Job Summary

SCOPE OF WORK
The project accountant will be responsible for all accounting, internal control and other financial management functions within the SADA Zone. The main tasks will be as follows:

PROJECT ACCOUNTANT

•   Maintain all accounting records in line with approved accounting standards and in line with the World Bank and
•   Government of Ghana regulations
•   Prepare periodic reports, i.e. monthly/quarterly/annually) in the formats approved by the PIU
•   Draw up annual budgets and work plans together with the GCAP zonal staff
•   Ensure prompt release of funds, once approved, to beneficiaries
•   Maintain and update relevant books and records for the Project including a Fixed Asset Register
•   Ensure that all accounting records are updated promptly
•   Prepare monthly bank reconciliations of all Bank accounts
•   Together with the GCAP management, maintain, develop and update the Financial Procedures Manual on a regular basis
•   Together with the GCAP staff ensure strict adherence to installed internal control systems for all areas of project
•   Liaise with the internal/external auditors and follow up on audit queries and recommendations documented in management letters
•   Issue receipts, prepare payment vouchers and maintain cash records in accordance with laid down procedures
•   Maintain an Advance Payments Register and monitor advances settlement
•   Manage the petty cash float and maintain the petty cash book
•   Ensure petty cash disbursements are appropriately and adequately documented
•   Ensure that Cheques are accurately written In the name of beneficiaries
•   Maintain a Cheque Issued Register
•   Ensure invoices submitted for payment at the Zonal Secretariat are promptly attended to and processed
•   Perform any other functions as directed by the Financial Management Specialist of GCAP

CONDUCT OF WORK

The Project Accountant will operate at the GCAP Office within SADA Zone in Tamale. The assignment will be for two years, with the possibility of renewal subject to work requirements and satisfactory performance.

The Project Accountant will report to the Zonal Coordinator with the Financial Management Specialist of GCAP having oversight responsibility. He/She will ensure the financial requirements under the Project are developed and implemented efficiently and effectively in the SADA Zone. Annual work plans will be prepared and approved by the Zonal Coordinator and submitted to the GCAP secretariat in Accra.

Qualification Required & Experience

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications, expertise & experience:

•   A recognized degree in accounting, pursuing a professional accounting qualification (part Qualified) or a Master's Degree in Accounting, Business or Finance will be an added advantage
•   At least 6-10 years of work in a complex environment working as an accountant. Internal Audit experience would be an added advantage
•   Experience in interpreting financial management reports, analyzing variations to plans and determining remedial actions required
•   Knowledge of public sector accounting procedures and operational knowledge of international and country financial and accounting management practices, including MIS applications
•   Excellent technical and conceptual knowledge about financial management and grasp of financial principles and practices
•   Analytical skills, ability to develop and implement accounting systems
•   Strong computer skills especially in Microsoft office application software and use of computerized accounting systems
•   Report writing and presentation skills
•   Fluency in written and oral English is essential

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

COMMON CONSIDERATIONS

•   Remuneration: Competitive Salary
•   Terms of payment: Payments will be made in equal end-of-month payments of agreed amount subject to completion of core reporting responsibilities as laid out in the Assignment Work Plan.
•   Location: Tamale
•   Duration: Two (2) years (renewable yearly based on satisfactory performance)

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Qualified and interested applicants should send application letters with copies of curriculum vitae, certificates and other relevant documentation to:

The Chief Director
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
PO Box M 37, Accra, Ghana

For further information please contact:

THE PROJECT COORDINATOR
GHANA COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE PROJECT (GCAP)
MINISTRY OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (MOFA)
PO BOX MB.37, ACCRA

alabibortey@gmail.com  Tel: + 233-20-0198921

Closing Date: 09 August, 2013

Applicants are to include direct contacts (reliable telephone, fax numbers and email address) in their applications in order to facilitate early and easy contact. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.