Accountant for QEHSSSP Project

Job Description

TITLE: Accountant for QEHSSSP Project

BACKGROUND:
The Ministry of Health (MOH) works with development partners, implementers and various Government Departments to deliver health care services to the Sierra Leonean Population. The transaction costs associated with managing multiple donor funds seperately, through different uncoordinated structures, has led to the establishment of the Integrated Health Projects Administration Unit (IHPAU) in the office of the Permanent Secretary. IHPAU intends to integrate all donor-funded projects to be centrally managed by one coherent unit that is integrated within the MOH structure. The integrated projects are funded by the World Bank, GAVI Alliance, the Global Fund, Islamic Development Bank, UK Aid, the EU, CDC, UN Agencies and others. As an integral structure of the MOHS, IHPAU is responsible for ensuring quality financial management, timely procurement of supplies, and efficient monitoring, accountability and learning on all donor -funded projects.

ROLE SPECIFICATION:
Under the overall direction of the IHPAU Team Lead and daily supervision of the Finance Specialist, the Accountant is responsible for the day-to-day accounting and financial management matters that include (i) maintaining bank accounts, (i) accurate recording of all transactions; (iii) preparation of timely accounts and reconciliations and (iv) preparation of timely project reports.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

* Timely postings of transactions into the general and other subsidiary ledgers as appropriate.
* ⁠Prepare monthly bank reconciliation reports for all accounts operated under
IHPAU.
* Assist in the implementation of systems of internal controls to ensure data integrity and security and follow up audit issues.
* Assist the Finance Specialist in the preparation of timely cash forecasts following specified donor formats and frequency and prepare requests for disbursements to ensure a sustainable flow of funds to the various projects
* Ensure proper filling of all accounting records
* Monitor project expenditures and investigate any significant variances between budget allocations and actual expenditures and highlight Issues/Recommendations to the Supervisor for subsequent actions
* Review liquidations from Staff, Programs, Directorates and other Implementers and ensure that all approved and eligible expenditures are adequately supported before preparation of liquidation Journal for Approval and posting to the General Ledger.
* Follow up on all Outstanding Advances relating to the allocated staff, Program/ Directorates/Implementing Partners
* Assist internal and external auditors to facilitate projects financial audit.
* Handle all financial functions related to the allocated program/projects;
* Effect payment to contractors, suppliers, consultants and other Implementing
partners.
* In coordination with the Supervisor, conduct Spot Checks using approach and report the conclusions of the review to your supervisor.
* Assist in the preparation and monitoring of program estimates/budge
* Assist in Verifying the correct application of contract and grant award procedures;
* Verify the existence of adequate and reliable supporting documentations for
Commitments, payments and any recoveries;
Verify the contractual and financial details of each invoice for payment;
* Request an interim or final itemized statement of account from suppliers/Ser-vice Providers were applicable.
* Prepare payroll, and ensure that the supporting documents are complete with all necessary authorizations in place.
* Assist the Supervisor in the preparation of Financial Reports. Prepare doc-mentation for audit purposes as required
* Update and maintenance of the fixed asset register
* Carry out any other administrative/financial assignments as requested by the
Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONSAND EXPERIENCE:
* A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, Business or other business-related fields or its equivalent.
* Must either have completed or partly completed a professional level exam (e.g.
ACCA, CPA, CA, CIMA)
* A Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance, economics, business, procurement or any related field would be an added advantage.
* A Minimum of 5 years working experience in the field of accounting
* Field experience working with implementation partners and or District Health
Management Teams will be an added advantage.
* Experience in Budgeting, Financial Planning and Cash Forecasting
* Computer Proficiency with High level of familiarity with commonly used pack-
ages like MS Word, Excel and Power Point. Etc
* Excellent Communication and presentation skills as well as good analytical
skills.
* Understand, utilize and assess Chart of Accounts for proper reporting of fund tracking to various funding sources, allowable and non-allowable expenses, projects, activities.
* High integrity, strong result orientation, drive for excellence and takes initiative;
* Ability to generate timely and accurate reports
* High integrity, strong result orientation, drive for excellence and takes initiative;
* Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to quickly shifting priorities.
* Experience working with Health Care services at the national level will be an
asset.
* Willingness to learn and acclimatize to challenging situations
* Ability to generate timely and accurate reports to donor partners
* Fluency in English and good verbal and written skills.
* A strong ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment and deliver even under pressure.

To apply, please send your application (a mandatory cover letter and an updated CV with at least 3 references) to the following email address: recruitment@mohsihpau.gov.sl

IMPORTANT NOTES:
* Only email applications sent to the above email address will be included in the pool of applicants to be assessed by MOH. No hand deliveries will be accepted. Please also note that your CV should contain your full contact details such as residence address, working mobile telephone number, working email address, as well as those of your three referees.
* Selected candidates will be required to sign a contractual agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health.

* The recruitment will initially be for a period of one year and thereafter an annual
extension subject to performance and funds availability.
Closing date: 15th April, 2024