Background
The Ministry of Health (MOH) works with development partners, implementers and various Government Departments to deliver health care services to the Sierra Leonean Population. The transaction costs associated with managing multiple donor funds separately, through different uncoordinated structures, has led to the establishment of the Integrated Health Projects Administration Unit (IHPAU) in the office of the Chief Medical Officer. IHPAU intends to integrate all donor-funded projects to be centrally managed by one coherent unit that is integrated within the MOH structure.
The Integrated Health Projects Administration Unit (IHPAU) is an integral structure of the MOH designed to integrate management of all donor-funded projects. With supervision from the office of the Chief Medical Officer, IHPAU manages donor-supported projects by ensuring quality financial management; timely procurement of Goods and services; and efficient monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning on all donor-funded projects. IHPAU also perform similar responsibilities for other health projects supported by World Bank, GAVI Alliance, IsDB, African Development Bank, UK Aid, the EU, and UN Agencies.
It is imperative to have dedicated staff for Global Fund-funded Grant Cycle 7 (GC 7) to support MOH programmes and Directorates in the implementation of the “Strengthening System for health and scaling up of high impact interventions for HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria to attain Universal Health Coverage”. The GC 7 will be implemented for three (3) years staring 1st July 2024 and ending 30th June 2027.
Position: SENIOR ACCOUNTANT X1
Location: Freetown
ROLE SPECIFICATION FOR SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
The Senior Accountant will provide direct support to the Finance Specialist ensuring the day-to-day accounting and financial management matters that include (i) maintaining bank accounts, (ii) accurate recording of all transactions; (iii) preparation of timely accounts and reconciliations and (iv) preparation of timely project reports.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
The request for an additional Senior Accountant is due to the growing workload and the requirement for detailed quality financial reporting. There is budget implication because the salary differences will need to be adjusted to support the remuneration. Savings will be identified from within the grant to meet the salary for the additional senior accountant position.
- Assist in the preparation/review of annual budgets.
- Assist in the Preparation of accurate and timely financial reports by providing the relevant technical support and ensuring timely review and processing of financial transactions in accordance with IHPAU Operational Manual and other donor requirements/ standards.
- Maintain up to date accounting records and balances subsidiary accounts by verifying, allocating, posting, reconciling transactions, resolving discrepancies.
- Review monthly bank reconciliation reports.
- Maintaining and reconciling Mobile Money Accounts including effecting payments to beneficiaries.
- Administer and implement systems of internal controls to ensure data integrity and security and follow up on audit issues.
- Assist the Finance Specialist in the preparation of timely cash forecasts following specified donor formats and frequency and prepare requests for disbursements to ensure a sustainable flow of funds to the various projects.
- Review disbursement and journal vouchers to ensure compliance with MOHS policies and donor requirements before recommendation for approval.
- Ensure that requests, Returns and payment documentations from Programs, Directorates under MOH, and other partners/Sub recipients are in order and in accordance with the policies and procedures of GF-IHPAU and other applicable donor requirements.
- Assist internal and external auditors to facilitate projects financial audit.
- Build strong and strategic relations with key stakeholders, including National Health Programs, donors, implementers, civil society, and UN agencies.
- Ensure that all payments are properly authorized, supported by proper documentation and complied with all approved procedures and on a timely basis.
- Check budget lines to ensure that all transactions are correctly booked and post them to the correct budget lines.
- Prepare Interim unaudited Financial and other relevant reports and submit to relevant development partners within approved timeline.
- Assist the Finance Specialist to monitor the financial aspect of procurement implementation.
- Ensure the smooth and timely disbursement of funds.
- Analyzing financial information and summarizing financial status.
- Monitoring of Advances/Liquidations and reporting on the status.
- Maintaining the Fixed Asset Register and coordinate regular fixed asset verification.
- Carry out any other financial/administrative assignments as requested by the Financial Specialist.
QUALIFICATIONS (Professional, technical, academic)
- Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Must have a Professional qualification such as ACCA or membership of ICASL etc.
EXPERIENCE.
- Minimum of Five years’ experience as an Accountant with three years relevant experience in a donor project will be an advantage.
- Knowledge in the use of Financial tools and packages, Microsoft Office suite, especially MS Excel
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Tompro, Sun System, QuickBooks, SAP, or similar).
- Knowledge of relevant accounting standards and regulations.
ONLY MOH/IHPAU STAFF ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY
To apply, please send your application (a mandatory cover letter and an updated CV with at least 3 references) to the following email address: recruitment@mohsihpau.gov.sl by: 4:00 pm Local Time, Friday, 12th July 2024.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Only email applications sent to the above email address will be included in the pool of applicants to be assessed by MoH. No hand deliveries will be accepted. Please also note that your CV should contain your full contact details such as residence address, working mobile telephone number, working email address, as well as those of your three referees.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview and selected candidates will be required to sign a contractual agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health.
WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY