Management Accountant (FMG/PA 2)

Job Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Director Finance and Accounts, the incumbent is responsible for improving the financial capacity of the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine, in the mission to manage financial resources efficiently and effectively. As recommended by the Executive Director, he or she is capitalizing on the benefits derived from positioning those resources so that deliverables are achieved in accordance with the guidelines and policies of the Government of Jamaica. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Participates in developing of the Institute’s Strategic and Operational Plans;
• Prepares and implements IFSLM Recurrent Budget, in accordance with:
  • The approved Co-operate Plan 
  • The guidelines and policies of the GOJ 
• Ensures that the Institute’s Budget and Cash Flow are prepared in accordance with GOJ guidelines; 
• Prepares the Institute’s Budget through a process of co-ordination and consultation; whilst ensuring it is prepared in accordance with ceilings and guidelines outlined in the Budget Call; 
• Maintains control over operational expenditure and also ensures that expenditures are maintained within the budgetary limits; 
• Liaises with Programme Managers monthly to determine planned activities and funding requirements; 
• Prepares Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Cash Flow as per guidelines.
• Allocates funds for programmes/activities in accordance with warrant ceilings and departmental priorities; 
• Implements effective internal controls to contain expenditure within warrant limits;
• Prepares Work Plans in conjunction with direct reports;
• Provides technical and financial advice to the relevant persons; 
• Authorizes warrant allocation/corrections/amendments; 
• Authorizes commitment vouchers of approved recurrent and capital expenditures in accordance to GOJ/FAA Act guidelines; 
• Authorizes payment and Journal Vouchers; 
• Monitors all Journal Vouchers; 
• Monitors Purchase Order and undischarged commitments; 
• Authorizes return of funds and unclear Purchase Orders Vouchers; 
• Prepares annual/supplementary expenditure estimates according to GOJ guidelines;
• Attends meetings and seminars on behalf of the Department internally and externally;
• Prepares budgetary analysis for decision making; 
• Prepares monthly Variance Analysis Report as per expenditure statements;
• Obtains and analyzes Monthly Financial Statements to determine: 
  • All funds have been utilized as stated in the approved Budget 
  • Funds were efficiently employed 
• Prepares Annual Wage Bill; 
• Prepares and submits weekly reports to the Director; 
• Conducts monthly visits and provides guidance to contracted funeral homes in preparing invoices and stipulated requirements in maintaining accounting records; 
• Assists with the overall management of the Department; 
• Assists with the preparation of the Department’s Standard Operating Procedures Manual;
• Ensures that the filing and retentions/storage of records is undertaken regularly and in an organized and clearly identified manner, in support of ease of retrieval and in keeping with the requirements of the Access to Information Act. 

Human Resource: 

• Assists in the preparation of Unit’s Work Plans; 
• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, conducts Performance Appraisals and recommends and/or attaining established personal and/or organizational goals; 
• Provides ongoing feedback to staff on their performance; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through object setting, effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching and providing assistance and support; 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Department and recommends transfers, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures; 
• Completes and submits PMES Documentation within the specified time frame as outlined by the PMES Manual; 
• Collaborates with the Human Resource Management and Administration Department in developing and implementing a Succession Planning Programme for the Department to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Department; 
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Unit are clearly identified and addressed; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Department ‘s and Organization’s goals;
• Assists with on the job training of new members of staff; 
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned by the Director from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of Government Accounting and Financial Management electronic system
• Working knowledge of the FAA Act 
• Good oral and written communication skills 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills 
• Good problem-solving skills 
• Skill in operating a computerized accounting system 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Management Studies with Accounting or BBA Degree from an accredited University or; 
• ACCA level 2 or; 
• NVQJ Level 5, Accounting; or 
• ASc. Degree in Accounting, MIND along with the Diploma in Government Accounting, MIND.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.