Principal Controllers at Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Reference: ECW-COMM/REC/OFC-P/001/2015
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Department: Office of the Financial Controller
Directorate: Office of the Financial Controller
Supervisor: Director Financial Control
Duration: Permanent
Grade: P5
Slot: 2

Job Description

• Appointed as staff member of the Financial Controller’s Office, the Principal Controller will discharge his/her functions under the supervision of the Financial Controller.
• He/she will constantly ensure that financial and administrative operations with financial implications for the institutions are performed in line with the decisions, regulations and other texts governing the institution and with due regard for efficiency and effectiveness.
• The main role of the Principal Controller shall be to provide assurance to the Financial Controller that the financial resources of the institutions or agencies are used for the purposes for which they have been allocated and managed efficiently.
• In the execution of his functions, He/she shall be guided by the ECOWAS Financial Controller’s Manual. He/she will discharge his/her duties independently and objectively.

Duties and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Principal Controller are as follows:

• Compliance with decisions, regulations and other texts of the Community: The Principal Controller ensures strict compliance with the Financial Regulations, the Manual of Accounting and Financial Procedures, the Staff Regulations and other ECOWAS texts.
• He/she also ensures proper application of the quarterly exchange rates published by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
• He/she participates in the revision of the ECOWAS Financial Regulations and Manual of Accounting Procedures, and the establishment of internal management procedures within the Community Institutions, Specialized Agencies and other offices of the Community.
• Advisory functions: The Principal Controller advises the Financial Controller on all major aspects of budgetary and financial control of the institution or agency. He/she makes proposals for the improvement of administrative, financial and accounting procedures and systems, financial management and budget processes of the Institutions/Agencies. Makes observations and recommendations on any financial and budgetary transactions he/she deems necessary.
• Reporting functions: Ensures the submission of each Controller’s monthly reports on the budgetary and financial transactions of the institution or agency to the Financial Controller in line with the ECOWAS Financial Controller’s Manual. Reviews Controllers’ quarterly reports on the execution of the budget indicating major findings and recommendations.
• Ensures effective supervision of Controllers reporting to him/her;
• Assists the Financial controller in the preparation of Council and other reports.
• Reviews and resolves complex financial, administrative and control issues brought to him/her.
• Makes proposals for improving control issues in ECOWAS Institutions.
• Vets all endorsements made by the various Controllers; and ensures that they are in line with the Financial Regulations;
• Assists the Financial Controllers in the evaluation of the performance of Controllers and advises on their postings to the various Institutions.

Other duties:

• Carries out any assignment at the request of his/her immediate boss and any other assignment as stipulated in the ECOWAS Financial Controller’s Manual.

Qualifications/Experience/Skills
Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in one of the following disciplines: Accounting, Business Management, Auditing, Finance, Economics or a professional qualification in Accounting;
• A minimum of ten (10) years working experience out of which two years must be in a supervisory position, in Accounting or Auditing or Financial Management, preferably in both public and private sectors and in a multicultural environment.
• A higher qualification will reduce the required number of years working experience by two years (2).
• Experience working with or within an international or multilateral institution will be an advantage.
• Fluency, both oral and written, in any one of English, French or Portuguese and a good knowledge of either one of the other languages.
• Good knowledge and practical use of Microsoft Suite.

Competencies:

• Good knowledge and practical use of Micro soft Suite
• Must be strict, methodical and organized
• Must have a critical mind and be diplomatic
• Must be enterprising, discrete, objective and impartial
• Must be able to convince people and create an atmosphere of trust
• Must be able to make relevant observations and recommendations
• Must be able to accept criticisms and different views by his colleagues
• Must be able to deal with people in a manner that shows sensitivity, tact and professionalism
• Must have excellent human relations skills and be a strong negotiator
• Must be able to fit and integrate into a multicultural setting
• Good presentation skills.

Age:

• Candidates should not be 50 years old or over at the point of recruitment and must be a citizen of one of the ECOWAS member states.

Language:

• Must be fluent in one of the official languages of the Commission; English, French and Portuguese. working knowledge of another would be an advantage.

Salary
USD 52,273 - USD 59,100