Programme Accountant

Objective: To ensure achievement of result oriented outcomes in the SIRP Financial management Output: Financial management, accounting and financial reporting of SIRP
Reports to: The Programme Accountant reports directly to the Programme Coordinator with technical responsibility to the Director of Finance, MAMID, and is responsible for financial management of SIRP and for maintaining all SIRP financial matters of the Programme in good order.

Activities:
1. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
a) Ensuring that the grant module has been well coded. The chart of accounts should be coded to ensure that the PCU and especially the Programme Coordinator and PM&E Specialist are regularly informed of on-going financial activities and transactions.
b) Communicate to all implementing entities and service providers their financial responsibilities, the funds available and how to access it, and the requirements of reporting and record keeping in accordance with prevailing government practices which are acceptable to IFAD.

c) Maintain all accounting records in a form appropriate for regular auditing (at least once a year). d) Ensure that:
i. All SIRP funds are used in accordance with the conditions of the financing agreements, with due attention to economy and efficiency, and only for the purposes for which the funds were provided;
ii. Counterpart funds have been provided and used in accordance with the conditions of the financing agreements, with due attention to economy and efficiency, and only for the purposes for which they were provided;

iii. Goods and services financed have been procured in accordance with the financing agreement and in accordance with government and IFAD’s rules and procedures;
iv. All necessary supporting documents, records and accounts are kept in respect of all project activities, with clear linkages between the books of account and the financial statements presented to the financiers;
v. Designated accounts are maintained in accordance with the provisions of the financing agreement and in accordance with the financier’s rules and procedures;
vi. The financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)- Cash basis with the prerequisite disclosures for non-cash items
e) Liaise with external auditors to audit the SIRP accounts to meet the required submission dates by IFAD.

f) Oversee tax matters of the Programme, ensuring that tax exemptions for the procurement of goods for the Programme are secured at the appropriate time.
g) Provide any support to the Procurement Unit to assist in procurement for the Programme in accordance with procedures laid down by Financing Agreements of IFAD and OFID
h) Process documentation and follow up on disbursements from the government and IFAD to ensure that releases are not delayed. Ensure that funds for Programme implementation are disbursed in a timely manner to enable project interventions to be carried out on time.
i) Prepare and submit regular withdrawal applications to IFAD and follow up to ensure that the project does not run short of liquidity.

j) Follow up on all project funds released to implementing entities and technical partners for timely retirement and proper utilization.
k) Ensure that statements of expenditure (SOEs) are carefully compared for eligibility with relevant financial agreements and the disbursement letter, and with reference to the Programme Design Report for guidance when necessary.
l) Ensure that fixed assets are well accounted for and annual verification is undertaken of the condition of assets and their location.

m) Prepare half-yearly consolidated statements of project accounts as an integral part of the Management Information System to be submitted to the Project Steering Committee, and subsequently to IFAD.
n) Sign as witness to contracts as much as possible.
o) Prepare quarterly reports regarding aspects of Programme financial monitoring bringing out variances and advising component heads as to the limits of expenditure.
p) Ensure the effective and efficient operation of administrative aspects of the SIRP.
q) Carry out any other activities that are assigned by the Programme Coordinator.

Qualifications and Experience
The candidate should have;
a) Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, Bcom in Accounting or Finance.
b) Professional qualifications such as CIS, ACCA, CIMA will be an added advantage.
c) At least eight years of relevant work experience with at least four years as a Financial Manager or Accountant in government/donor projects or large institutions.
d) Strong managerial skills and demonstrated capacity to manage people and interact with a wide range of private sector partners and government representatives.
e) Knowledge of work planning, budgeting and reporting.
f) Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.
g) Computer-literate and well-versed in the use of Excel, Word and financial software.

Interested candidates should access the detailed job descriptions on www.moa.gov.zw or request for the job descriptions on email address [email protected]. Applications should include 3 sets of the following; cover letter, curriculum vitae and certified copies of academic and professional qualifications and should clearly state the position being applied for. Applications must be directed to The Human Resources Director, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement, 1 Borrowdale Road, Ngungunyana Building, Private Bag 7701, Causeway, Harare.

NB: Eligible female candidates are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted qualified applicants being considered for interviews will be contacted. Closing date for applications s 30 September 2018.