Background Information - Job-specific:

In 2016, Sri Lanka was declared eligible to receive a Millennium Challenge Compact, a large-scale five-year grant program ($480 Mn.) MCC is developing the compact in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty and increase economic opportunities for the people of Sri Lanka. The compact will be funded completely through grants by MCC and the focus areas will be Transportation and Land Reform.

Based on an analysis of Sri Lanka’s economy and the constraints that are holding back private investment and growth, MCC expects to invest in projects proposed by the Government of Sri Lanka in the transport and land sectors.

Transport: Improve road networks and the bus system in the Colombo Metropolitan Region, and improve road connectivity between the central region and ports and markets in the Western Province. It would also upgrade more than 300 kilometers of urban and interprovincial roads.
Land: Improve land administration, and strengthen land rights and tenure security.

UNOPS would have a significant value add in terms of its experience in procurement, recruitment and fiduciary advisory services, not for profit nature, transparency and accountability and local presence and is desirous of being considered by the MCC for this purpose. While the proposed MCC Sri Lanka Compact is in the final stage of development, MCC requires a Senior Accounting Officer to support the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA - an accountable entity responsible for compact implementation, overseen by MCC when a compact is awarded)

Functional Responsibilities:

This position is prospective in nature. Candidates will be assessed and selected through UNOPS formal selection process. However, contract offer is contingent upon successful outcome of UNOPS’ bid submission on the project.

• Responsible for the setting-up and the maintenance and any potential upgrade of the automated accounting system including accounting software, charts of accounts, accounting rules and procedures, data entry, month-end closure of accounts, budget recording, general ledger accounting etc.
• Supporting the Fiscal Agent Manager (FAM) in producing all required ad-hoc, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually financial reports, both for MCA and MCC
• Participation in development of project deliverables such as FAP, Audit Plans, DRP, regular review of FAP etc.
• Responsible for bank accounts, bank reconciliations, CPS reconciliation and cash reporting
• Responsible for the maintenance of a disaster recovery program and schedule for back-ups
• Responsible for the maintenance of a filing system (physical and electronic) for all original payment documents
• Responsible for the provision of read-only access to selected MCA personnel, IE etc.
• Participation in the migration of data to SAP, MCA-CI’s MIS, and responsible for the verification of migrated data
• Participation in capacity building related to accounting/reporting and use of read-only access of SUN and usage of Q&A
• Supervision of local accounting specialists
• Reporting to the FAM

Monitoring and Progress Controls:

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Senior Accounting Specialist directly impact on the availability of UNOPS’ financial resources to effectively develop and implement the organization’s programmes and projects. It enhances the organizations financial and programme performance, demonstrating UNOPS’ effective stewardship of donor and partner funds. These promote the credibility of the organization as an effective service provider in project services and management.

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education:

• Master’s Degree in business, economics, finance, accounting and public administration;
• Bachelor’s degree with additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu.
• Professional financial management/accountancy qualification or equivalent specialized training

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 2 - 4 years significant experience working as a professional accountant in South/ South east Asia
• Excellent knowledge and experience in working with IFRS or U.S. GAAP is an advantage
• Education or training in economics, finance, accounting, or related field
• Experience working in projects financed by international donors
• Demonstrated experience in the design, maintenance and use of automated financial management and accounting systems. Experience with SAP-based systems is desirable
• Experience of similar MCA Compact or World Bank project is desirable

Language:Speaking, writing, and reading fluency in English is required. Strong oral and written communication skills in English.

Source:https://jobs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=17840#1