Earn over 34m as Surveillance Detection Supervisor at United States US Embassy / Mission
Job Title: Accountant (USAID) (3 Job Placements)
Organisation: United States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Salary Grade: UGX 102,802,449-UGX 150,709,572 per annum
About US Embassy:
The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years. Ambassador Deborah R. Malac currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda. The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador.
Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are:
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Peace Corps
Job Summary: The Accountant serves as the primary point of contact and accounting specialist for all accounting for a budget comprising program funds, Operating Expenses (OE), Trust Funds and Inspector General (OIG) funds. The incumbent reports directly to the Chief Accountant, and serves as the principal expert for all program, trust funds, IG and OE budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, and reporting functions for USAID/Uganda. Maintains all levels of financial activity for USAID/Uganda through the accounting system, Phoenix, such as Mission budget allowances, program and operating expense accounting records, accrued expenditure records, disbursement and advance controls, determining the legality and validity of all potential obligations in accordance with 5 USC Section 1311 and taking into account General Accounting Office and USAID funding source policies. Pre-audits and posts financial transactions from a wide variety of documents, such as contracts and grants, purchase orders, travel authorizations, miscellaneous obligating documents, SF1221 disbursing office reports of disbursements, and inter-agency payment and collection (IPAC) reports. The incumbent provides professional advice to USAID/Uganda Mission staff on USAID accounting and financial management regulations. The incumbent provides expert advice on financial matters relating to project and OE accounting, analysis and financial reporting (both written and oral presentations).
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ensuring the establishment and maintenance of financial systems, records and documents that are legal, ethical, accurate and complete;
- Enhancing effective operational and development program/project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and close-out procedures by analyzing and interpreting accounting theories, principles, systems, data and reports;
- Participating in pre-award assessments and financial reviews to support the Financial Analysts (FA) in determining the financial feasibility of and practical methods for financing development assistance projects to support program viability and sustainability;
- Supporting the FAs in advising host country officials, as required, on special USAID and U.S. Congress financial requirements in the implementation of projects in order to create effective partnerships in development; and
- Ensuring integrity of the accounting systems by conducting constant review and evaluation of internal accounting and control procedures and coordinating responses to audit recommendations including development of corrective systems or procedures as they relate to USAID/Uganda accounting division.
- Providing analytical information to and coordinates with the Program office and technical teams on budget preparation and execution of Administration & Oversight (A&O) and Program Design & Learning (PD&L).
- Preparing and analyzing quarterly pipeline and periodic reports to the FAs, Controller and technical teams for mission decision-making. Further, maintaining the Phoenix MAPPR database to ensure efficient and effective mission reporting.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.
- The applicants for the US Embassy Accountant (USAID) job opportunity should hold a university degree in accounting, finance, or business administration is required; and.
- A professional certification, (e.g. CPA or ACCA) is desired but not required.
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in professional accounting, financial analysis or auditing is required.
- A thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and a thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, and procedures governing USAID financial management is required;
- Must understand USAID’s organization and operational standards and be familiar with USAID project policies and processes; and
- Knowledge and understanding of the different branches of the GOU in order to enhance effective communication and to develop consensus on financial management of programs/projects.
- Ability to analyze accounting processes and identify practices and procedures that require correction or modification;
- Possession of sound, independent judgment with the skills to develop and effectively implement financial procedures in a heavy workload/high paced environment;
- Understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the financial accounting and budgeting systems; effective trouble-shooting skills coupled with initiative and resourcefulness to identify and evaluate accounting policies and practices requiring correction and/or modification, and to formulate and implement effective solutions;
- Ability to successfully convey systems and accounting issues to OFM management and propose well- developed recommendations and solutions;
- Efficiency in formulating recommendations for maintaining specialized segments of accounting systems. It is essential for the incumbent to have a high degree of professionalism, discretion and sound judgement in representing the U.S. Government given the sensitivity of USG policy;
- Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy in order to establish and develop sustainable working relations and a high level of trust with mid-level GOU officials when dealing with Value added Tax;
- Excellent mathematical and writing skills are required in order to prepare regular and often ad hoc reports including data calls from USAID/Washington;
- Good understanding of MS Excel and other computer skills in order to manage the accounting system, analysis and financial reporting; and
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work on a team; maintain cordial and professional relationships with staff in various locations. It is essential to work effectively in a team environment and to achieve consensus of fiscal policy and accounting practices.
- Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency, speaking and writing is required.
How to Apply:
All those interested in working with the US mission in Kampala should send their applications and strictly adhere to the following:
- A signed DS-174 Employment Application for Locally Employed Staff or Family Member, Click Here
- Cover letter clearly indicating the position for which you are applying and describing how you meet the minimum requirements
- A Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Copies of Academic Transcripts
- Names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three (3) professional references. At least one of the references must be a prior or current direct supervisor.
Submit Application To:
Human Resources Office
By email at KampalaHR@state.gov
NB: Your application will be reviewed if you have fulfilled all the requirements including submission of standard file types such as Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) in a single attachment (No Zipped files, Links or Multiple Attachments) and should not exceed 10MB. Please clearly indicate the position number and title you are applying for on the DS-174 form.
Deadline: 22nd March 2019
The US Mission in Kampala provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.
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