Ministry of Land and Natural Resources Ghana: Recruitment for Project Account; May 2011
The Ministry of Lands and National Resources exists to ensure the sustainable management and judicious utilisation of the nations Lands, Forestry and Wildlife resources for Socio-economic development and equitable growth of Ghana (Official Mission Statement).
The Mines Section of the MLNR (the former Ministry of Mines) is the principal governmental authority, responsible for the mining sector in Ghana and has the following tasks:
- Advise the Minister, e.g. with regard to governmental policy to mining issues
- Coordinate the activities of the four agencies: MC, MD, GSD, PMMC
- Review of recommended licences prior to approval by the Minister
- Review of important documents and agreements related to the mining sector
The technical work is executed by the Technical Director of Mines and the related staff:
- The assistant to the Technical Director of Mines
- Two secretaries
The tasks of the section are mainly policy making and the preparation of legal documents. The main information flow consists of reports and documents that are submitted by the agencies to the MLFM.
Job Description:
The Ministry of Land and Natural Resources under the Government of Ghana (GoG)/World Bank/Canadian International Development Association (CIDA) funded Project, wishes to recruit qualified Ghanaians to fill the following position in a Land Administration Project Phase II in Ghana.
Duty Station: Accra, with considerable travel around the country
Duration: Two (2) years (renewable based on performance)
Job Title: Project Accountant
Responsibilities:
The Project Accountant will be responsible for the management of the Project accounts in accordance with the requirements of the World Bank. He/she will report directly to the Project Co-ordinator and will work in close collaboration with the Project Co-ordination Unit. He/she will be responsible for the management and operations of the Finance Unit of the project.
Operating within a computerized environment, the Accountant will perform the following duties under the direction and control:
Budget and Reporting:
- Prepare, monitor and control annual budgets;
- Note any disparities between projections and results and analyze the causes;
- Monitor budget entries, credit allocations and fund disbursement of any National Counterpart funds;
- Prepare a quarterly cash budget for the entire project;
- Serve as liaison to other implementing entities for all budget matters;
- Monitor funding agreements signed with any co-financing donors;
- Process accounting and budget charges, maintain financial, cost and budget accounting, and keep account records;
- Prepare on a quarterly basis, the project's Interim Financial Reports
- Produce the Periodic Project's Financial Statements
- Prepare an annual special report on special account(s) performance for each donor;
- Assist in defending the Projects/Ministry's budget at both MOFEP and Parliament and
- Train and supervise the Ministry's/Implementing Agencies accounting staff nation-wide
Accounting:
- Ensure that accounting ledgers and papers are well maintained;
- Perform end-of-year closing operations;
- Prepare, stamp, produced and secure approval of bank reconciliations and fund reconciliations of the Special Account;
- Ensure the Project's proper Cash Management;
- Obtain and verify documentary evidence of project expenses and prepare for their statement
- Prepare and monitor Applications for Withdrawal of Funds to be sent to WB/IDA; and
- Prepare the physical inventory and reconcile the results with fixed asset accounts
Audit:
- Liaise with External Auditors for the timely auditing of the LAP Accounts by providing general advice on LAP and other project finance and disbursement matters;
- Prepare documents and information needed for audits and financial oversight; and
- Follow through on Auditors' recommendations
Other tasks:
- Supervise Implementing Agencies in the maintenance of financial records and the preparation of financial budgets;
- Assist the Procurement Unit on Annual Work Plans;
- Oversee to, and ensure proper use of the Manual of procedures
- Perform a strong internal control system; and
- Any other duties to be assigned form time to time
Required Skills or Experience
- The Accountant shall be a Professional Accountant (e.g. CPA, CA holder or equivalent) preferably, with a Master's degree in Accounting, Business or Finance
- Five (5) years to eight (8) years working experience and a good knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards and International Standards on Auditing
- Experience in interpreting Financial Management Reports, analyzing variations to plans and determining remedial actions required;
- Knowledge of Accounting and Financial Reporting systems and software packages
- Ability to advise and disseminate Financial Management knowledge
- Strong background in planning, organizing and time management and the ability to manage multiple tasks
- Strong analytical capabilities and proven skills to deal with accounting issues innovatively and independently
- Capacity to be a Member of a Multi-disciplinary Team, to provide advice and recommend actions
- Familiarity with World Bank Financial Management and Disbursement procedures is required
- Proficiency in preparing and presenting reports
- Proficiency communication in oral and written English
- Strong computer skills, especially, using Microsoft Office software is required
How To Apply
Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should send their application and detailed curriculum vitae to the following address:
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (LANDS)
GHANA LAND ADMINISTRATION PROJECT (PHASE II)
MINISTRY OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
POST OFFICE BOX M 212
MINISTRIES, ACCRA
ROOM G.5
