Amazing Offer! Accountant Job at USAID ( $ 513,689 – $719,163)

Accountant (FSN – 10) (Closing Date: May 12, 2023)

SOLICITATION No.: 7206732-2023-005

OPEN: Internal/External Applicants (Namibian citizens and Permanent Residents)

WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours/week

SALARY : N$ 513,689 – N$719,163

Basic Function of Position:

The Accountant position is located in the Financial Management Office of USAID/Namibia, which includes one (1) Accounting Technician (FSN-9), and one (1) Voucher Examiner (FSN-8). Under the leadership of the USAID Country Representative in Namibia, who oversees all Mission staff, the Financial Management Office provides accounting and payment services to USAID/Namibia. The Accountant is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and routine review, reconciliation and balancing of accounting records for and reporting on operational and program expenditures. The incumbent supports the cognizant Financial Analyst in USAID/Southern Africa in conducting financial analyses and risk assessments.

The incumbent is accountable for maintaining financial systems and recording accounting information that is accurate and complete. S/he is also responsible for enhancing development program/project oversight procedures by analyzing and interpreting accounting data, and reports. The accountant supports the Financial Analysts (FA) in ensuring the financial integrity of USAID projects by performing the full range of analysis, review and assessments required to determine the implementing partners/grantees financial capability to carry out proposed program activities. The incumbent ensures the integrity of the accounting systems by performing and evaluating internal accounting and control procedures and coordinating responses to audit recommendations including development of corrective action plans as they relate to USAID / Namibia.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. 1. Maintaining Financial Systems, Records and Documents       45%

The incumbent has direct responsibility over the Mission’s accounting system, Phoenix, the main source of accounting information, for assigned portfolios. S/He guarantees the integrity of the accounting data; determines the adequacy and validity of source documents; provides funds control for funded activities, including budgetary allowances, commitments, obligations, sub-commitments, and sub-obligations. In this capacity, the incumbent will:

• • Ensure commitment and obligation documents are certified for the availability of funds and recorded in Phoenix prior to releasing them for execution. S/He provides financial management advice on the control, monitoring, and reporting of mission program and OE-funded activities.
  • Ensure proper maintenance of accounting records, including the issuance of input documentation for all accounting transactions.

• • Monitor all commitment and obligation documents to ensure the integrity of his/her assigned financial portfolio.
  • Establish effective pre-validation procedures/systems to ensure obligations are for authorized needs only per USG regulations (i.e., ADS, FAM, DSSR). Frequently holds discussions with the Regional Financial Management Office management to inform and receive guidance to make decisions regarding the use of funds.
  • Review and develop measures that streamline financial oversight activities to improve time management, information technology capabilities, and overall financial reporting accuracy.

2. Budgeting and International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) Duties 25%                     

The incumbent is responsible for developing and preparing detailed budgets and analyses and working with the U.S Embassy on interagency shared costs.  In this capacity, the incumbent will:

• • Obtain inputs from the Country Office and Regional Mission point of contacts to develop the annual OE and program support budget.

• • Execute and monitor the budgets notifying the Chief Accountant and Country Office of the status and any issues based on ongoing reviews. Develop value added managerial reports and present these to the Mission management team for timely decision making.
  • Review obligation records continuously to determine whether funds are still required, and if not required, recommend them for de-obligation or reprogramming.
  • Prepare and respond to USAID/W and senior management special budget reports and data calls.

• Provide expert advice on all Mission ICASS related matters; that include detailed review of ICASS cost sharing budgets, ICASS workload counts and USAID/Namibia’s ICASS bills for accuracy.
• Coordinate completion and approval of detailed USAID ICASS subscription of services agreements and submits the signed subscription agreement forms to the Embassy for the upcoming fiscal year.

3. 3. Financial Reporting Duties 20%                                                                                                                                           

The incumbent prepares reports and data calls required by Washington, including audits of data to confirm compliance with reporting requirements. In this capacity, the incumbent will:

• • Review Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS) requisitions and ARIBA procurements to ensure purchases are allowable, in compliance with policies and procedures, and proper funding strips and correct accounting codes are used.
  • Analyze accounting data, prepares reports showing trends or variances from approved budgets/plans, makes recommendations and provides justifications, thereby facilitating, and contributing to the Mission decision and policy-making process.

• • Perform analytical reviews of accounting data to ensure reports are accurate, complete, and timely.
  • Lead the operating unit to prepare and complete section1311 (de-obligation) reviews of unliquidated obligations to confirm the validity of these balances.
  • Coordinate with Mission personnel to review and calculate quarterly accruals of program and OE funds. Ensure all accruals are properly supported and recorded timely in the USAID’s accounting system.

