SADC TADs project Finance Officer

Position

Finance Officer (Job Grade 7)

Job Summary

The Finance Officer will be responsible for maintaining financial, accounting, administrative and personnel services in order to meet the requirements of the Strengthening Institutions for the Risk Management of Transboundary Animal Diseases in the SADC region (SADC TADs project) under the responsibility of the Project Coordinator.

Task Description

Reporting to the Programme Coordinator, the Finance Officer will perform the following tasks:

• Ensure all financial transactions comply with SADC Secretariat and African Development Bank rules, regulations and procedures
• Consolidate draft programme proposals and budget prepared by project technical staff into project programme of work and budget.
• Ensure that operational expenditures are in accordance with ADB rules and regulations; ensure availability of funds for project activities
• Maintain detailed records of budget estimates, obligations and available balances, producing forecasts of expenditure
• Prepare periodic (monthly) budget and financial statements, reports and related administrative correspondence prior to their submission to ADB.
• Backstop the national project implementation accounts units for the SADC TADs project.
• Prepare financial reports/statements of account required for project imprest replenishment
• Maintain the internal expenditure control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted on the project computer system; travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed
• Take timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including that vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.
• Present information on the status of financial resources as required.
• Maintain of the proper filing system for finance records and documents.
• Produce programme expenditure and other financial reports with the objective of facilitating timely production of management reports
• Ensure that programme commitments are only made against budgeted appropriations with the objective of enhancing budgetary control
• Review outstanding project commitments with the objective of facilitating accrual accounting
• Provide financial and coordinate other non-financial information to facilitate audit of the programme with the objective of ensuring efficient and effective audit process
• Liaise with auditors and company executives and answering queries on financial based matters
• Supervise and review performance of the assistant Finance Officer and recommend short term development interventions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Review project financial statements prior to their submission to donors
• Provide technical advisory services on all financial administration issues such as review of service contracts and programme business practices with the objective of minimisation of risk and enhancing cost-effectiveness of interventions and processes.
• Liaising with auditors and company executives and answering queries on financial based matters
• Perform other related duties as required.

Competences

• Member of an internationally recognized accounting body such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, ACPA or equivalent;
• Computer skills including the ability to operate computerized accounting, spreadsheet and word processing programs at a highly proficient level
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including presentation skills including ability to synthesize and communicate technical financial to non-technical audiences through verbal and written communication.
• Innovative and forward looking including team-work and result oriented
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of the Finance Officer and be honest and trustworthy
• Some knowledge of a regional organisation with statutory reporting requirements will be a bonus
• An auditing background will be an added advantage
• Ability to work harmoniously in a multi‐cultural team environment;

Person Specification

Education

• Masters Degree in Management, Business Administration or equivalent with 8 years work experience of which 3 years must be in a similar position
• Professional Accounting qualification with an internationally recognized accounting body such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, ACPA or equivalent
• Member of an internationally recognized accounting body such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, ACPA or equivalent

Tenure of Appointment

01 April 2013 – 31 December 2013

Remuneration

The SADC Secretariat offers competitive package for the position as detailed below:

Job Grade

Job Grade 7

Average Package

US$ 92,399

Application Procedures

(a) A short covering letter stating the position that you want to be considered for and describe how qualifications, experience and competencies are relevant to the position;
b) Attach comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV);
c) Certified copies of your degree(s), Diploma(s) and Certificate(s);
d) Duly completed SADC Application Form.

Should you be shortlisted, you will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications supporting your applications on the day of your interview.

Gender Mainstreaming

SADC is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourage applications from female candidates.

Submission of Applications

Please ensure that you complete SADC Application Form and return with your application to:

The Executive Secretary
Attention: Director of Human Resources and Admin
SADC Secretariat
Private Bag 0095
Gaborone, Botswana
recruitment@sadc.int

Closing Date

Your application should be received not later than 14 February 2013.

Note:

Only applicants who meet the requirements of the SADC Secretariat and are being considered for interview will be contacted. Should you not hear from the SADC Secretariat within four weeks after closing date, you may assume your application has not been successful.

For further details on the position such as job profile and SADC Application Form, please refer to the SADC Website: www.sadc.int.