State Accountant at the Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

The Management Sciences for Health (MSH), a global health nonprofit organization, uses proven approaches developed over 40 years to help leaders, health managers, and communities in developing nations build stronger health systems for greater health impact. We work to save lives by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: State Accountant

Job ID: 13-10927
Location: Cross River
Grade: G
Group / Office: PDG (Program Delivery Group)
Dept / Unit: PDGGEN – Program Delivery Group
Project / Program: A576 – PMI – S
Reports to: Field Finance & Admin Manager, Cross River.

Overview

PMI-S is a five-year PMI/USAID flagship malaria project implemented through a consortium led by MSH. The project is supporting the Government of Nigeria through its agencies at the federal, state, LGA and community levels to reduce under-five and maternal mortality by delivering quality services for management of malaria, its complications, and prevention. PMI-S project focuses on strengthening the capacity of the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) for the implementation of the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2014-2020.
PMI-S will target eight states of Nigeria, namely: Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross-River, Ebonyi, Nassarawa, Oyo, Plateau and Zamfara.
Under the overall supervision of the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA)-PMI, the Accountant will be responsible for assisting the state Senior Accountant/Finance Manager with safeguarding the assets (financial and physical) of MSH and ultimately the U.S. Government or other donor against fraud, loss or misuse.
The Accountant will be responsible for ensuring that any money expended in the field is done in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, MSH policy, and any cost principles imposed by the donor agency. The Accountant will be aware of, and adhere to, MSH’s Procurement Integrity standards in all activities.

Specific Responsibilities

Prepare payment vouchers.
Properly code all transactions.
Control and enter all expenses from the petty cash.
Payment of expenses, including per diem and transport to participants during activities in the field.
Prepare and control advances.
Assure balances of unused portions of advances are deposited into the MSH account.
Prepare deposit slips for cash to be deposited into the bank account.
Reconcile advances, including review of receipts, coding of expenses on the general voucher and entering into QuickBooks.
Maintain accounting files.
Follow up on outstanding advances and assure timely reconciliation.
Control consumption of project (petrol, electricity, water, telephone).
Participate in the improvement of the accounting system and the system of internal control.
Create all financial reports as requested by supervisor.
Preparation and filing of forms for payments of taxes and social security.
Other tasks as requested by supervisor.
Ensure that payments are processed accurately, timely, and safely (to minimize MSH’s risk exposure).
Ensure that treasury practices in country minimize MSH’s cash exposure.
Ensure that entries are entered into financial system accurately and timely.
Ensure that month and year-end accounting activities are done accurately and in compliance with MSH policies and procedures.
Ensure that systems are in place in country to ensure that operations are managed and staff act in full compliance with local laws, adhere to contract/award and donor requirements, and comply with MSH policies and standard operating procedures.
Systems are in place to ensure that appropriate staff members are aware of and understand laws, contract / award and donor requirements, and MSH policies and procedures.
Monitor and ensure compliance.
The responsibilities and duties are indicative only and are subject to change to meet the needs of the project, the organization and the donor.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum of University Degree or HND in Accounting / Finance.
Minimum of 3 years’ of post degree / HND experience in accounting / finance.
Knowledge of US Government funded programs, regulations and requirements.
Experience or understanding of key aspects of accounting.
Experience with U.S. government projects helpful, but not mandatory.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel spreadsheets.
Experience in the use of accounting software (QuickBooks preferred).
Understanding of the basic tenets of Cash Control, Asset Management and Bank Reconciliation.
Demonstrate good judgment and sound financial “common sense”.
Verbal and written language skills in English required including speaking, writing, understanding, and reading and the ability to conduct business in English.
Excellent communication skills.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with a service-oriented outlook.
Advanced reporting skills.
Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic mail along with data entry experience).
Ability to work under pressure.
Ability to work independently, prioritizes tasks, and meets deadlines.
Ability to work in a team Extensive knowledge of USAID rules & regulations and Experience with U.S. government projects helpful.
Understanding of the tenets of cash control and asset management, and must be able to complete timely and accurate account reconciliations.
Ability to follow MSH and donor policies and procedures for procurement and documentation, and ensure adequate accounting documentation fora proper audit trail.