About the Program
The Australia – PNG Economic Partnership (APEP) is a multi-sectoral investment to assist GoPNG to create a stable and more prosperous country. The investment is a key coordination point from which Australia delivers its economic development support to PNG in alignment with the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP). The Australian Government is committed to delivering the Partnership in accordance with the principles of integration and alignment with PNG’s economic sector policies, systems and processes.
The Partnership’s policy objective is to assist PNG in its efforts to achieve sustained growth, capable of lifting the standard of living of all citizens, while also ensuring Australia maintains its reputation as PNG’s economicpartner of choice.
The Partnership has gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment (WEE), climate change, economic dialogue and open government positioned as cross-cutting objectives across all engagement areas.
It has the following End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):
· EOPO 1 Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability
· EOPO 2 Strengthening Public Financial Management
· EOPO 3 Supporting More Efficient and Inclusive Markets
· EOPO 4 Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods
· EOPO 5 Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue
About the Opportunity
The adviser will provide high-level technical expertise to support the reform and modernisation of the Government of Papua New Guinea’s (GoPNG) public accounts and financial reporting framework. The adviser will lead efforts to transition from legacy cash-based reporting toward full compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), working alongside the Department of Finance (DoF), the IFMS upgrade team, and external stakeholders including PFTAC (IMF) and the Auditor-General. It will be influenced by the joint DoF and PFTAC action plan for PNG public financial management.
The position plays a key role into developing and translating public accounting policy into practical business processes, reporting formats and system design, with a strong emphasis on capacity building, stakeholder engagement and sustained institutional change.
Key responsibilities
· IPSAS (Financial Reporting) Reform and Implementation
o Serve as primary technical counterpart to PFTAC for the IPSAS mission series and includes working under the 2025 DoF/PFTAC IPSAS Action Plan currently underway.
o Facilitate inter-agency engagement on IPSAS reform including Treasury, Budget, IFMS and the Auditor-General.
· Public Accounts Strengthening
o Advise and support DoF in the annual production and quality assurance process for the GoPNG Public Accounts.
o Facilitate procedures and timetables to ensure timely, accurate and IPSAS-compliant reporting.
o Introduce monthly and quarterly financial close routines aligned to PFMA obligations.
· Chart of Accounts Review and Redesign
o Oversee a comprehensive review of the GoPNG Chart of Accounts to support IPSAS reporting and whole-of-government consolidation.
o Propose segment structures and mapping rules that facilitate inter-entity eliminations, donor reporting and program-based budgeting.
o Facilitate inter-agency engagement with Treasury in its obligations for reporting on the GFS.
· IFMS Business Requirements and Configuration
o Work with the IFMS upgrade team to align system configuration and business rules with IPSAS and PFMA obligations.
o Specify functionality related to the general ledger, sub-ledgers, close processes, and automated reporting.
o Establish traceability from policy to configuration and provide input into test cases and change controls.
· Intergovernmental and Inter-Entity Accounting
o Design and standardise accounting treatment for grants, transfers, shared services and warrants across national and subnational agencies.
o Establish protocols for monthly inter-entity reconciliations and elimination routines for public accounts preparation.
· Quarterly Financial Reporting
o Develop formats and procedures to publish quarterly revenue and expenditure statements as required under the PFMA.
o Support the general ledger team to produce timely, reliable, and publishable reports using existing systems.
· Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer
o Deliver practical on-the-job training to DoF public accounts staff and finance teams in key line agencies and support the Financial Training Branch in its development of eLearning for other officers in preparing accounts.
o Build the capability of GoPNG officials and support the department to adopt and institutionalise the use of tools, procedures, and systems.
o Provide input into a Finance Management Manual and develop practical guidance notes.
· GEDSI and Climate Change Integration
o Ensure that financial reporting tools and manuals incorporate GEDSI and climate resilient considerations.
o Support integration of climate risk assessment into IFMS reporting formats and budget tracking tools.
o Contribute to GEDSI capacity and report progress disaggregated by gender, disability, age, and location.
Key deliverables
The outputs of this engagement are:
· A workplan that also captures the operational activities under the DOF/PFTAC Action Plan.
· Work with the PFTAC technical team on a Chart of Accounts recommendation paper and mapping matrix, endorsed by DoF and capturing the needs of budgeting under GFS.
· IFMS Business Requirements Document (BRD) for IPSAS compliance.
· Release under the Finance Management Manual of an agreed inter-entity reconciliation protocols and elimination processes.
· Public accounts production timetable and process improvement documentation including any updates to Volume 5 of the Finance Management Manual.
· Quarterly revenue and expenditure statements published in line with PFMA requirements.
· At least two in-year financial close cycles (soft closes) conducted with documented results and analytics.
· Training workshops and coaching sessions delivered to DoF and key agencies or augmented into the DoF eLearning system.
· Guidance practice statements (or further improvements to the Finance Management Manual) on tracking and reporting for GEDSI and climate change.
· Monthly progress reports to APEP with performance indicators and disaggregated data by gender, disability, age, and location.
Key working relationships
· Deputy Secretary, Operations Department of Finance
· First Assistant Secretary, Financial Reporting Compliance
· Assistant Secretary for Financial Reporting, General Ledger, and Accounting Frameworks Branches.
· Assistant Secretary, Internal Audit Branch
· Director, APEP
· Team Leader, Macroeconomic Policy, APEP
About You
For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.
· Degree in commerce or accounting or related discipline.
· Membership of a recognised professional accounting body (e.g. CPA, CA, ACCA, CIPFA).
· 10 years’ experience in public sector financial reporting and government accounting frameworks.
· Demonstrated knowledge in the application of International Public Sector Accounting Standards.
· Demonstrated ability to document and communicate complex strategies effectively.
· Experience in developing phased implementation roadmaps for government projects.
· Ability to work closely with high-level advisers, technical teams, and senior government officials.
· Practical experience translating accounting policy into business rules, and accounting system configuration.
· Strong understanding of inter-entity accounting and mconsolidation processes for public accounts.
· Demonstrated ability to build capacity and deliver results in low-capacity environments through coaching, mentoring and practical guidance.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear technical guidance and deliver stakeholder consultations.
How to Apply
· Please ensure to address the Key Selection Criteria (About You) in your cover letter, and submit your application online, along with your CV as a single document.
· Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted.
· The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt.
We welcome and thank all applications; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: Monday, 22 September 2025 (Middy, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT
Abt Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to upholding high standards of Child Protection, Anti-bribery and Fraud Protection.
We encourage applications from experienced and capable women, and people with disabilities.
For more information on the role and how to apply, please click on ‘Apply Now’
About Us
Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtglobal.com
Equity
Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. We offer flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment for staff members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Safeguarding
We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.
