The Chief Accountant will perform all matters related to accounting as to the maintenance and continuous improvement of department performance level. The Chief Accountant is responsible for the effective financial performance of the project including accounting, internal controls, audits, budgeting, reporting and financial tracking. The Chief Accountant will also help the Finance Director to ensure that the financial systems are compatible with standard accounting practices and follow Chemonics and USAID policies, procedures and regulations.

The Chief Accountant oversees the financial management of the project by maintaining complete and accurate financial records and approving (in coordination with the program team) the various project budgets, from development to implementation, including monitoring, reporting, and auditing. He/She will ensure that budgets are implemented in accordance with Chemonics and USAID policies and procedures and in compliance with donor regulations. He/she will also work closely with the Operations department to closely monitor program cost coverage to anticipate potential risks and financial gaps.

The Chief Accountant will play an important role in monitoring and supporting project implementation by overseeing compliance related to internal policies, donor regulations and local laws (i.e. taxes). This position requires consulting and/or coordinating activities with internal and external stakeholders. There is an element of persuading, influencing, and providing professional advice and guidance, but this is not a regular activity.

The Chief Accountant shall:

1. Maintain the accuracy of all accounting information and documentation displayed in the accounting software (ABACUS) including internal procedures (procurement, budget monitoring and reports, etc.);
2. Complete unqualified project and statutory audits and timely internal and donor financial reports.
3. Track the budget: produce and distribute Budget versus Actual (BVA) reports with detailed risk analysis.

4. Monitor project accounting and the implementation of internal control recommendations until their resolution (monthly checks, internal and external audits, internal reviews, etc.);
5. Under the direction of the Finance Director, support project performance by reviewing policies and procedures, providing staff training, and monitoring funds.
6. The Chief Accountant has specific responsibilities and objectives which are assigned with some latitude in setting priorities and technical approaches, using established practices and procedures. Unusual challenges can be discussed with supervisor or others to clarify policy.
7. The Chief Accountant is recognized as the project's first point of reference for professional/technical advice related to accounting.

Tasks:
Key duties and responsibilities for the position are as follows:

• Ensure that all Chemonics /USAID procedures in place are followed.
• Ensure good coordination at the accounting level and timely payment to all suppliers.
• Follow up on accounts payable with the appropriate departments.
• Check the Petty Cash and make recommendations if necessary.
• Ensure proper review of disbursement vouchers/purchase orders/sub-task orders/commodity procurement transactions on Microsoft flow before processing the payment.
• Review all journals/coding sheets before final approval and posting into the accounting system.
• Ensure that charges and/or cost allocations follow donors’ requirements, Chemonics and GHSC-PSM project policies and procedures.
• Prepare balance sheet account reconciliations to ensure all transactions are accurately stated and appropriately classified.
• Work with relevant staff to address irregularities and resolve accounting issues and ensure correction of accounting entries and payroll.
• Oversee processing of payroll each month and prepare salary receipt/payroll forms, as well as the Provident Fund withholdings and employer contributions.
• Coordinate tax payment monthly and maintain the tax files for the project, recorded and paid in timely manner.
• Oversee yearly VAT reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Review all travel advance and expense reports initiated by the technical staff of the project.
• Ensure that the project accounting documents/coding sheets/ payment packages are filed appropriately on SharePoint.
• Perform primary financial analysis and bring all discrepancies to the attention of the Finance Director.
• Ensure the monthly closing of the books per Chemonics standard procedures and timely submission of local transactions to the home office.
• Ensure that bank reconciliation packages are accurate, complete, and submitted timely to the HO.
• Actively participate and conjointly-lead the Warehouse Cycle count process with the Finance Director
• Work closely with the Finance Director to correct weaknesses in the preparation of any audit and address/ implement any audit recommendations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for accounting related issues with the home office Field Accounting Support Team (FAST) representative.
• Supervise the given team (accountant assistant, accountant clerk, bookkeeper, accountant) on a day-to-day basis and conduct assessments and provide mentorship and on-the-job training to supervised staff.
• Perform other general accounting duties as needed and other duties as may be assigned.
• Perform additional tasks as required by the Finance Director.

Job Qualifications



To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the required knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed to perform the principal duties.



• A bachelor’s degree in accounting.

• At least 5 years of experience in a senior accounting position.

• Experience booking payroll in an accounting software for a large or mid-sized project (more than 90 employees) preferred.

• Previous relevant experience with USAID-funded projects preferred.

• Proven experience in manipulating and managing accounts transactions using an accounting software (knowledge of ABACUS preferred).

• Prior experience in reviewing/processing/booking of commodities high desirable.

• Good communication skills, both oral and written in French and English are required.

• Strong computer skills, specifically Excel and accounting software are preferred.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, accept and discharge substantial responsibilities, prioritize work assignments, meet deadlines, and exercise professional judgment.



• Proven experience in budget management and internal controls.

• Proven experience in conducting capacity building of staff on financial systems and good financial practices.

• Ability to work in a team and possess interpersonal communication capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to take initiative and be flexible in terms of changing priorities and deadlines.



Reporting:

• The Chief Accountant will report directly to the Finance Director.

• Supervise the given team (accountant assistant, accountant clerk, bookkeeper, accountant) on a day-to-day basis and conduct assessments and provide mentorship and on-the-job training to supervised staff.

• Chemonics may amend the SOW for this assignment in consultation with the employee.

CV+Copie Diplome

2023-08-11