Vacancy: Accountant

Company Profile

Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. 

Job Description

Overview

The USAID-funded Ghana Market Systems and Resilience Activity (MSR) is a five-year, $35.9M follow-on project to USAID/Ghana ADVANCE II. The MSR Activity commenced in April 2022 and is leveraging over a decade of experience linking smallholders to markets, inputs, and services in Ghana. The Activity is strengthening commercial relationships between market actors, improving the rural entrepreneurship ecosystem to enable greater market participation, particularly for women and youth, expanding the availability of agribusiness services, and linking targeted policy initiatives to improved local economic governance. These activities will result in competitive, stronger, and more resilient markets, thus increasing inclusive agriculture-led economic growth in northern Ghana.

Pursuant to its mission, ACDI/VOCA is seeking experienced and talented professionals for the Accountant position. The position will be based in Tamale, reports to the Director of Finance and working in close collaboration with the Senior Accountant. The Accountant is responsible for maintaining vendor accounts and processing procurement requests for goods and services of the field office and supporting policies & procedures. They will also coordinate with other staff to ensure that the field office’s financial and administrative matters are executed correctly and efficiently. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintains the financial records of the field office including day-to-day field office operating expenditures, financial and accounting transactions, and bank accounts. Ensures correct and timely payments to vendors, landlords and service providers:

1. Responsible for daily accounts payable activities, ensuring vendors are paid on time and their accounts reconciled in monthly basis.


2. Receives, verifies and posts expense reports and other financial reports with account balances.


3. Ensuring financial records at the field office under his/her authority are accurate and recorded in timely manner, for any discrepancies, immediately communicate and resolve.


4. Assembles vouchers and process checks/wire transfers for payments. Ensures all supporting documentation are accurate and consistent per organization policy.


5. Assisting in the preparation and processing of month/quarterly/year-end close, including general ledger accounts reconciliation, journal entries posting and submit package to HO.


6. Reviewing petty cash transactions and record, ensuring all supporting documents and approvals are accurate per FO Accounting policy.


7. Performs general banking duties like deposits.


8. Review and process staff travel expenses, ensuring transactions are coded to the right GL accounts with sufficient supporting documents, in compliance with travel policies.


9. Coordinate with Program Team, to support program activities expenses, such as per diem payments to trainees, training/workshop participants and facilitators.


10. Responsible to scan and upload weekly transactions to SharePoint and assisting Snr. Accountant to upload month-end package onto SharePoint. 


11. Assist in regular preparation of VAT claims for submission to the donor. Assists in preparing statutory monthly and annual tax return reports for local tax authorities.

2. Assists in preparation of regular and ad hoc financial documents and reports as requested.

1. Assists with preparation of project budgets, financial tracking sheets, summaries and other financial documents.


2. Assists with preparation of financial information for the Quarterly and Annual reports as required.

3. Ensures that proper accounting and internal controls are maintained.

1. Maintains an audit ready, well-organized filing system for financial reports and accounting documents.


2. Maintains proper internal controls over the receipt, disbursement, and management of all financial resources.


3. Identifies issues and risks in a timely manner and discusses proposed changes with supervisor. 


4. Ensures that all accounting documents such as check booklets, requisition, official receipts, stamps, local purchase order are secure.


5. Keeps confidential all financial and sensitive information.


6. Maintains effective systematic physical filing of accounting documents to facilitate easy access and retrieval.


7. Ensures adherence to Standards of Conduct, policy manual, and other corporate and applicable policies, procedures, and schedules.


8. Performs other duties and undertakes other projects as may be assigned from time to time.

Required Skills or Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in accounting or a business-related field from an accredited institution. Other qualification from a recognized professional body such as ACCA, ICSA, CIMA, or CPA or an advanced degree in Finance/Accounting would be an added advantage.


• At least 3 years of work experience in accounting/auditing preferably in a non-profit setting.  Experience with donor project procedures, policies, and compliance requirements a plus.


• Knowledge of either International Accounting Standards (IAS), or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), or US accounting standards (GAAP).


• General knowledge and ability to interpret applicable tax laws in Ghana.


• Working knowledge in QuickBooks is an added advantage.


• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment and tact while protecting confidential information.


• Strong interpersonal skills as necessary to work effectively with persons on all levels both inside and outside the organisation.


• Accuracy and attention to detail.


• Fluency in English, written and oral.


• Ability to travel as required.