Job Purpose
Under the direction of the Deputy Governor-General’s Secretary (Corporate Services), the Director of Finance and Accounts is responsible for managing the financial operations of the Office of the Governor-General. This includes overseeing accounting and financial management activities, such as budgeting, commitments, expenditure and receipt controls, payroll preparation and financial accounts. The Director of Finance and Accounts safeguards the Office’s assets by applying sound accounting principles and procedures, compiling, analyzing and presenting financial information and performance data, through timely reports and statements that reflect the financial status of the Office.
The Director of Finance and Accounts provides strategic financial advice and supports the Governor-General’s Secretary (GGS) by supplying financial data that forms the basis for financial management reports presented to His Excellency The Governor-General and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOF&PS). In this capacity, the Director of Finance and Accounts
monitors the utilization of budgets to ensure the efficient use of allocated resources and provides recommendations that are financially sound while considering risk, financial planning and control, cash flow, and proper accounting practices.
Additionally, the Director of Finance and Accounts ensures that the Finance and Accounting Unit operates in accordance with the requirements, regulations, and instructions of the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, as well as the policies from the MOF&PS. This role includes providing guidance on financial regulations, related GOJ Staff Orders, and ensuring compliance across the Unit. The Director of Finance and Accounts also aims to entrench a culture of excellence through employee motivation, partnerships, accountability, and documented productivity while supporting the organization’s strategic goals through sound financial management.
Key Responsibilities
Management/Administrative:
Supervision and Staff Management
- Supervises the Finance Unit, ensuring high performance, adherence to standards and continuous professional development of staff;
- Provides direction, support and control to direct reports, to ensure they are appropriately motivated and equipped to perform their duties to the required standards;
- Ensures staff are provided with the appropriate tools and resources to effectively carry out their responsibilities;
- Develops and monitors work schedules, ensuring the workload is adequately distributed and the staff effectively utilises their time to accomplish the Unit’s objectives and the Office’s goals.
Strategic Advice and Planning
- Provides strategic financial advice to the Governor-General’s Secretary (GGS) and Department Heads/Programme Managers to inform decision-making and financial planning;
- Develops and monitors work programmes to ensure the Finance Unit meets organisational goals, budgets, and timelines;
- Supports the Office’s Strategic/Business and Operational Plans by aligning financial strategies with organizational goals and contributing to their successful implementation.
Standards and Compliance
- Ensures that the Finance Unit’s output conforms to acceptable accounting and financial standards and practices relevant to its operations;
- Monitors and ensures that all financial activities, reporting and decision-making, comply with established guidelines and regulatory requirements.
Committee Engagement
- Serves on Senior Management, Human Resource Management, Finance Management, Disaster Preparedness and Project Management Committees, or any other Committee(s) as directed by the GGS, contributing to the strategic and operational financial direction of the organisation.
Technical/Professional:
Budgeting and Forecasting
- Oversees and leads the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the GGS, obtaining data from Department Heads/Programme Managers;
- Prepares the Annual Budget (Estimate of Expenditure) and Supplementary requests for the total Head (0100) and submits them to the MOF&PS accurately and on time, considering the specific needs of the Office;
- Administers and reviews all financial plans and budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and requirements;
- Prepares and submits written financial/statistical information as requested by the MOF&PS;
- Monitors progress and changes, keeping the GGS updated on the Office's financial status;
- Prepares detailed reports and budget briefs for the Governor-General’s Secretary (GGS), as requested, offering insights into financial performance and projections;
- Manages cash flow forecasting to ensure the availability of funds for operational requirements.
Financial Management and Expenditure Control
- Ensures the effective and efficient management and control of funds received for compensation, travelling, goods and services;
- Ensures that Purchase Requisitions are committed and approved for financial clearance.
- Ensures that expenses or costs in respect of personal telephone calls made by staff are collected and accounted for.
Payroll Management
- Oversees payroll processing and ensures the timely preparation and submission of the Wage Bill to the MOF&PS;
- Ensures timely remittance of all statutory and non-statutory deductions to relevant institutions;
- Manages payroll functions as part of the finance and expenditure responsibilities.
Financial Reporting and Compliance
- Ensures that the appropriate and up-to-date financial and accounting records are maintained in accordance with the FAA Act;
- Prepares the Annual Appropriation Account, including revenue and expenditure details, for submission to the MOF&PS, the Accountant General’s Department and the Auditor General’s Department, providing explanations for variations;
- Responds to audit queries and co-ordinate replies to the Auditor General and Internal Auditors;
- Ensures that Audit Schedules, Financial Reports and Bank Reconciliations are prepared and available to Auditors, on time;
- Implements agreed recommendations relating to expenditure and accounting processes. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintains effective working relationships with the Office's bankers, and liaises with external stakeholders relevant to the Office’s financial operations;
- Represents the Office in meetings and discussions with the MOF&PS, Auditor General’s Department and other external entities;
Departmental Human Resource:
Leadership and Staff Management
- Leads, mentors and trains direct reports to achieve their full potential, providing guidance through coaching, mentoring and training;
- Creates a vision for the Finance Unit, and motivates the team towards achieving the Unit’s goals, fostering a collaborative and team-oriented work culture;
- Provides leadership that encourages a team approach, ensuring that staff are aligned with the organizational objectives and financial standards;
- Ensures that proper working conditions exist for the Finance Unit, that promotes high performance, accountability and staff wellbeing, so they may effectively perform their duties.
Staff Development and Performance Management
- Manages the welfare and development of the Finance Unit staff, ensuring the timely preparation and feedback of performance appraisals;
- Evaluates staff performance and makes recommendations for training and development programmes to enhance skills and productivity;
- Ensures that staff are aware of and adhere to GOJ Staff Orders, King’s House Standing Orders, policies, procedures and regulations of the Office and the GOJ as a whole;
- Performs other job-related functions, as assigned by the GGS, to support the efficient operation of the Office and its financial objectives.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
- Expert knowledge of Government Accounting standards and procedures
- Excellent knowledge of the FAA Act and Procurement Guidelines
- Proficiency in computerised Government Financial Management System (GFMS) or similar accounting systems (e.g., Peachtree, QuickBooks)
- Working knowledge of relevant laws, statutes, policies and procedures and other instructions specific to the Government of Jamaica (GOJ)
- Knowledge of relevant GOJ laws, Staff Orders and other instructions specific to the operations of the Office
- Loyal, composed, trustworthy and demonstrates impeccable integrity
- Excellent leadership skills
- High confidentiality in managing sensitive financial data
- Ability to plan, organize, multitask and meet deadlines under pressure
- Strong technical, problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills, with an eye for details
- Able to apply good judgment and initiative
- Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work as part of a team
- Able to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, with persons at all levels
- Professional in personal conduct and execution of duties
- Proficiency in relevant accounting software applications
- Knowledge of GOJ Accounting is an important asset
- Knowledge of the GFMS or Accounting Packages such as Peachtree, ACCPACC or Quick Books and their applications
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Management Studies with Accounting or BBA Degree from an accredited University; or
- Post-Graduate Degree in Accounting/Financial Accounting; or
- Practising Chartered Accountant and a member of a designated professional Accounting Body; or
- ACCA Level 2 or 3;
- Six (6) years’ progressive experience in Financial and Management Accounting.
Special Conditions Associated with the Job
- There may be occasions of long working hours and work on weekends and Public Holidays, especially during the Budget planning cycle, when tight deadlines are to be met;
- Travelling may be required to attend meetings and other engagements.
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
