FINANCE CONTROLLER

FINANCE CONTROLLER

1. REPORTING LINE

The Finance Controller will report to the Project Director

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Financial Controller (FC) is responsible for the management of the Project finances and accounts in accordance with the requirements of IFAD procedure as well as those of the Government of the Gambia.

1. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

This is a full-time assignment with six-month probationary period and renewal will be based on satisfactory performance. The total duration of the assignment will go up to six years.

1. DUTY STATION:

The Finance Controller will be based at the PSU Headquarters in Banjul.

1. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES

The Finance controller (FC) will be responsible for the planning, directing and controlling the financial management function of ROOTS. This will include:

• • Ensure that all financial transactions within and involving the ROOTS are done in accordance with the Financial Agreement, IFAD’s Financial Management Guidelines, General Conditions of Financing, Letter to the Borrower (LTB), and all other relevant Government of Gambia regulations;

• • Put in place the necessary procedures, practices and training to fill capacity gaps and strengthen the Financial Management system at the PSU.

• • Ensure proper management and disbursement of funds following a sound accounting, budgeting, financial control, and audit procedures acceptable to the Government of the Gambia, IFAD and development partners.

• • Implement robust internal financial control systems and policies to minimize the risks of fraud or errors in the financial statements and misuse of donors’ funds.

• • Implement and ensure that strong financial procedures are in place to accompany all payments and that improvements are made to the payments system including justifying the use of cash and advances.

• • Oversee the establishment and maintenance of an acceptable computerized accounting system. Put in place adequate “back up” systems for financial records and ensure daily backup.

• • Ensure that all month end processes are carried out in a timely manner including month end closure processes, bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, and generating reports;

• • Prepare the financial reports including budget vs actual analysis, on a monthly/quarterly/annual basis, for the Project Director and Programmes staff to facilitate good planning and anticipate any changes needed for programme delivery.

• • Prepare reliable donor reports, submit without delay the quarterly Interim Financial Reporting (IFRs) to IFAD;

• • Coordinate and arrange in consultation with project accountants that Auditor (internal and External) are provided access to copies of all necessary documentation, information and supporting materials;

• • Overseeing prompt remedial action by projects in respect to irregularities identified by the Auditors or IFAD supervision missions;

• • Work with the internal auditor to ensure that all projects procurement and documents leading to payments are properly reviewed and, promptly ensure that immediate remedial actions are taken by the project in respect to any irregularities identified by the internal Auditors.

• • Prepare the accounts for external auditors, and follow up on any audit queries/management letters;

• • Ensure compliance with operating procedures as defined in the project documents including IFAD guidelines related to disbursements and audit.

• • Ensure that Designated Accounts and Operational Accounts are maintained in accordance with the provisions of the loan agreement, Letter to the Borrower as well as Finance and Administration Manuals (FAM).

• • Review program documents, including approved proposals, budgets, Subsidiary Agreement, and manuals revisions, etc.

• • Participate in the elaboration of the annual AWPB in relation with the technical team, the Monitoring & Evaluation and Procurement managers;

• • Keep accurate and up-to-date records and documents in respect of all resources received under this agreement and any expenditure incurred with the funds made available. Ensure that all payment documents, invoices and other financial documents meet the donor requirements.

• • Monitor financial progress to ensure timely and cost-effective implementation in alignment with provisions of the project work plan and project budgets;

• • Manage the expenditure of PMU operating costs, including ensuring value for money and identifying cost savings where possible;

• • Provide capacity building to the Finance Team members;

• Undertake any other duties, within his/her area of competence, as assigned by the Project Director.

1. QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Qualification and experience:

The selected candidates should meet the following:

• • At least have advance degree (in Accounting/Finance or a related field of specialization)-essential.

• • Qualified Accountant with ACCA, CIMA, CA (England and Wales), CPA or related financial management qualification (essential).

• • Have at least seven years of experience at a senior level in a relevant public institution, Private sector or in an international organization.

• • Demonstrate knowledge of IPSAS, IAS, internal control system and accounting software. Experience or knowledge of Tompro is an advantage.

• Have a good knowledge of financial management policies and procedures of the Government of the Gambia, multilateral financial institutions and development cooperation agencies, as well as good knowledge of the institutional, technical, and commercial aspects of financial management.

Skills, knowledge and qualities:

• • Ability to proactively work independently, to produce and lead exceptional performance within a team environment and to creatively resolve problems and capitalize on opportunities.

• • Proven skills in financial management of internationally financed development programme, haven a thorough understanding of accounting practices, finance and investment. Excellent skills in project management demonstrated in previous jobs.

• • Familiarity and experience in use of accounting software would be required. Proven track record in working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

• • Practical working experience with Government of Gambia, donor-funded projects, and auditing experience (essential).

• • Supporting the Project Director in all the tasks related to financial management at all levels of Project implementation.

• • Inspiring confidence and developing highly working relationships with finance and non-finance colleagues within Programme, Cooperating Institutions and implementing partners.

• • Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Strong attention to detail and an investigative nature

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our HR department at candidatures@itteconsulting.com