State Project Accountant (SPA) at Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development

Job Type: Contract (1 year)
Office: State Project Coordination

Main Responsibilities

• Within the framework of the project design report and loan/grant agreements, the State Project Accountant is responsible for the financial and administrative management of the project at the state level, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, auditing arrangement, flow of funds and the efficient management of project resources.

Specific Duties

• Master IFAD key documents such as, the disbursement handbook, procurement guidelines and handbook, IEAD guidelines for project audits, the Financing Agreement (FA) and the Letter to the Borrower (LTB) as well as the Project Financial Procedures Manual.
• Draw up annual budgets and work plans for the SPCO.
• Ensure that all accounting records are maintained in line with approved accounting standards and in line with the IEAD requirements (IPSAS Cash).
• Ensure that monthly bank reconciliation statements are prepared for all bank accounts at the state level.
• Ensure strict adherence to installed internal control systems for all areas of project operation in accordance with the project financial procedures manual.
• Liaise with the internal/external auditors and follow up any audit queries/management letters.
• Ensure payments are executed in a timely manner and that appropriate records of prepayments and advances are maintained.
• Make sure all expenditure items:
  • Meet the eligibility criteria as defined in the lEAD Financing Agreement,
  • Are supported by adequate documentation (invoice, contracts,evidence of payments etc..).
• Ensure the timely preparation of quarterly and annual financial reports in agreed format including:
  • Sources and uses of funds statement, including incurred expenditures by component, expenditure category and financier,
  • Variance report (actual versus budgeted expenditures),
  • Designated account reconciliation statement,
  • Withdrawal application - statement of expenditure,
  • Fixed asset register,
  • Contract register for submission to the RPCO for consolidation.
• Perform physical inventory of project assets each year at the state level. k. Provide assistance to the external auditors as required.
• Undertake other duties/special assignments as may be directed by the SPC or the Financial Controller at the RPCO.

Reporting and Location

• The position will be in the SPCO housed in the State ADP. The SPAC will report directly to the SPC.

Qualification and Experience

• Minimum of 8 years’ post-professional experience, at least 6 of which must be in management.
• A professional qualification (FCA, ACA, FCNA, CNA) with at least 10 years of post-qualification experience, at least 6 of which must be in management.
• A minimum of 6 years’ experience in management team of lEAD- assisted or donor funded projects.
• Good interpersonal relationship, transparently honest, team worker and possess ability to train counterparts; and must be healthy and fit to undertake extensive filed visits.
• Member of Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria with strong working knowledge of both national and international accounting procedures.
• Strong computer skills, spreadsheets, and other relevant accounting packages.
• Working knowledge of banking and financial control procedures.
• Excellent written and spoken English.