Senior Accounting Specialist – DT Global

Job Description

DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.

Overview: The Senior Accounting Specialist (SAS) shall act on behalf of the Compact Development Team / Millennium Challenge Account Malawi II (MCA-Malawi II) (both entities referenced as MCA-Malawi II) to provide a broad range of financial management services that are requested by MCA-Malawi II to implement the activities of the Malawi Compact II, funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of the Republic of Malawi. The SAS will perform duties and fulfil obligations hereunder with all due diligence and efficiency in accordance with generally accepted professional standards and sound management practices. The SAS shall make entire working capacity, professional knowledge, and experience exclusively available for this assignment. The SAS will ensure that financial transactions are conducted in strict compliance with the principles, rules, and procedures set out in the Malawi Compact Agreement, Program Implementation Agreement, and any Supplemental Agreements with respect to Compact-funded activities. The SAS will comply with the guidelines issued by the MCC, MCC Cost Principles, MCA-Malawi II’s Fiscal Accountability Plan (FAP), Malawi laws, and other policies and procedures implemented by DT Global. The SAS will provide fiscal management support to the Fiscal Agent Manager, and establish and maintain close communication, coordination and relationship with the Fiscal Agent team members and MCA-Malawi II. You will assume all other operational, fiduciary, functional, and contractual obligations, and responsibilities as are customary in performing the duties of a Senior Accounting Specialist or as are required by the Fiscal Agent as per the Fiscal Agent Agreement between DT Global and MCA-Malawi II.

Responsibilities include:

Internal Controls, Accounting System and Training

• Assist in maintaining and updating the FAP, chart of accounts, accounting manual, accounting procedures and internal controls mechanism. Assist in maintaining and updating Fiscal Agent SAP system and MCA-MIS SAP system (both systems referenced as SAP system). Ensure that accounting systems and principles comply with and conform to Malawi regulations and generally accepted accounting principles. Participate in SAP implementation activities and maintain the accounting and reporting functionalities. Assist in implementing and maintaining a record keeping system.
• Assist in providing training on the FAP and the elements of the FAP to MCA-Malawi II and relevant stakeholders and provide training on the Fiscal Agent SAP system to the Fiscal Agent team members and MCA-Malawi II.
• Perform tasks assigned for the SAP system as per the SAP Segregation of Duties including creating new vendors and amending vendor information, creating, and posting Goods Receipt Note (GRN) and Payment Authorization Form (PAF), posting disbursements/ payments, and generating different reports.

Disbursement and Accounting

• Carry out invoice approval payment and recording process; verify completeness, calculations on invoices and their consistency with supporting documents and contracts or purchase orders to confirm that invoices are properly due for approval by MCA-Malawi II for payment; and check recipients of MCC funding against the Excluded Parties List and document findings as per MCC guidelines. Prepare and sign the Payment Authorization Form (PAF). Process and approve only those invoices and payment requests that are valid, accurate, and comply with the terms and conditions of contracts or purchase orders, the FAP, MCC Cost Principles, and all relevant agreements. Protect the Program funds from fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Review, authorize/approve and sign all payment instruments (prepared by Senior Financial Management Specialist or Payments Specialist) for payments to be made through the Permitted Accounts and Payment Request Form (PRF) (prepared by Senior Financial Management Specialist or Payments Specialist) for payments to be made through the Common Payment System (CPS).
• Manage cash flow position and ensure that cash balances in Permitted Bank Account(s) and Imprest Funds are maintained at an appropriate level as determined by the FAP, MCA-Malawi II and MCC.
• Prepare and review all payment and accounting vouchers and post transactions in the SAP system once fully approved. Record CPS payment confirmation in SAP system.
• Process travel advances and claims and monitor outstanding advances. Verify and monitor travel advances and follow up on expense reports to clear advances.
• Manage payroll activities of MCA-Malawi II and ensure compliance with all statutory requirements related to payroll.
• Ensure authorized payments are made no later than 30 days after the date of receipt of a true and proper invoice.
• Maintain correct and reconciled records for each vendor. Ensure that total payments, balance of unpaid invoices, advances balance, retentions balance, and unpaid contract amounts are periodically reconciled for each vendor. Resolve any discrepancies promptly. Respond promptly to any complaints or inquiries about the timeliness of vendor payments and resolve payment issues as quickly as possible.

Reporting:

• Prepare Monthly and Quarterly Reporting Package (including Fund Accountability Statement, MCC Monthly Commitment and Disbursement Report and Reconciliation Schedule, Disbursement Reports and Trial Balance) due to MCA-Malawi II.
• Prepare summary reports of actual commitments and expenditures related to MCA-Malawi II target activities for transmission to the Government of Malawi (quarterly and annually). Assist MCA-Malawi II in preparation of all Government required financial reports.
• Prepare Semi-annual Fund Accountability Statement.
• Prepare other ad hoc reports as requested by MCA-Malawi or MCC.

Other Tasks

• Manage tax exoneration activities and monitor and report on the Government’s compliance and implementation of the tax provisions and Government Contribution of the Compact Agreement and any related documents. Prepare aging reports on the status of the Government’s compliance with the requirement to provide reimbursement of taxes paid by MCA-Malawi II or an eligible vendor within 30 days of such payment (monthly).
• Assist in putting together information or documents required for audits. Prepare files to support reports submitted for audit and respond to auditors’ queries and observations. Arrange for archiving of audited records once audits are complete.
• Assist the Fiscal Agent Manager in ascertaining the financial capacity of firms submitting bids or proposals.
• Monitor, guide, train and advise the Payments Specialist, Finance and Office Assistant and the Senior Financial Management Specialist, as needed.
• Conduct tasks assigned to the Payments Specialist or the Senior Financial Management Specialist while they are away on vacation or out on sick leave.
• Carry out tasks assigned by the Fiscal Agent Manager or the Project Director. Assist in carrying out tasks stated in the Terms of Reference, attached to the Fiscal Agent Agreement.

Education & Minimum Qualifications:  

• Degree in finance, business, economics, or public administration; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 8+ years of experience supporting accounting, budgeting, financial management, and reporting, preferably for international development projects
• Significant experience in setting up financial management operations.
• Knowledge and experience of project-based financial management, grants management, contract management and procurement procedures would be an advantage.
• Proven leadership qualities and experience.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with high-level government officials and business executives.
• Previous working experience on projects financed by international donors or development agencies (World Bank, USAID, MCC, Global Fund or others).
• Experience working in similar countries. Experience working in Africa is an advantage.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, Project, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Extensive experience and proficiency in the use of automated commitment, budgeting, and accounting software applications.
• Experience using Sun System and/or TomPro accounting systems is desirable.
• Proficiency in English, including written and verbal communication.

Core Competencies:

• TEAMWORK:  Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture characterized by inclusion, trust and commitment.
• COMMUNICATION:  Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. Demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.
• ADAPTABILITY:  Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.
• CUSTOMER/CLIENT FOCUSED:  Anticipates, monitors and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an appropriate and responsive manner.
• DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:  Conveys respect for diverse individuals and perspectives; models inclusive behavior and treats everyone fairly.
• PROFESSIONALISM:  Displays appropriate and ethical behavior, integrity and personal presentation in the workplace always; demonstrates respectful communication for others, both verbal and non-verbal.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.