Head of Accounting Budget and Financial Management Division (AfCFTA) at African Union

About The Job

Purpose of Job:

Lead the development and implementation of accounting, budgetary and financial management policies, strategies, procedures and process within AfCFTA.

Main Functions

Guides the preparation and implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS)
Establish accounting, budget and financial management functions
Supervises and manages the division’s employees in the implementation of activities and the evaluation of performance
Develops strategies and policies consistent with the department’s objective to address relevant issues in the field
Contributes to the development of the departmental business continuity plan and ensures its implementation at the divisional level
Ensures risk management and mitigation
Designs and plans policy programs to achieve strategies
Provide support for the development of the resource mobilization strategy with stakeholder coordination
Develops new activities and expands existing activities as components of strategies and policies;
Work with internal and external stakeholders
Manage the investment of AfCFTA excesses funds in accordance AU Financial Rules;
Responsible for the overall supervision and management of the Division.
Ensure creation of an inspiring work environment to enable staff development and professional progression.

Specific Responsibilities:

Manages a complete financial operation, encompassing a wide variety of Member States and Partner Funds, with a large volume of grants in, grants out, implementing partners, and inter-office transactions, and extensive dispersed activities
Manage all aspects of the monthly, quarterly and year-end closure of accounts including development and implementation of detailed closure instructions
Provide expert guidance and advice to management in the area of financial accounting, interpretation and operational guidance on the application of the IPSAS and African Union Financial Rules (AU FR)
Acts as AfCFTA focal point and responds to internal/external audit observations and liaises with clients and other relevant entities on audit issues
Lead the development and implementation of new accounting systems. Takes initiative to improve accounting processes and approaches
Coordinate and supervise all accounting transactions including the periodic production of management accounts and IPSAS compliant financial statements
Manage the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the budget
Periodically reviews program budgets to analyze trends affecting budgetary needs. Prepares comparative analyses of programs by analyzing costs and recommendations for budget revisions
Promote best management systems and practices, develop internal controls, as well as ensure transparency and the obligation to justify expenditure.
Ensure the proper application of the Financial Rules, Staff Regulations and Rules of the African Union and policies and procedures of management established by AfCFTA.
Oversee timely payment of transactions
Maintain an efficient system of policies and procedures that impose an adequate level of control over treasury activities and provide support for regulatory reporting;
Liaise and consult with oversight bodies such as Board of External Auditors, Office of Internal Oversight and Policy Organs to ensure implementation of their recommendations as appropriate
Supervises and manages the Division’s staff in terms of organization and performance evaluation
Coordinate risk management activities across AfCFTA
Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the immediate Supervisor.

Academic Requirements And Relevant Experience:

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field with 12 years progressive responsible experience in managing finance functions out of which 7 at managerial level and 5 years at supervisory level.
A professional qualification such as CPA, CA, ACCA, CIMA, Expert Comptable or equivalent is an added advantage
Previous experience in establishing functional Finance Function (Accounting, Budget and Disbursement/Treasury) is required
Working experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and financial statement preparation (general and special purpose) in large international organization is required
Demonstrate high level understanding of budgetary process, management of Development Partner’s funds and relationships
In-depth understanding and experience in developing financial rules/policies, managing risk and implementing effective internal controls
Hands-on experience working with enterprise resources management (ERP) systems, particularly SAP is an asset

Required Skills:

A demonstrated ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches between geographically and culturally disparate partners
Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally
Ability to develop and delegate clear program goals, plans and actions, that are consistent with agreed strategies
Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff
Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another AU language is an added advantage
high degree of independence, maturity and initiative
ability to handle challenging questions and difficult stakeholders
ability to manage time and prioritize work
be flexible, adaptable and open to change
Proficiency in one of the AU officials working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage;

Leadership competencies:

Strategic Perspective
Developing Others
Change Management
Managing Risk

Core competencies:

Building Relationships
Foster Accountability Culture
Learning Orientation
Communicating with impact

Functional competencies:

Conceptual Thinking
Job Knowledge and information sharing
Drive for Results
Fosters Innovation

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

GENDER MAINSTREAMING:

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

REMUNERATION:

Indicative basic salary of US$ 50,746.00 (P5 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 27,290.88.00 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Only candidates who have met all the requirements of the post and have been selected for an interview will be contacted.