Ministry of Works and Infrastructure
San Juan
Job Description
&nbsp;The Project Accountant manages financial operations, accounting procedures, and payment processing for the Programme Execution Unit (PEU).&nbsp;<div>The incumbent reports to the Finance Specialist to establish and implement accounting procedures governing both CAF loan funds and local counterpart funds. This role ensures full compliance with Public Service Financial Regulations, established internal controls, and international accounting standards (IFRS). The position also serves as the primary liaison for Audit query and requests for information, while maintaining confidentiality over sensitive financial data and project records.</div><div>Key responsibilities include reviewing certified Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) benchmarked against the Engineers Progress Reports, preparing payment vouchers, securing multi-level executive authorizations, managing cheque disbursements, maintaining general ledger reconciliations, and preparing comprehensive financial reports for Ministry of Finance for loan drawdown and compliance.</div><div><br><div><br></div></div>
Key and Critical Responsibilities
<div>1. Accounting Systems &amp; Operational Controls</div><div><br></div><div> Develops and implements standardized accounting procedures for the Project Execution Unit (PEU) governing loan funds and local counterpart allocations in strict compliance with current financial regulations and IFRS.</div><div><br></div><div> Maintains systems of internal control, ensuring accurate, timely, and relevant recording, reporting, and analysis of financial information.</div><div><br></div><div> Continuously reviews and monitors financial workflows to identify areas for operational improvement and process optimization.</div><div><br></div><div> Handles sensitive financial documents, payment data, and accounting records in a highly confidential manner.</div><div><br></div><div>2. Payment Processing &amp; Disbursement Administration</div><div><br></div><div> Receives and reviews Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) certified by Project Managers to verify that all required supporting documentation is complete, signed, and accurate prior to processing.</div><div><br></div><div> Prepares all required payment vouchers and supporting document packages for processing payments.</div><div><br></div><div> Secures required authorizations from the Project Administrator and Programme Manager, coordinating official payment submissions to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.</div><div><br></div><div>3. Financial Reporting &amp; Audit Management</div><div><br></div><div> Prepares monthly, semi-annual, and annual accounts reports for programme management and loan monitoring.</div><div><br></div><div> Prepares monthly accounting statements, fund usage updates, and statutory financial reports as required by the Ministry of Finance.</div><div><br></div><div> Prepares general ledger entries and performs routine account reconciliations across all project funding components.</div><div><br></div><div> Assists with and serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors request for information, facilitating timely record retrieval and audit resolution.</div><div><br></div><div> Performs related financial and other duties as required to support PEUs financial operations.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
Key Competencies
Considerable knowledge of Public Service Financial Regulations, Exchequer and Audit Act guidelines, and public sector accounting procedures.<div><br></div><div> Thorough knowledge of general ledger accounting, account reconciliation techniques, and financial reporting under IFRS.</div><div><br></div><div> Working knowledge of multilateral development bank financing protocols (e.g., CAF, IDB, World Bank) and loan disbursement frameworks.</div><div><br></div><div> Knowledge of internal control frameworks, financial audit requirements, and public sector budgeting practices.</div><div> High degree of detail orientation with strong analytical, problem-solving, and process-monitoring skills.</div><div><br></div><div> Proficiency in computerized accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, FreshBooks, SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite (particularly MS Excel).</div><div><br></div><div> Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written) to interact effectively across the unit, ministry officials, and external audit bodies.</div><div><br></div><div> Demonstrated initiative, managerial, and organizational skills to resolve operational issues and manage multiple payment deadlines efficiently.</div><div><br></div><div>MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:</div><div> Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field OR Full ACCA Certification.</div><div><br></div><div> Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Accounting or Finance is considered an asset.</div><div><br></div><div> Two (2) to five (5) years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with considerable experience in public sector or government agency accounting.</div><div><br></div><div> Practical experience working with international lending agencies (CAF, IDB, World Bank) is considered a strong asset.</div><div><br></div><div> Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and computerized accounting software.<br><div>&nbsp;</div><div><br></div></div>