This position is open to Ghana nationals only.

A local NGO is currently recruiting two persons for the position of Accounts Officer for a new project in northern Ghana. One of the incumbents will operate out of the project’s regional office in Wa, Upper West Region, and one will operate out of the regional office in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region.

Project Overview:
The ultimate outcome of this 6-year project is to enhance food security and resilience for poor male and female smallholder farmers (35% male/65% female) and their households in the three northern regions. This ultimate outcome is to be achieved through increased, diversified and more equitable agricultural production; and increased, diversified and more equitable incomes and assets.

Position Summary:
The Accounts Officer is directly answerable to the Regional Coordinator. He/she is responsible for responsible for the implementation, administration, maintenance and management of financial systems in the regional office. While the Accounts Officer reports directly to the Regional Coordinator, he/she will be supported by the project’s Finance Manager based in the Tamale project office.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Maintain accurate and timely financial records and audit trails for the project office’s operations;
• Ensure monthly and timely reconciliation of all asset and liability accounts including resolution of discrepancies;
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting as required, including Quarterly Requests for Advances;
• Ensure timely and complete budgeting processes are implemented, including variance analysis and guidance on managing the expenditures and managing the project cash flow;
• Identify any accounting challenges and resolve with assistance of the regional coordinator and/or senior accountant.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Specific tasks:

• Establish and maintain accounting practices that ensure reliable and accurate data;
• Manage cash accounts;
• Track and reconcile advances to local personnel (i.e., review and finalize travel claims);
• Prepare and manage documents and reports as required;
• Communicate (orally and/or in writing) in response to inquiries and to provide information to project staff;
• Participate in financial monitoring of partner organizations;
• Participate in and support audits as required; and
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualification Required & Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related field is preferable; professional accounting certification is an asset.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience (over and above national service) in accounting.
• Experience with international donors’ contributions financial and administrative management preferable.

Requisite Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft office packages and other computerized accounting software.
• Excellent financial and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards, control standards and the reporting requirements of major international donors considered to be an asset.
• Must be detail oriented and capable of working independently.
• Knowledge of the agricultural sector and financial management issues specific to it, considered to be an asset.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate financial and monitoring skills of partner organizations and to provide capacity building support, as required.
• Basic level of gender awareness and commitment to effective integration of gender equality in project implementation.
• Good written and spoken English. Ability to speak at least one of the languages commonly spoken in the region of posting is considered an asset.

Location: Wa And Bolgatanga

How To Apply For The Job

Suitably qualified persons are invited to submit their cover letter detailing how their work experience and academic/professional qualifications meet the requirements described above, CV, and 3 professional references no later than February 8th, 2013 via e-mail to:

jobsapplications@yahoo.com

Closing Date: 08 February 2013

Please indicate in the subject line of the email which position is being applied for.

The principles of employment equity are adhered to. Suitably qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.