Engagement of Chartered Accountant Firm for Certification of Project Financial Statements and Expenditure Verification
Project Title
Strengthening the Rights and Climate Resilience of Forest-Dependent Adivasi Communities in India
Project Duration
August 2022 – July 2026
Project Locations
Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, India
Implementing Organizations
- Badlao Foundation, Jharkhand
- KHOJ Avam Jan Jagriti Samiti (KHOJ), Chhattisgarh
About the Organizations
Badlao Foundation
Badlao Foundation is a grassroots development organization established in 1982 and working with Adivasi and forest-dependent communities in Jharkhand. The organization focuses on community empowerment, forest rights, sustainable livelihoods, gender justice, health, education, and strengthening local self-governance institutions.
Website: www.badlao.org
KHOJ Avam Jan Jagriti Samiti (KHOJ)
KHOJ is a nonprofit organization established in 2005 in Chhattisgarh. The organization works with forest-dependent communities to strengthen community institutions, promote community forest resource governance, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
Website: www.khojcg.in
Background
Badlao Foundation and KHOJ are implementing a BMZ (Germany)-supported project aimed at strengthening the rights, governance capacities, and climate resilience of forest-dependent Adivasi communities in India.
As per BMZ financial compliance requirements, the implementing organizations are required to obtain an independent certification of project financial statements and expenditure reports by a qualified Chartered Accountant or Chartered Accountant Firm experienced in international donor-funded projects.
Purpose of the Assignment
The selected Chartered Accountant / Chartered Accountant Firm shall independently verify and certify the project financial statements, expenditure reports, supporting documentation, and compliance systems to ensure that:
- Project funds have been utilized in accordance with the approved financing agreement and BMZ regulations.
- Financial statements accurately reflect project expenditures.
- Expenditures are properly supported by documentary evidence.
- Procurement, contracting, and financial management procedures comply with applicable donor requirements.
- A certified financial report, certified expenditure statement, and report of factual findings are produced.
Scope of Assignment
The assignment shall include, but not be limited to:
- Verification of project financial statements and expenditure reports.
- Examination of supporting documents, invoices, contracts, vouchers, procurement records, payroll records, and bank records.
- Review of compliance with BMZ financial and procurement regulations.
- Verification of procurement and bidding procedures.
- Verification of staff-related expenditures and contractual arrangements.
- Verification of project asset registers and inventory records.
- Review of budget variances and supporting approvals.
- Preparation of a Report of Factual Findings.
- Submission of certified financial statements and certified expenditure reports.
- Incorporation of comments received on the draft report and submission of final certified reports.
Expected Deliverables
The selected Chartered Accountant / Firm shall provide:
- Inception Note and Work Plan.
- Draft Certification Report.
- Corrected and Certified Financial Statement (if applicable).
- Certified Expenditure Statement.
- Report of Factual Findings.
- Final Signed and Stamped Certification Report (two hard copies and one electronic copy in PDF and Word formats) for both organizations separately.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Registered Chartered Accountant Firm or Practicing Chartered Accountant.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in auditing nonprofit organizations and donor-funded projects.
- Demonstrated experience in auditing BMZ-funded projects in India.
- Strong understanding of:
- BMZ financial compliance requirements
- FCRA regulations and amendments
- Income Tax Act and related provisions
- NGO accounting and financial management systems
- Excellent report-writing and communication skills in English.
- Ability to coordinate with partner organizations in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
Proposal Submission
Interested applicants are requested to submit the following:
Technical Proposal
- Understanding of the assignment
- Proposed methodology
- Work plan and timeline
- Relevant experience and references
Financial Proposal
- Detailed professional fees
- Applicable taxes and statutory charges
Supporting Documents
- Firm profile
- Registration details
- CVs of key professionals
- Relevant audit assignments completed during the last five years
- Declaration of independence and absence of conflict of interest
Selection Criteria
Important Dates
Proposal Submission Deadline
20 June 2026
Expected Selection Date
27 June 2026
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Submission Email
admin@badlao.org.in
Equal Opportunity & Transparency
Badlao Foundation and KHOJ are committed to transparent, fair, and merit-based procurement processes and encourage applications from qualified professionals with strong experience in supporting grassroots and community-based organizations.
Interested Chartered Accountant Firms and Practicing Chartered Accountants meeting the above eligibility criteria are invited to submit their proposals within the stipulated timeline.
