Vacancy Announcement for Project Accountant - USAID Liberia

USAID VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Project Accountant for its Mission in Liberia.

VACANCY #: HR-011/08

OPEN TO: ALL INTERESTED CANDIDATES
Current employees serving a probationary period with the Mission are not eligible to apply.

POSITION: Project Accountant

OPENIING DATE: September 29, 2008

CLOSING DATE: October 13, 2008

WORK HOURS: Full-time: 40 hours/week

SALARY: Ranging from USD 13,306.00 to USD 26,205.00 p.a. depending on full performance standards.

NOTE: ALL ORDINARY RESIDENT APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENT PERMITS ALLOWING WORK IN COUNTRY BEFORE BEING ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION
The position is located in the USAID/Liberia Office of Financial Management [OFM]. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an integral member of USAID/Liberia’s OFM and perform or oversee a range of financial related activities including: reconciliations, accounts analysis, developing quarterly accruals and conducting the mandatory Sec. 1311 annual reviews for the Mission programs. The financial oversight includes all acquisition and assistance instruments, other project and non-project activities, and administrative support functions carried out between the US Government, Host Country Governments, International Organizations, Institutional Contractors and Grantees, and the US Embassy in Liberia.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Performs analysis and prepares a variety of internal and external financial reports for users including USAID Missions, Embassies, Management Offices, Host-country Governments, International Organizations and Technical Teams. Incumbent will develop quarterly accruals; perform mandatory Section 1311 Reviews for projects within His/Her individual portfolio; and prepare Project Financial Status Reports.

2. Incumbent overseas the transaction clearance process to ensure compliance with US Government accounting procedures, policies and regulations. He/She establishes accounts; determines funds are available; ensures documents are complete and accurate; and that budget allowances have been established and received from USAID/Washington.

3. Reviews financial information submitted by recipients of grants to ensure the integrity of the information received: confirms compliance with the USAID funding agreement; verifies the reasonableness of cost estimates; ensures there is adequate funding available before any disbursements to recipient; and makes sure transaction information is properly recorded within USAID’s Phoenix financial system.

4. Incumbent is expected to play a key roll in resolving funding and other accounting problems. He/She will coordinate with colleagues and Clients to understand problems and will take corrective measures.

5. Works closely with other USAID/Liberia Financial staff including Accounting Technicians and Voucher Examiners on matters related to his/her assigned portfolio. Incumbent ensures the accuracy and completeness of information before submitting to the Controller, Chief Accountant, or US Certifying Official for approval.

6. Performs other miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Education: A University degree in Business Economics, Business Management or Accounting is required. Professional Accreditation such as ACCA or CPA is highly desirable. At the discretion of the Controller, candidates who do not possess a professional university degree, may be eligible to substitute prior work experience for the University Degree requirement, if the candidate can demonstrate to the Mission Controller that He/She possesses sufficient management acumen and responsibility to carry-out the functional position requirements.

Prior Work Experience: At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, reporting and general financial management. Four years of experience should have been in the application of fund and allotment accounting in an automated accounting system. Demonstrated experience in generating and designing financial management reports is required.

Skills and Abilities: Must possess a high level of analytical skills. Must have the ability to apply sound independent judgment in the solution of financial problems. Ability to perform sophisticated analysis of management controls and capabilities of partner/beneficiary organizations is required. Must be skilled in the use of computer based analytical programs and the USAID data management systems. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of USAID and Embassy Americans and LES, American and Local contractors, vendors, banking and other commercial enterprises, NGOs and various host country and client Governmental Departments is required.

Knowledge: Must be knowledgeable on a wide range of compliance issues including taxation and benefits under Host-Country Laws. Must be familiar with all the different kinds of USAID programs and projects, as well as program and administrative regulations and procedures. A thorough, knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management is also desired.

Post Entry Training: On-the-job training with USAID Liberia’s OFM, Project Accounting training and courses in the Phoenix financial system.
ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and visa status in determining successful candidacy.
SELECTION PROCESS
After initial screening of applications, qualified applicants will be invited for an interview. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates for this position should submit the following:
1. A clearly typed application letter which briefly summarizes why you believe you are qualified for this position.
2. Resume
3. The names and contact details of three references that can attest for your professional qualifications and/or work experience.
4. Documentation (e.g. copied of certificates, awards, degrees) that address the minimum requirements of the position.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:
The Project Accountant Position
USAID/Liberia,
C/O American Embassy, Gate Number 1, Mamba Point, Monrovia
Or by E-mail to: sbrowne@usaid.gov
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"The aim of life is self-development. To realize one's nature perfectly - that is what each of us is here for."
--Oscar Wilde