Manager, Finance and Accounts (FMG/PA 2)

Key Responsibilities

Technical: 

• Prepares draft operational budget for the entity, through co-ordination, consultation and consolidation; 
• Analyzes operational budget requests to determine that they reflect the level of allocations and guidelines established by the entity’s senior management team and are supported by realistic implementation plans, where applicable; 
• Analyzes the operational budget requests to determine that they are in accordance with the approved objectives; 
• Provides guidance, where necessary, in the preparation of the narratives in support of the operational budget allocations, to ensure that it brings out the specific purposes and performance indicators as given in the Strategic Plan; 
• Examines bank transactions against the bank statements to determine discrepancies; 
• Examines reconciliation summaries/details, and identifies and resolves any errors found until the reconciliation is balanced and free from error; 
• Prepares and submits completed Bank Reconciliation Statements for review; 
• Co-ordinates the preparation of judgement debt payments; 
• Certifies Payment Vouchers to trigger authorization workflow, in accordance with financial quality assurance and peer reviewing protocols and controls; 
• Liaises with the Public Procurement Branch and the Management Accounts Unit at the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) for clarification/verification of information relating to purchase orders, where necessary; 
• Responds to queries and provides information in relation to financial statements. 

Cash Management: 

• Implements and operates Cash Management System in respect of operational funds by:
  • Preparing the monthly cash flow request; 
  • Implementing a mechanism for containing expenditures within the warrant limits through a system of commitment planning and control; 
  • Reviewing, on an on-going basis, all bank accounts to ensure that there are no large idle cash balances. 

Expenditure Management and Control: 

• Monitors the implementation of operational budgets; 
• Obtains and analyses monthly financial reports to determine if funds have been utilized for the specific purposes indicated; 
• Evaluates the fiscal and financial performance in the implementation of the operational programmes in the recurrent budget, in conjunction with Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; 
• Identifies new areas for cost recovery and obtains approval for implementation; 
• Processes the prompt billing and invoicing of goods and services received; 
• Monitors the prompt clearance of advances; 
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent interpersonal and team management skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills 
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Technical: 

• In-depth knowledge of GOJ Accounting/Financial Management systems principles and practices 
• Good knowledge of statutes, legislations, regulations policies and procedures relating to accounting/Financial management 
• Excellent presentation skills 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and convictions of purpose in unfavourable or unpopular situations 
• Problem solving and negotiation/facilitation skills and experience 
• An excellent understanding of the machinery of government, including particularly the Jamaican context and the current challenges facing the GOJ 
• Good strategic and analytical skills 
• Advanced IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Accounting Software and MS Project 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Management Studies with Accounting or BBA Degree from an accredited University; or 
• ACCA Level 2; or 
• NVQJ Level 5, Accounting; or 
• ASc. Degree in Accounting, MIND along with the Diploma in Government Accounting, MIND;
• Three (3) years’ experience in similar environment. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions;
• May be required to work extended hours and on weekends; 
• May be required to work at the MOJ Finance and Accounts Division, in accordance with an agreement by the Senior Director, Corporate Services, AGC and the Principal Finance Officer, Ministry of Justice. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.