Finance Officer – Accounting (APRM) at Africa Union: (Deadline 5 May 2023)

Organization Information

Reports to: Senior Finance Officer – Accounting
Directorate/Department/Organ: African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
Division: Finance
Number of Direct Reports: 0
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P2
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular
Location: Midrand, South Africa

Purpose of Job

To provide technical leadership in maintaining financial, accounting, administrative and treasury services in order to meet legislative requirements and support APRM’s operations

Main Functions

•    Provides technical assistance in the preparation and implementation of the programmes developed out of the Division’s strategic plan
•    Contribute to effective coordination and implementation at various levels
•    Liaise with APRM Member States and AU Policy organs on relevant matters as required
•    Provides support in preparation and development reports, budget and work programmes related to the respective area and the functioning of the Division
•    Conducts analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner and for APRM’s internal use.
•    Liaise with the various Departments/Units of the Commission for coordination and alignment purposes
•     Provides support in budget preparation for the Division/Unit in accordance with relevant frameworks.
•    Assists in the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets as may be required.
•    Provides support in development of strategies, policies, programmes and plan
•    Supervises employees under his/her supervision with regard to organization and performance evaluation.

Specific Responsibilities

•    Supports the division in ensuring that the statutory financial statements and other financial reports are prepared in a timely and accurate manner and in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
•    Supports the division towards effective and timely preparation and implementation of the year-end and monthly financial closure process and timetable and lead the coordination between the organization and relevant offices.
•    Prepares key financial reconciliations, journal entries and implement appropriate policies, systems, procedures and practices to ensure the integrity of the general ledger.
•    Ensures that IPSAS is properly implemented in the recording and reporting of financial transactions, statements and other reports.
•    Ensures timely completion of bank reconciliations within the allocated month end and year end cut off dates
•    Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct expenditure items have been charged, and (b) availability of funds.
•    Works closely with the Senior Finance Officer in preparation for the annual audit.

•    Obtains authorization and process payments within 30 days from receipt of an invoice.
•    Ensures that all payments are accurate and paid timeously
•    Manages the issuance of receipts for all money received by the APRM.
•    Ensures all financial documentation is filed according to the APRM protocols on the Safeguarding of Accounting Records.
•    Compiles monthly and quarterly expenditure reports for all cost centres and submit information to the Senior Finance Officer.
•    Resolves accounting discrepancies and irregularities, where possible.
•    Supports the division in processing debt recoveries and compile the debtor reports for review by the Senior Finance Officer.
•    Ensures that all transactions are supported by authentic and verifiable source documents indicating the approved accounting allocation
•    Requests bank statements and reconcile with ledger accounts.
•    Responds to inquiries related to finance issues to various stakeholders.
•    Maintains the accounts payable and accounts receivable systems in order to ensure complete and accurate records
•    Supports internal and external auditors for audit of the AU Financial Reports and records and ensures implementation of audit recommendations.
•    Performs any other duties as assigned

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

•    Bachelor’s degree in Finance Management, or Accounting, or Commerce with 5 years’ progressive work experience in budgeting, accounting and financial management.
•    A professional qualification in accounting such as CPA, CA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent from a recognized Institution will be and added advantage.
•    Experience in working on ERP-SAP
Or
•    Master’s degree in Finance Management, or Accounting, or Commerce with 2 years’ progressive work experience in budgeting, accounting and financial management.
•    A professional qualification in accounting such as CPA, CA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent from a recognized Institution will be and added advantage.
•    Experience in working on ERP-SAP

Required Skills

•    Knowledge of the finance standard practices, procedures and technicalities such as IPSAS and IFRS
•    Experience in working on ERP-SAP
•    Knowledge of finance standard practices, procedures and technicalities
•    Ability to interpret and implement financial rules and policies
•    Analytical skills
•    Interpersonal skills
•    Computer skills:
•    Communication skills report writing and presentation skills
•    Planning, organizing and coordination skills
•    Ability to work with a diverse team

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies