Payments Officer (FMG/AT 3)

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Senior Payments Officer, the Payments Officer is responsible for the preparation and posting of payment vouchers for goods, services, travelling claims and specialized judicial accounting services, for selected areas in the CAD and Judiciary. Additionally, the Payments Officer executes the processes related to the 3% Withholding Tax regime and other similar arrangements. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Prepares recurring payment vouchers according to the correct code classification, and submits for post check and approval; 
• Posts data on recurring payment vouchers to relevant System; 
• Checks travel claim vouchers for accuracy, correctly codes and submits for post check and approval; 
• Effects recurring payments and juror claims for final approval by accountable officer, by sending payment information to the Treasury Single Account; 
• Effects specialized payments for final approval by accountable officer from internal accounts, such as Bail, Suitors, etc.; 
• Updates travel registers with the travelling officers’ current motor vehicle information, and records all travelling allowance and mileage paid to each travelling officer monthly;
• Liaises with the Human Resource Management and Development Branch, for copies of travelling officers’ valid car documents, when they are due; 
• Liaises with the Public Procurement and Management Accounts Branches for clarification/verification of information relating to Purchase Orders, where necessary;
• Prepares Withholding Tax Certificates on the Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) portal;
• Updates and maintains the Withholding Tax Certificates Registers, and issues certificates to clients/suppliers; 
• Prepares and updates Withholding Tax Certificates and other related statutory obligation reports for the Manager, Payment Services; 
• Ensures that payments for taxes withheld are remitted to Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) monthly; 
• Ensures that returns filed monthly are comprehensive and accurate; 
• Updates and maintains all payments information and records; 
• Ensures that cheques, electronic/bank transfers are prepared and duly signed by the signatories to the account; 
• Keeps current with the latest tools/techniques in Public Financial Management (Specifically General Payables and Payroll), to determine what new solutions and implementations will meet CAD/Judiciary business/operational requirements. 

Management/Administrative: 

• Develops Individual Work Plans, based on alignment with the overall plan for the Section;
• Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences, as required;
• Prepares reports and programme documents, as required; 
• Maintains customer service principles, standards and measurements. 

Human Resource: 

• Contributes to, and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Organization’s goals;
• Assists with the preparation of, and conducts presentations on role of Division/Unit, for the Orientation and Onboarding programme; 
• Performs other duties assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of Financial and Accounting Principles and Practices – Payment Management
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills 
• Knowledge of the Public Finance Legal Framework (FAA Act and Regulations and Instructions) Public Expenditure Policy and Public Finance Management Reforms
• Knowledge of GOJ Payables and Payroll Procedures 
• A strong sense of trust and a high level of confidentiality and integrity 
• Knowledge of GOJ ICT Finance and Accounting systems
• Knowledge of computerized systems and software, with an emphasis on the MS Office suite and projects 
• A high level of initiative and self-motivation 
• Demonstrated interpersonal and negotiation skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Strong leadership skills 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• AAT Level 3; or 
• ACCA-CAT Level C/Level 3; or 
• ACCA Level 1; or 
• NVQJ Level 3, Accounting; or 
• Diploma in Accounting from an accredited University or Community College; or
• Associate of Science Degree in Business Studies/Business Administration from an accredited tertiary Institution; or 
• Associate of Science Degree in Accounting, MIND; or 
• Diploma in Government Accounting, MIND Government Accounting Levels 1,2 & 3; or
• BSc Degree in Accounting or Management Studies with Accounting; or
• BBA Degree; or 
• Successful completion of three (3) years of any of the Bachelor’s Degree programmes mentioned above. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.