Commitment Control Officer

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Management Accounts , the Commitment Control Officer is responsible for the maintenance of an effective cash management system and for controlling expenditure within the limits of the approved budget and warrant allocation, in respect of the Authority’s Recurrent and Capital A and B Heads. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Manages the commitment planning process and the determination and classification of commitments, according to the following categories: 
  • Inescapable 
  • Priority 
  • Other; 
• Assists the Directors of Management and Financial Accounts, in the planning and utilization of available cash, based on the level and categories of outstanding commitments; 
• Advises the Director of Management Accounts, of slow moving activities and projects from which funds can be vired, to satisfy the need of activities/projects that are urgently in need of funds. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Receives Commitment Requisition from Programme Managers, and conducts classification exercise; 
• Examines Commitment Requisitions submitted by Programme Managers, to see whether funds are available and to approve and block funds, where appropriate, for such commitment; Informs Programme Managers of the status of their Requisitions and the funds available under their respective programmes; 
• Ensures the proper maintenance of the Commitment Control Register for the Authority’s Recurrent, Capital A and B Heads, by ensuring that Warrant Allocations and Commitments are posted correctly and promptly; 
• Submits weekly and monthly reports to the Director of Management Accounts, on the position of un-discharged commitments; 
• Provides Monthly Status Report on Unit’s activities.

Human Resource: 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action, where necessary, to improve performance and/or attain established personal and/or organizational goals; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports, through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching; 
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Division/Unit are clearly identified and addressed; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and organization’s goals. 

Other: 

• Co-ordinates and compiles Procedural Manual insert for the Commitment Unit;
• Overseas the completion of Journal Vouchers to clear advances; 
• Performs other related duties as directed by Director, Management Accounts. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Good oral and written communication skills 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Customer and quality focus skills 
• Sound integrity 
• Able to use initiative 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Ability to work in a team 
• Compliance 
• Knowledge of Procurement Guidelines 
• Excellent knowledge of the Financial, Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, as well as other financial regulations and guidelines 
• Working knowledge of the Fisheries Act, Policies and Regulations 
• Proficient in the use of the relevant accounting software 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution;
• Successful completion of the required Government Accounting Certificate;
• Two (2) years’ experience in a comparable working environment; 

OR 

• Associate Degree in Accounting or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution;
• Successful completion of the required Government Accounting Certificate;
• Four (4) years’ experience in a comparable working environment   

Special Conditions Associated with Job

• Job will require spending long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers;
• Will be required to spend long hours in intense concentration, reviewing and entering Warrant information into a computer; 
• May be required to work weekends and public holidays, when the need arises;
• May be required to travel to outstations, when the need arises.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.