Introduction and Background
The Government of the Republic of Uganda represented by the Ministry of Finance and Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in collaboration with the International Development Association (IDA) and other development partners including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Sweden is implementing the Industrial Transformation and Employment (INVITE) project.
The Project is financed by the International Development Association and a Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).
The Export Firm Support (EFS) is under Component 3 of INVITE and focuses on developing firm capacity and expanding access to market opportunities through different interventions targeting exporters (and potential exporters) to identify export opportunities and meet consumer demand through specialized support.
The project plans to support exporters and potential exporters with the assistance of local and international consultants. The advisory services will help firms identify export opportunities and meet consumers’ demands through specialized technical assistance and capacity-building activities. Specialized overseas consultants will be made available, should firms have a need to gain knowledge about how importing processes work in foreign markets. The program targets exporters and potential exporters of manufactured and semi-manufactured products with some value added (commodities are excluded).
The specific areas for support under the Export Firm Support (EFS) program, will be prioritized by the exporting/potential exporter firms’ managers with the objective of focusing on those areas where the returns in terms of export volumes and values are higher. The supported interventions will be implemented over a 12-month period. In addition to consulting support services from local consultants, firms may receive support from consultants established in the target markets who have knowledge and access to specific clients and will also act as mentors and assist firms in identifying and contacting potential clients.
The ESF will focus on formal private business entities that are legally established and headquartered in Uganda and with established business interests in the targeted manufacturing and semi-manufacturing sectors.
Position: Project Accountant
Location: Kampala Uganda
Purpose of the Assignment
The EFS program is designed to boost Ugandan firms' exports of value-added manufactured products to regional and high-income markets. It will support potential and existing exporters to enter new export markets or expand their presence. Support will focus on upgrading firms’ organizational and production capacities and their capabilities to deliver to the demand of foreign buyers.
The Project Accountant will support the component in day-to-day finance function activities of budget execution, processing accounting transactions, providing updates on project expenditure, and participating in the preparation of periodic financial reports. S/he will ensure accountability, internal control development and enforcement as per the guidelines.
The Project Accountant - will be charged with ensuring proper financial accountability for the program including being frugal with the expenditures and keeping proper books of accounts for the program.
Specifically, the Accountant shall:
- Reviewing Client Claims submitted for reimbursement in compliance with operational and financial procedures.
- Reviewing expenditure accountability documentation for completeness, adequacy, and compliance with operational and financial guidelines.
- Programming the expected cash flows of the program for the short term to ensure proper execution and timely payments.
- Properly recording financial movements in financial statements, especially cash flow and others such as assets and liabilities that may result from the execution of the program
- Managing working advance sub-ledger in accordance with laid down procedures.
- Posting financial transactions into the Financial Management Systems
- Preparing monthly bank reconciliation statements for review by the Project Financial Management Specialist
- Reviewing and updating the financial support commitment ledger on a regular basis
- Preparing regular periodic management reports in accordance with operating guidelines.
- Assisting in the preparation of annual financial reports and accounts
- Generating vehicle, telephone, and any other resource usage reports
- Preparing staff payroll and remitting statutory deductions on a timely basis.
- Managing the component assets
- Raise component payment vouchers for review and authorization.
- Prepare bank payment instructions for approved claims.
- Properly file all accounting documents in accordance with the project guidelines.
- Manage the component imprest in accordance with project guidelines.
- Participate in the preparation of periodic progress management reports in accordance with GoU and World Bank guidelines.
- Any other legally accepted duties and roles as may be assigned by the Program Manager from time to time.
Qualifications, Experience, and Key Competencies:
- An Honors degree in Accounting or Finance; Commerce, or Business Administration with a major in accounts from a recognized institution.
- Full Professional Qualification in Accountancy (CPA or ACCA)
- Computer literacy with knowledge of the use of the latest Accounting Software applications
- Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
- Proven high degree of honesty, integrity, and versatility.
- Must be prepared to work under pressure to meet tight project targets.
- Good Interpersonal Skills and ability to relate well with a multiplicity of stakeholders.
- A minimum of five (5) years of Finance and Accounting experience in the public sector and at least two with donor-funded projects in a senior role.
Key Results /Outputs
- Monthly report on outstanding invoices and payments to clients
- The well-maintained filling system of payment documentation.
- Monthly bank reconciliation statements
- Payroll and update on statutory deduction returns.
- Monthly expenditure reports on motor vehicles, telephone, and any other resource usage
- Consolidation and reporting of all relevant financial information (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow)
Reporting
The Project Accountant shall technically report to the Financial Management Specialist.
Facilities to Be Provided by The Employer
The Employer shall provide office space, with connectivity to internet, printer, and access to other office amenities during the term of his contract.
Duration of Services
The PA will be appointed on a contractual basis for an initial period of 24 months, with a possibility of renewal based on performance, business need, and budget availability.