Jobs - Programme Accountant at Democratic Governance Facility

Job Title: Programme Accountant

Established by Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union, the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) supports state and non state partners to strengthen democratisation, protect human rights, improve access to justice and enhance accountability in Uganda.

DGF’s work is built upon the principles and values enshrined in Uganda’s 1995 Constitution and reiterated in its current National Development Plan. It is guided by a belief that sustainable development is best achieved through constructive engagement by Ugandan citizens with the state at national and sub-national levels.

The facility does not implement activities directly, but works with a diverse array of national, regional and district-based partners. It promotes the development of Uganda’s centres of excellence in specific areas related to democratic governance and supports the efforts of Ugandan citizens to ensure peace, prosperity and justice for all.

The overall goal of the DGF is to contribute to equitable growth, poverty eradication, rule of law and long term stability in Uganda. The DGF’s programming approach is focused on the following three interlinked and mutually reinforcing components and their associated sub-components.

Job Summary: The DGF Programme Accountant will be responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the programme components as agreed by the DGF-Steering Committee while observing the DGF Board’s strategic direction. The PA position, presents an opportunity for the PMU to strengthen its finance department to conduct Pre-Grant Assessments, review the financial reports/budgets and provide capacity development to the DGF implementing partners. The Programme Accountant will advise the Component Managers, Programme Staff and implementing Partners, in particular the PA will provide technical support of high quality in accordance with the DGF Business Procedures.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Providing financial advice:

Carry out pre-grant assessments and field site visits to ascertain the financial capacity of grantee or partner organizations and provide financial advice to the DGF.
Advise partner organizations on the financial management and reporting requirements in line with the agreed partner and donor contract.
Proactively provide financial advice to programme staff at the inception of the programme.
Offer financial advice with regard to on-going project implementation activities in line with the partner-donor agreements.

2. Review of budgets and contracts:

Review and participate in the development of the DGF partner budgets for accuracy and reasonableness of budget lines for various goods, services and activities.
Review the DGF partner organisation contracts to ensure activities are in line with the underlying budget and the completeness and relevance of contract clauses.
Ensure confirmation of sufficient funding to finance the contract.

3. Partner accounts and accountabilities review and validation:

Carry out quarterly review of the DGF partner accounts to ensure compliance to agreed activities and allocation of funding and resolve any issues arising with partner organizations.
Review the DGF partner accountabilities, identify areas of discrepancy and follow up differences or variances identified to resolve the issue and reconcile the accounts on a timely basis.
Carry out regular monitoring and evaluation reviews of partner organizations in collaboration with programme staff with regard to financial management and accountabilities.

4. Securing the Integrity of Financial Information:

Review requisitions for accuracy and proper supporting documentation before approval for processing of payments under the DGF.
Review and identify the correct data for input into the system and ensure correct entry of financial data on a timely basis.
Enter partner requisitions into the NAVISION system.
Rigorously track and report on disbursements to the DGF partner organizations on a quarterly basis or as agreed upon.
Update the financial database capturing expenditure levels of the programme with corresponding activities and ensure accurate and timely update of this information in the system.

5. Timely provision of Financial Information:

Offer regular financial information to the DGF partner organizations and programme staff for timely decision making.
Stand in for the other Programme Accountants in their absence.
Actively participate as evaluator in Procurement Committees
Prepare payments to service suppliers, staff or partners in cases where the Accountant in charge of payments is away.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The prospective DGF applicant must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CPA or CA.
A minimum of four-five years’ experience in accounting or audit preferably in a multicultural environment.
Past exposure and experience in review of financial reports/budgets and contracts would be an advance
Other exposure and experience in the field of national / international development would be an advantage
Good working knowledge of the key issues around local and international accounting policies, procedures, taxation and standards – best practices.
Organizational, financial and administration management skills and experience
Accounting reconciliations and financial reporting – best practices
Skills in capacity development and organizational development;
Good problem solving and analytical skills.
Good presentation skills.
Commercial awareness abilities.
Strong cooperation and team working skills.
Possess the ability to multi-task.
High degree of personal integrity and honesty.
Good planning and organizational skills.
Fluency in English and strong writing skills.
Resilience and good interpersonal skills.
Computer literacy skills i.e. Proficiency in NAVISION is essential.
Attention to detail and ability to produce high quality work.

How to Apply for the job:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send an application letter and updated CVs / resumes that clearly provide details of the applicant’s specific qualifications for this job vacancy and contacts of three professional referees via E-mail to: vacancies@dgf.ug. Please clearly indicate the title of the position for which you are applying in the subject of the e-mail. The E-mail size shouldn’t exceed 2MB.

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