Ministry of Works and Infrastructure
San Juan
Job Description
The Finance Specialist leads the financial, accounting, internal controls and disbursement operations of the Programme Execution Unit (PEU) to ensure the efficient execution of the CAF-funded Trinidad Drainage and Flood Mitigation Programme.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>The incumbent works with the Drainage Programme Manager to:&nbsp;</div><div>- oversee financial planning, budget execution, loan drawdowns, internal controls, variance analysis, and audit coordination.&nbsp;</div><div>- prepare all financial, accounting, and drawdown reports required by the Executing Agency, the Ministry of Finance (Borrower), and the lending agency (CAF) in strict compliance with the CAF Loan Agreement, local statutory financial regulations, and IFRS standards while handling sensitive data with high confidentiality.</div><div>- track and monitor the financial aspects of projects, inclusive of internal controls, for ensuring compliance.</div><div><br><div><br></div></div>
Key and Critical Responsibilities
<div><br></div><div>1. Loan Disbursement, Budgeting &amp; Financial Planning</div><div><br></div><div> Manages overall financial, accounting, and disbursement operations of the PEU in compliance with the CAF Loan Agreement, Public Financial Regulations, and IFRS.</div><div><br></div><div> Prepares annual and monthly fund drawdown schedules based on Project Implementation Plans, Annual Operations Plans, and master implementation schedules established by Project Managers.</div><div><br></div><div> Prepares draft budget estimates, requests for releases, Confirmation of Funds, monthly status updates, and all other submissions required by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) for timely drawdown of funds.</div><div><br></div><div>2. Expenditure Monitoring &amp; Financial Control</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> Monitors actual project expenditures against budgeted allocations and vote balances, updating financial status monthly for inclusion in programme status reports submitted to the Programme Manager.</div><div><br></div><div> Identifies cost overruns or contract variances against the Procurement Plan; consults with Project Managers to recommend adjustments to works, cost controls, equipment, or sub-components for approval by the Programme Manager, Permanent Secretary, and CAF.</div><div><br></div><div> Implements and maintains robust internal financial controls, accounting standards, record-keeping systems, and new accounting policies and guidelines across the PEU.</div><div><br></div><div>3. Financial Reporting &amp; Audit Governance</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> Leads the preparation of semi-annual financial and accounting reports in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), local financial regulations, and CAF reporting guidelines.</div><div><br></div><div> Leads the preparation of annual progress reports evaluating physical and financial execution by funding source (loan vs. counterpart funds).</div><div><br></div><div> Acts as the primary lead for coordinating internal and external audit activities related to the programme, ensuring timely records access and audit resolution.</div><div><br></div><div> Prepares financial inputs for Cabinet Notes, Ministry briefs, and stakeholder updates as required.</div><div><br></div><div>4. Process Optimization, Confidentiality &amp; Supervision</div><div><br></div><div> Supervise, guide, organize, and evaluate assigned accounting and finance personnel within the PEU.</div><div><br></div><div> Consults with the Accountant and Project Managers to identify process bottlenecks and implement process improvements across financial workflows.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
Key Competencies
<div><br></div> Comprehensive knowledge of public sector financial administration, including the Exchequer and Audit Act, Public Financial Regulations and Instructions, and Civil Service guidelines.<div><br></div><div> Thorough knowledge of multilateral development bank disbursement policies, loan agreement compliance, and reporting frameworks (specifically CAF, IDB, World Bank).</div><div><br></div><div> In-depth knowledge of financial accounting principles, IFRS, budget preparation, variance analysis, financial models, and forecasting techniques.</div><div><br></div><div> Good working knowledge of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act (2015, as amended), Procurement Regulations, OPR guidelines, and procurement best practices.</div><div><br></div><div> Knowledge of electronic financial data processing techniques, project implementation structures, and Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) guidelines.</div><div><br></div><div> Advanced proficiency in business management, statistical, analytical, and spreadsheet software (particularly MS Excel), with experience using ERP accounting systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks).</div><div><br></div><div> Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking abilities to audit project costs, evaluate fiscal choices for cost-effectiveness, and conduct variance analyses.</div><div><br></div><div> Strong leadership and supervisory capabilities to effectively plan, organize, direct, and mentor technical accounting staff within a project execution environment.</div><div><br></div><div> Great organizational and time-management skills to prioritize complex deliverables and meet strict loan and ministry deadlines.</div><div><br></div><div> Superior collaboration and communication skills (oral and written) to draft clear executive reports, liaise with internal/external auditors, and interact with officials from the Ministry of Finance and international lending agencies.</div><div><br></div><div>MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:</div><div> Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.</div><div><br></div><div> Professional accounting certification (ACCA required).</div><div><br></div><div> Postgraduate qualification in Business or Finance.</div><div><br></div><div> Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience as a Financial Specialist, with direct experience within the public sector, a government body, or a Project Execution Unit (PEU) managing international loan/grant disbursement mechanisms (e.g., CAF, IDB, World Bank).</div><div><br></div><div> Demonstrated experience in supervising, monitoring, and leading accounting/finance personnel in a project environment.</div><div><br><div>&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>