• Monitor and ensure the posting of payment made on behalf of USAID via the USDO 1221 report and Interagency Payment and Collection (IPAC) documents. Ensures that posting and charges are appropriate and fiscal data are correct.
• Perform month cash reconciliation in the e-CART system (the agency’s cash reconciliation system) for all payments.

4. 4. Program Support Activities  10%                                                                                                     

The incumbent supports the cognizant financial analyst in ensuring the financial integrity of USAID projects by performing a full range of analyses, reviews, and assessments to determine the implementing partners/grantees financial capacity to carry out proposed program activities. In this capacity, the incumbent will:

• • Collaborate with the cognizant financial analyst and counterparts in the program, and technical offices to assist in developing and analyzing annual projections of obligations and disbursements to support official USAID/W and Congressional reporting.
  • Support the cognizant financial analyst in planning and conducting financial risk assessments and other financial reviews to ensure grantees or contractors have proper organizational policies and procedures to ensure appropriate use of U.S Government funds, and compliance with USAID and USG specific laws and regulations.

• Support the cognizant financial analysts to coordinate and conduct internal reviews of USAID financial records and internal control procedures to comply with the annual Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA).

5. Other Responsibilities 10%                 

The incumbent is expected to perform various accounting duties. In this capacity, the incumbent will:

• • Provide expert advice and training to Country Office personnel on U.S Government policies and procedures and USAID accounting systems.
  • Serve as an alternate accountant to support the Regional Financial Management Office functions as assigned by the Chief Accountant.
  • Keep abreast of new computer programs with accounting or project management applications and evaluate their effect on current systems and procedures.

• Identify and recommend corrections to internal control issues and/or inefficiencies for the more effective accomplishment of accounting objectives.

CCN PSCs may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship Program described in ADS 495maa.

I. Minimum Qualifications: 

a. Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, or equivalent qualification is required

b. Prior Work Experience: At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting or auditing is required.

c. Post Entry Training: On-the-job training is required and will be provided to the successful job holder.

d. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English is required

e. Knowledge: A good knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology as well as the principles and procedures of the U.S. and host government and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting. Knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with USG financial management.

f. Skills and Abilities: Good analytical skills and sound judgment are required. Must be able to compile and present detailed financial information in a concise and professional manner. S/He must have the ability to analyze and develop procedures and internal controls to ensure the integrity of USAID financial data. S/He must be able to understand and implement financial management operations required by law or regulation. The incumbent must possess good communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relations across USAID, other USG Agencies, and other local stakeholders. S/He must have strong word processing and spreadsheet skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, and ACCESS

Within the required one (1) year probationary period, the incumbent is expected to demonstrate thorough knowledge of US federal laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management, knowledge of USAID systems, business practices, reporting and analysis, understanding of US Government procurement regulations, ability to prepare both automated and manual financial reports and statement in accordance with applicable U.S. accounting standards, an understanding of the federal budget process, and good supervisory skills.

Position Elements:

a. Supervision Received: The Accountant will receive direct supervision from a Senior Accountant based in USAID/Southern Africa, with the USAID/Namibia Country Representative being the indirect supervisor. The Regional Chief Accountant is available to provide advice and assistance. The Regional Chief Accountant will review completed work for professional, technical adequacy, compliance with instructions, conformance to good accounting practices, and general quality levels. However, the incumbent is expected to perform in a professional manner with considerable independence and responsibility in his/her portfolio(s) of assignment.

b. Supervision Exercised: The Accountant directly supervises one (1) FSN-9 Accounting Technician.

c. Available Guidelines: AIDAR, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Current accounting literature, Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR), Federal Travel Regulations (FTR), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Regulations (FAR), GAO decisions, OMB Circulars, US General Services Administration (GSA) guidelines, USAID/Southern Africa Controller Operating Procedures, USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), USAID Staff Development Programs.

d. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent must exercise sound and independent judgment in the provision of accounting advice on all aspects of financial accounting, budgeting, and operations. S/He ensures the integrity of the Mission financial data not only by review of accounting data entered into the system, but by analysis of financial systems and procedures required to meet the needs of the assigned portfolio(s).

e. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent does not have authority to make financial commitments on behalf of USAID; this position is accountable for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of accounting data entered into the Agency’s General Ledger through Phoenix and determining the integrity of the data for assigned portfolio(s).

f. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts include Mission-wide staff at all levels, U.S. government officials (State Department/CDC, etc.) and mid to high level host government and business officials in the Region pertaining to advising on financing instruments, systems, and performance on a regular basis. Frequent contacts with USDO/Charleston for 1221 reconciliations. Other missions to provide guidance to Technical Office staff and Mission management as required and to resolve program accounting problems. Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTRs) / Agreement Officer Training Representative (AOTRs) for problem resolution pertaining to program obligations and de-obligations. RPPDO on source of funds, budget allowances and obligations on a frequent basis.

g. Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

 In order to be considered for the position, an applicant must have the following minimum qualifications:

• • Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, or equivalent qualification is required

• Prior Work Experience: At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting or auditing is required.

II. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The following factors, and points for each, will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always guaranteed. USAID may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror.

 FACTOR #1 – Relevant Work Experience – 40 Points

A demonstrated experience in accounting, budgeting, reporting and general financial management. Experience in reviews of internal controls, funds control and availability.

The incumbent must also have experience in verifying the accuracy of financial data and appropriateness of documentation present to support accounting entries and to support fulfillment of conditions precedent to disbursement.

 FACTOR #2 – Skills & Abilities – 30 points

 Must have the ability to resolve financial problems. Ability to perform analysis of management controls and capabilities of partner/beneficiary organizations. The incumbent must have experience in using MS Office Applications

 FACTOR #3 – Job Knowledge – 30 points: 

 Demonstrated thorough knowledge of standard accounting practices, laws, regulations, and procedures associated with financial management. The incumbent must have knowledge in Financial Management; a history of success in one or more of the position’s responsibilities: Supervision of the development of support cost budget, execution, and reporting.

Total possible Factor points: 100

INTERVIEW PERFORMANCE – 100 points

Selection Process:

• • After the closing date for receipt of applications, applications will be reviewed for submission requirements and the established minimum requirements for the position. Applications that meet the minimum requirements will be forwarded to a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC).

• • The TEC will review each of the forwarded applications against the established evaluation criteria to develop a shortlist of applicants to be tested and possibly interviewed.
  • Shortlisted applicants may be further evaluated. Assessments to include English writing, computer and other technical skills may be administered to determine competitively ranked applicants for possible interviews.  Competitively ranked applicants will be interviewed.  Reference checks will be made only for the interviewed applicants.
  • Following the interview, during which the applicant will be evaluated against the established criteria, the TEC will make a preliminary determination of applicants to be considered for employment and conduct and document reference checks. Please note that references may be solicited from current as well as former supervisors in addition to the references you provided in application packages. References will only be solicited for those interviewed applicants who are being considered for ranking. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about their past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

• Based on this final input, the TEC will make its final decision on applicant ranking and submit a selection memo to the Contracting Officer (CO) for final determination on whether an offer of employment will be made. Unsuccessful applicants who were interviewed will be contacted and advised of their non-selection. As a positive medical clearance and security certification are a condition of employment, the selected candidate will undergo a stringent investigation prior to employment with USAID/SA.

III. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

All interested and eligible candidates should visit https://na.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/ to obtain the DS174 form to apply.

• • Kindly note that when you apply via cellphone you will not be able to complete the required And if you are not able to complete the required DS174 for the position, you will automatically be eliminated from further review.
  • Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.
  • For an application to be considered complete, please include a high-quality cover letter, explaining why you are qualified for the position and a CV of no more than 4 pages. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in your application being considered “non-responsive” and eliminated from further consideration.

• • Send your application to windhoekhr@usaid.gov by the closing date and time specified in Section I.
  • The U.S. Mission in Namibia provides opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also strives to ensure equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations.
  • Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applicants who do not follow the application instructions may be dropped from further consideration.

Points of Contact: 

• • Leah Z White, Telephone: (+264) 61 273-729
  • Alicia Veldman, Telephone: (+27) 12 452-2088

Applicability:

This position is open to Namibia citizens and Namibia permanent resident permit holders.  USAID Namibia management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, need for continuity, and residency status in determining successful applications.  Current USG employees on probationary status (i.e., within their first year of employment) are not eligible to apply.

References:

Three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about the applicant’s past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact an applicant’s previous employers for relevant information concerning applicant’s performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

IV. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

1. The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:
a. Conditional Selection Letter.
b. Security Eligibility Requirements.
c. Medical Clearances or Statements.

2. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors – Please be advised that, upon award, the contractor will be required to follow the Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements.

V. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

 As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: basic salary, miscellaneous allowance, pension fund and medical aid subsidy in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan.

VI. TAXES

Every CCNPSC staff member in the Mission regardless of agency affiliation is required as a  condition of employment, to pay their taxes to the Namibian Government.

VII.     USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO CCNPSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCNPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf
   2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms will be used for this contract. 

LINE ITEMS 

ITEM NO (A)	SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B)	QUANTITY (C)	UNIT (D)	UNIT PRICE (E)	AMOUNT (F)
0001	Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)– Award Type: Cost – Product Service Code: – Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor	1	LOT	$ TBD	$TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

3. 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs .
   4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations 

3. PSC Ombudsman
   The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the Agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

Apply here for Amazing Offer! Accountant Job at USAID ( $ 513,689 – $719,163)