Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for the above stated position in the Rural & Agricultural Finance Programme (RAFiP) of the Ministry of Finance.

RAFIP, an International Fund for Agricultural Development (I FAD) and the Government of Ghana funded programme, aims at supporting improved and sustainable livelihoods of the rural poor, particularly women and vulnerable groups. The specific objective of the programme is to improve the rural and agricultural population's access to sustainable financial services through enhanced outreach, sustainability and linkages.

RAFIP would like to strengthen its financial department and wishes to recruit an accountant for the position of Accounts Officer that would add value and help the team in place to efficiently manage its funds.

The Accounts Officer will be based at the Programme Coordination Office (PCO) in Ministry of Finance, Accra. 5/He will work with the National Programme Coordinator. Reporting to the Financial Controller, the Accounts Officer will have responsibility to perform finance, accounts as well as assist with the execution of procurement tasks as follows:

FINANCE

•   Assist in the preparation of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB)
•   Implement budget control procedures to ensure that no expenditure is posted into the accounting software unless it has provision in the AWPB;
•   Prepare informative monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual management accounts and discuss these with Financial Controller for informed management decision and control;
•   Monitor expenditure trends summarised by component, category and financier, as well as financial progress on each activity as contained in the AWPB.
•   Assist in the preparation of Withdrawal Applications (WAs) from Loan / grants Accounts for replenishment of programme special accounts in accordance with procedures duly approved and required by donors.
•   Assist in the management of the disbursements process, ensuring an efficient treasury management function in line with the Letter to the Borrower and Programme Implementation Manual (PIM).

ACCOUNTING

•   Ensure that proper books of accounts are kept by recording all financial transactions in a computerised accounting software (SAGE ACC PAC 500 5.4) on timely basis
•   Ensure all accounting and financial data (receipts and payments) are accurately recorded in the general ledger to avoid inaccurate reporting
•   Prepare Bank Reconciliation Statements for all bank accounts maintained by the Programme Coordinating Office (PCO)
•   Maintain and update fixed assets and contract registers
•   Ensure accuracy and propriety of all claims before payments are made
•   Examine with due attention and on a regular basis supporting documents justifying expenditures by service providers or other partners.
•   Ensure that accounts are in compliance with generally accepted country and international standards, including details on expenditures by type, origin, destination, budget and location;
•   Prepare payments by cheques, petty cash or through other authorized ways;
•   Ensure daily, weekly and monthly follow up of all bank accounts of the project, and make sure that they are timely and sufficiently replenished, in a bid to prevent any disruption of project activities
•   Ensure proper filing system is maintained to facilitate reference and retrieval of information
•   Monitoring disbursement to implementing agencies and ensuring that returns are submitted promptly.
•   Ensure that all statutory deductions (tax, social security and other statutory returns) are effected and paid promptly to relevant bodies to avoid penalty payments.

PROCUREMENT DUTIES

•   Liaise with the Programme procurement officer in preparing and monitoring the project procurement plan.
•   Liaise with Procurement Officer to ensure no commitments are entered into unless there is adequate coverage in AWPB and to support in contract management to ensure that contractors are paid only after fulfilling all contractual conditions

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

•   Prepare, facilitate and actively participate in all supervision missions of donors and their representatives.
•   Maintain good relations with accounting officers of implementing institutions and agree with them a schedule for financial reporting.
•   Supervise, guide and cross check work of Accounts Assistants

AUDITING

•   Assist in the preparation of financial statements and related supporting schedules for annual audit
•   Assist in the planning, preparation and facilitation of annual audits as required by the loan/grant agreement and country laws and regulations.
•   Facilitate and ensure that external auditors are provided all necessary documents during the audit as detailed in the Programme Financing Agreement; and that all recommendations and actions as agreed in the management letter are implemented on schedule.
•   Any other duty within his/her competence/field that could be assigned to him/her by the Programme Coordinator or Programme Financial Controller.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Have minimum of a First Degree in accounting, commerce or Part Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ICA or CIMA).
•   Have at least three (3) years of practical experience in financial management and accounting of international projects funded by external donors;
•   Have good computer skills including MS Office in general, and in particular a good command of finance and accounting software. Having good experience with IFAD financial procedures and knowledge of accounting software such as SAGE ACC PAC 500 5.4, TOMPRO, Pastel, SCALA software and the likes would constitute added advantage.
•   Have excellent analytical and report writing skills
•   Have a good command of written and spoken English.
•   Ability to work with minimum supervision paying attention to details
•   Willingness to work extra hours and sometimes on weekends or when required.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Qualified and interested applicants should send application letters with copies of curriculum vitae, certificates and other relevant documents by 04.00p.m, on 17th. October, 2013 to:

The National Programme Coordinator
Rural and Agricultural Finance Programme (RAFiP)
Ministry of Finance
(Room 105, First Floor, New Block)
P.O. Box M. 40
Ministries Post Office, Accra

Closing Date: 17 October, 2013

•   Applicants must indicate telephone (including mobile), fax numbers and email address to facilitate early and easy contact.
•   Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.