “Finance,” “Accounting,” or “Operations.”
- Prepare: Submit your English CV and a tailored Cover Letter.
- Wait: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written technical test (Excel/Accounting principles) followed by an interview.
Suggested Focus Keywords
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