USAID/Madagascar - Program Accountant, FSN-10 (Cooperating Country National only)

*This vacancy is open to Malagasy citizens and non-Malagasy citizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in Madagascar. Non-Malagasy citizens, if selected, will be compensated on the same schedule of salaries and benefits as are Malagasy citizens.

USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

To apply, please download the full solicitation attached and follow the instructions.

1. Basic Function

This position is in the USAID/Madagascar Office of Financial Management (OFM). The incumbent provides expert accounting and funding advice and support to the Controller, the Technical Offices, Financial Analysts and Voucher Examiners.

2. Major Duties and Responsibilities

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING DUTIES (60%)

1. The position has primary responsibility to maintain, review, analyze and record obligations, sub-obligations, commitments, sub-commitments and disbursements of the USAID/Madagascar program activities and Administrative and Oversight funds. The incumbent manages at least two sophisticated computer applications to provide Office-wide service for recording and reporting accounting activity internally and to USAID Washington.

2. The incumbent reviews procurement/grant requests and instruments (DOAGS, MAARDS, GLAAS Requisitions, Purchase Orders, Grants, Co-Op Agreements, Contracts, awards, and other obligating documents) to determine funding source and confirm funds availability before processing them in Mission Accounting System. Maintains current source-document files for obligations, sub-obligations, commitments, and sub-commitments. Prepares and periodically runs Phoenix standard and customized reports on DOAG and activity financial status. Develops and records on a quarterly basis and in conjunction with financial analysts and Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR) the accrued expenditures for Mission activities. Manages the submission of "batch entry" and verification of data using complex software programs, for all Mission.

3. The incumbent will serve as the Technical Offices POCs and the EXO Office POC for all Program funded PSC budget review and funding. As part of this responsibility, s/he will perform the following tasks to ensure strong internal control of partner financial operations and ensure compliance with Agency regulations: A) This includes assisting and providing guidance to technical teams and other USAID staff in the preparation of MAARDS, GLAAS Actions and other program funded documents, review of GLAAS requisitions, accrual reporting and close-outs. B). Actively participate in the preparation and presentation of Mission Activity Pipelines and Quarterly Financial Review of Program Funds. C). The Project Accountant will conduct limited financial reviews, pre-award surveys and follow up with recommendations to ensure they are addressed in a timely manner. Also perform analysis of program activities. The scope of work of the Project Accountant will be determined by his/her direct supervisor in consultation with the Controller. D). Analyze financial progress of activities and provide suggestions and advice to improve financial performance of these entities when necessary.

BUDGET ANALYST DUTIES (40%)

Budgeting and Funding: The Project Accountant will elaborate, monitor, and review budgets for Program funded Activities and PSC Contracts including FSN Master Funding. Provide fund-cites and verify funds availability as requested by the Technical Offices and EXO for program funding purposes E). Participate in the preparation of yearly Financial Reports for USAID/Madagascar one as required by the FMFIA and prepare reports to follow up and track mission weaknesses. F) Ensure that OFM files meet Agency guidelines for financial document requirements as specified in ADS 630.3. G) Assist with complex grantee/contractor/host country issues as it relates to reporting requirements, allowable cost, indirect cost calculation, etc. This includes processing program payments and analysis. H) The incumbent will search for and create innovative approaches to achieve efficiency and effectiveness helping the USG in establishing and tracking financial systems or standard operating procedures required by USAID Inspector general auditors. I) The incumbent will assist the Local Capacity Development team in strengthening and building the capacity of contractors/grantees and host country partners. J) The incumbent will assist Mission in providing financial and management advice daily to the U.S. Embassy, donors and USAID staff and colleagues at Antananarivo and in Washington, DC.

The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the United States, or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

1. Supervisory relationship

The position is directly supervised by the Chief Accountant. The Controller, in support of the Chief Accountant provides oversight and guidance to incumbent’s daily activities.

2. Supervisory controls

Full supervision of other Mission staff is not contemplated.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Offers will be initially screened by the Human Resources Office to determine whether they have met the minimum qualifications below. A list of qualified offers will be referred to the evaluation committee for further consideration and screening.

1. 1. Education: At least bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Management or Finance is required.
2. 2. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, accounting or auditing with the USG or international organization is required.
3. 3. Language Proficiency: Level IV English ability (reading and writing) is required. Level IV French is required.
4. 4. Job Knowledge: Specific knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theory and practice is required. Ability to acquire knowledge of USAID accounting and reporting requirements and payment and collection practices.
5. 5. Skills and Abilities: Must have well developed analytical skills, computer skills and mathematical skills. Incumbent must be service oriented and possess good communication skills. Strong analytical and writing and teaching skills are required as is experience in financial management activities. The candidate must be able to draft concise, informative reports and briefing materials, talking points on financial subjects with short lead-times. Demonstrated ability to work within a team framework and positive interpersonal skills are required, including demonstrated ability to communicate and negotiate with tact and diplomacy with a variety of individual in a complicated context. Proficiency in the use of "Word" and spreadsheet software, "Excel", Microsoft Office & Power Point is desired. Ability to prepare and present analyses and recommendations clearly in both written and oral formats (French and English).

File: Solicitation,Program Accountant, FSN10.pdf