Individual Consultant: Accounting Specialist

Job Description

General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The Frankfurt Support Center (FSC) encompasses three distinct units in Frankfurt:

• The Middle East Regional Platform (MERP)
• The M Bureau’s Overseas Support Office (OSO)
• A sub-office of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

USAID/MERP/Regional Financial Management Office (RFMO) provides the full range of financial management services customarily required by USAID missions overseas. Specifically, the MERP/RFMO supports priority, limited- and non-presence ME Bureau missions, including Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen, and Syria. The MERP/RFMO also supports the M/OSO, the OIG in Frankfurt, and MERP.

Statement of Duties to be Performed

The primary functions of the Accounting Specialist are accounting, budgeting, and reporting under the direction of the Regional Controller and in coordination and direction of the Deputy Regional Controller(s) for their respective portfolios and, in the future, a Chief Accountant.

1. 1. Accounting, Reporting, and Analysis

      • Reviews and analyzes various commitment, obligation, and disbursement documents such as personnel actions, purchase orders, miscellaneous obligating documents, memorandums of understanding, travel authorizations, leases, applications for allowances, etc.
      • Provides the initial Financial Management Office review and recommendations for commitment (funds available) to RFMO management with amounts allowed and/or available in the accounting system and in line with budget priorities.
      • Assigns an object class code to all obligating documents.
      • Establishes and maintains control sheets for the Mission’s various Miscellaneous Obligation Documents to account for commitments made under these obligations.
      • Conducts quarterly reviews of unliquidated obligations (Section 1311 review) and takes appropriate action to de-obligate funds no longer required.
      • Monitors the status of expired obligations and obligations nearing expiration.
      • Executes the de-obligation of funds.
      • Prepares and posts upward and downward adjustments to accommodate exchange rate fluctuations.
      • Assists on the quarterly data call reports to USAID/Washington.
      • Establishes and maintains supporting records and documentation to support each accounting entry in the Phoenix financial system and the Agency Secure Image and Storage Tracking System (ASIST).
      • Serves as the backup to the Senior Accountant and other accounting staff during absences.

   2. Budget Formulation and Analysis

      • Monitors execution of the annual operational expenses budget, notifying the cognizant Controller and other offices of budgetary constraints, and proposes solutions/adjustments based on mid-year and ongoing reviews.
      • Incorporates changes of the planned budget and quarterly spend plans to meet new or modified assumptions throughout the year.
      • Helps to calculate and verify the allowances and entitlements for local and offshore US Personal Services Contractors and Third Country National employees.

   3. Support to Other Offices/Mission

      • Coordinates with the Executive Office (EXO) during the Purchase Order/contract closeout process.
      • Advises EXO on the preparation and maintenance of budget requests and supporting documentation.
      • Assists EXO staff in preparing quarterly estimates of accrued expenditures for operating expense records, including documentation requirements.
      • Liaises with Washington and other USAID missions regarding cost-sharing for USDH transfers.
      • In coordination with the RFMO management, documents policies, and procedures governing the accounting function of the Financial Management Office.
      • Considers areas of possible enhancement of accounting operations and recommends improvements in efficiency and internal control.

2. USAID Consultation or Orientation (if applicable) Not applicable

3. Supervisory Relationship After initial training, work independently with minimum supervision, set priorities, and establish deadlines. Supervision, as needed, is received from the USDH or FSN supervisor. Work is generally assigned in terms of desired work objectives and outcomes. Work is reviewed regarding the results achieved and meeting overall goals and priorities. The Supervisor provides policy guidance when needed.

4. Supervisory Controls Direct Supervision of staff is not contemplated. However, the incumbent may serve as a trainer and mentor for other staff in similar positions in OUs served by MERP.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a. Education: A four-year university degree with a concentration in accounting, business, and economics, or a Chartered Certified Accountant qualification (ACCA) or Certified Public Accountant (US), is required.

b. Prior Work Experience: At least 10 years of professional accounting experience is required, experience with the United States Government is preferred.

c. Language Ability: Excellent written and oral English language communications skills.

DEADLINE
15 August 2024