Project Accountant

POSITION TITLE: Project Accountant
POSITION LOCATION: Dominica
REPORTS TO: Country Coordinator
CONTRACT TERM: 2 years
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1^st February, 2023
EXPECTED START DATE: March, 2023

Are you an accountant with experience working on development projects and hold a degree in accounting or ACCA Level II or equivalent? WUSC is currently looking for a Project Accountant in Dominica to provide financial support and management to our country offices. 

BACKGROUND

World University Service of Canada (registered as WUSC Caribbean in the Caribbean), is a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. We bring together a diverse network of students, volunteers, schools, governments, and businesses who share this vision. Together, we develop solutions in education, economic opportunities, and empowerment to overcome inequality and exclusion for youth around the world, particularly young women and young refugees. WUSC currently works in 25 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, with an annual budget of approximately CAD $40 million. We have over 90 staff in our Ottawa office, and over 200 people overseas implementing 16 development projects in collaboration with donors such as Global Affairs Canada, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the African Development Bank.

WUSC Caribbean is implementing the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project, which promotes climate resilient agriculture for equitable economic growth to increase the economic prosperity of women and youth (female/male) in more sustainable agricultural markets in the Caribbean. The project is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and is being implemented in Dominica; Guyana; Jamaica; Saint Lucia; and Suriname.

Women and youth (f/m) are central players in the targeted agricultural market systems so they can restore the dwindling number of farmers in the region, while strengthening more climate resilient domestic agricultural production to enhance food security, and reduce reliance on imported agricultural products, for more sustainable economic growth. Recognizing that adult males are currently dominant actors in market systems, the SAC Project also works with men, so they can become advocates for women and youth (f/m) fostering the right conditions for equitable participation. Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean Project engages agricultural markets in each of the target countries, and provide capacity-building support to local organizations.

WUSC Caribbean applies an Inclusive Market Systems (IMS) approach, engaging multiple stakeholders, including established country partners, to create links between key market actors; strengthen their capacity through training, information sharing and outreach; and foster climate resilient approaches (re-orienting agricultural development for sustainability), at every stage and via every market actor in the agricultural value chain. This approach helps to mitigate the impacts of climate change, reduce the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, and foster climate-resilient agricultural markets that offer increased, sustainable economic benefits for women and youth (f/m).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Country Coordinator and with liaison and guidance from the Regional Finance Manager, the Project Accountant will be responsible for maintaining accounts of the Satellite Office in Dominica for the implementation of the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean Project. The Project Accountant supports the local program team with budgetary and other financial support which ensures that Project activities implemented in-country result in the completion of Project outputs and contribute to the achievement of Project objectives.  Main responsibilities include:

• Keeping the Books of accounts current and accurate.
• Monitoring cash flow.
• Participating in program or internal audits, as required.
• Administration of payroll including deductions and remittances as per local statutes.
• Participate in the procurement process: e.g. reviewing tenders, preparing contracts for prospective suppliers/contractors.
• Contract administration, which includes the drafting and oversight of contracts including those for consultants, contractors, partners and suppliers.
• Ensuring all project expenditures adhere to guidelines acceptable by GAC.
• Participating in the preparation of reports for submission to the Project Director, Regional Finance Manager, Country Coordinator and to GAC.
• Provide technical support and training to staff and partners as needed or requested and includes but is not limited to: the review of Technical Assistance, Consultants and Contractors budgets and reports.
• Participate in the development and preparation of budgets for the Country Program.
• Facilitate the payment and clearing of advances related to Program Travel and other Advances for staff, consultants and contractors as requested.
• Complete Bank reconciliation on a monthly basis.
• Post all payments to the accounting system on a weekly basis.
• Prepare Cheque Requisition and Cash Advance Vouchers as required.
• Complete monthly updates of schedules to record and monitor Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable and other schedules quarterly.
• Reconcile on a monthly basis, the General Ledger balances against the balances reflected on the Project Variance Report.
• Prepare quarterly variance reports for submission to the Board.
• Liquidate all advances provided through the Country Program.
• Other duties as may be assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education

• Degree in Accounting or ACCA Level II or equivalent

Experience & Competencies

• At least 3 years of work experience in a similar capacity, preferably in a project environment or working for an International NGO.
• Demonstrated experience in the use of Microsoft Office suite and SAGE50 accounting software
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of general office machines and telephone system.
• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively with others.
• High degree of discretion dealing with confidential information.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Curious, enthusiastic and willing to innovate and adapt.

Languages

• Complete fluency in English is required.
• In Dominica, knowledge of creole is an asset.

WHY WORK WITH WUSC?

Join Us. Our work is important, cutting-edge, and fast-paced. We encourage curiosity, innovation, and flexibility. And we provide a phenomenal learning experience.

WUSC Caribbean offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference in the lives of youth around the world. Employees at WUSC Caribbean work hard to create lasting change in education, economic opportunities and empowerment.

APPLICATIONS

WUSC Caribbean’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC Caribbean promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check where appropriate.

WUSC Caribbean is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

This position is open to all suitably qualified CARICOM Nationals. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

Suitably qualified persons are invited to submit their cover letter, CV, and the name and contact information of 3 professional references via email to [email protected]. Please use the subject line Project Accountant Dominica for job applications.

While WUSC Caribbean thanks all applicants for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC)