Summary
Date Posted: Monday, October 18, 2021 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:

Supervisor: Assistant Secretary-General
Duty Station: OACPS Secretariat, Belgium

Organisational Context
Under the guidance and supervision of the Assistant Secretary-General responsible for the Department of Administration, Finance, and Human Resources (AFHR), the Expert-Budget and Accounting will provide financial management and accounting services to the OACPS Secretariat while ensuring high-quality, accurate and consistent work. The incumbent promotes a client-oriented approach, in line with the Rules and Regulations of the OACPS Secretariat.

The Expert-Budget and Accounting:
• Verifies/approves/confirms that proposed obligations or expenditure for services, facilities supplies and equipment expenses, as well as those pertaining to personnel, are in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the OACPS Secretariat, relevant appropriations and staffing tables, and corresponding approved allotments
• Ensures that accurate and complete accounting, reporting and internal control systems are functioning and that all relevant records are maintained
• Prepares or consolidates financial statements for inclusion in the OACPS Secretariat’s Audited Financial Statements. Responds to internal/external audit observations.
• Is responsible for the smooth functioning and writing of specifications of the Accounting systems of the Organisation, advises and assists the ASG on accounting and financial issues
• Provides substantive support for the implementation of new accounting systems. Takes initiative to improve accounting processes and approaches.
• Follows up on the payment of contributions from the Member States.

The Expert-Budget and Accounting heads the Accounting Unit and supervises the Accounting Assistant. In undertaking his/her duties and responsibilities, the incumbent works closely with the Assistant Secretary-General and other OACPS Secretariat staff for information sharing and has direct contacts with the officials of the European Commission for the management of resources made available to the Secretariat.

Functions/Key Results Expected in the following areas
1. Prepares and monitors the budget of the OACPS Secretariat and ensures its proper management focusing on the achievement of the following results:
• Prepares and presents budget to relevant bodies in a timely manner
• Ensures budget implementation is in line with applicable Rules and Regulations and International Standards.
• Provides periodic reports to the ASG-AFHR to assist in the monitoring of the budget

2. Verifies/approves/confirms that proposed obligations or expenditure for services, facilities, supplies and equipment expenses, as well as those pertaining to personnel, are in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the ACP, relevant appropriations and staffing tables and corresponding approved allotments, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
• Financial transactions conducted correctly in keeping with the rules and regulations
• Approved standards duly applied in conducting the transactions

3. Ensures that accurate and complete accounting, reporting and internal control systems are functioning and that all relevant records are maintained, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
• Preparation of various financial reports
• Preparation of Financial Statements (balance sheet, income statements, cash flow, and others)
• Preparation of reports on the Secretariat’s financial situation for the Council of Ministers, Committee of Ambassadors, Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA)
• Production of reports and reliable accounting and financial statements for use by the decision makers and partners

4. Prepares or consolidates financial statements for internal and external audits. Responds to internal/external audit observations, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
• Accounting/financial statements prepared in conformity with the approved financial regulations and standards.
• Audit queries/observations taken into account and corrective measures to be taken when necessary

5. Responsible for the smooth functioning of the Organisation’s accounting system and preparation of specifications for its enhancement, advises and assists the ASG on accounting and financial issues. Provides substantive support for the implementation of new accounting systems. Takes initiative to improve accounting processes and approaches, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
• Makes maximum use of accounting software for comprehensive data analyses and to produce the various outputs required for sound management of the financial resources of the Organisation
• Prepares and updates accounting and budgetary manuals

6. Follows up on the payment of Member States’ contributions, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
• Proper and updated Records of payment of contributions
• Prompt and systematic correspondence to Member States
• Ensures timely and accurate invoicing to Member States
• Assists the ASG-AFHR to follow-up on contributions
• Provides updated status reports on Member States’ contributions

Impact of Results
The expected key results have an impact on decisions taken concerning the Organisation’s finances, as well as its financial and accounting procedures, which in turn enhance the confidence of the OACPS-EU Member States with respect to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Secretariat’s financial operations

Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
• Places the good of the Organisation above personal, national or other interest.
• Demonstrates and promotes the highest standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness and incorruptibility in all matters affecting his/her work and status
• Understands the structure and hierarchy of the OACPS Secretariat, process flows throughout the Organisation, products and services, their measures of effectiveness, and perceptions of clients
• Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions

Functional Competencies:
• Understands the main processes and methods of work pertaining to the position
• Possesses good knowledge of organisational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)
• High degree of independent judgment and initiative and conceptual skills
• Must be competent in internal monitoring and evaluating public policies
• Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit
• Sound computer skills, including proficiency in MS Word, Excel and relevant IT software applications

Managerial Competencies:
• Ability to lead people of varying grades and cultural backgrounds
• Organises and prioritises work schedule to meet clients’ needs and deadlines
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary,

Behavioural Competencies:
• Demonstrates respect for and understanding of diverse points of view in daily work and decision-making
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages, asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication,
• Demonstrates strength of character and ability to stay calm and show maturity in stressful situations
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients

Qualifications
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or related field. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is desirable.

Experience
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in administration, finance, budgeting or related area. Experience in an international organisation is desirable.

Language Requirements
• Good command of English, French, Portuguese or Spanish.
• A good working knowledge of at least one of the other three languages would be an added advantage

Assessment
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and may be assessed through other methods.

Special Notice
Candidates for the post must be nationals of Member States from the African, Caribbean and Pacific regions and must therefore attach a copy of their valid passport for proof of nationality. Applications from non-ACP nationals will not be considered.

Staff Members of the OACPS are subject to the authority of and duties assigned by the Secretary-General and will discharge their functions under conditions established by the Secretary General.

All employment decisions are made on the suitability of the candidate and the needs of the OACPS. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

The appointment to this position is for an initial period of 3 years and renewal thereof is subject to the needs of the OACPS and availability of the post or funds.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 84

Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree

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Job application procedure

Applications for this post should be sent by e-mail to: hr@acp.int and must reach the Secretariat by mid night on the deadline date.

Applications must be accompanied by an updated curriculum vitae completed in the following format: https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/editors/en/cv/compose. Applications in another format will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further evaluation. Applicants must provide copies of degrees, diplomas, certificates and any other documents attesting to their competence and professional experience.


Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and those under serious consideration will be subject to reference checks.

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