Main purpose of job:

Responsible for providing efficient and effective accounting service to the British High Commission in Kampala (BHC) working as part of the Finance team to ensure that all the accounting processes and procedures at Post are in compliance with FDCO Financial Policies and Regulations.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Support budget holders and staff to enhance compliance with GTPC guidelines for Distribution Sets, Invoices, Debit and Credit memos, Miscellaneous receipts, and Network Post Accounts (NPAs), and to enhance compliance with UK accounting procedures including correctly accounting for spend and reducing the risk of fraud.
• Lead on ensuring that balance sheet accounts are reconciled on a regular basis to verify that all items have been correctly posted and matched using the Transactions Available for Reconciliation (TAR) report.
• Prepare prompt and accurate periodic reports on the Network Post Accounts (NPA), Imprest Audit Returns (IAR), Bank Account Audit reports and Tax Reconciliation reports, to support effective management decision making. Maintain policies and procedures to ensure the integrity and timeliness of reports.
• Ensure that end-of-month procedures including the investigation and resolution of items on the Invoice on Hold (IOH) report are implemented, to uphold excellent Financial Performance and Compliance Indicator scores (FPCIs) for Post.
• Conduct Value For money (VFM) verification checks on documents submitted for each transaction – whether cash or Purchase to Pay (P2P), processing payments in adherence to GTPC guidelines.
• Manage Cash Office and ensure that sufficient funds are available for Post cash needs, and Preliminary Payment files are promptly verified and approved.
• Lead on the Post relationship with GTPC and be the first point of contact for queries on transactions at Post.
• Ensure staff debts are promptly collected and reconciled, flagging to the Finance Manager any gaps in staff debtors, local cash management and controls, and cash funding forecasts.
• Monitor Post’s liquidity levels and prepare Post’s funding forecast and funding request for the entire financial year and supply to the regional account manager for implementation.
• As a cover for the CSO finance Officer, submit Payroll data to the Global Transaction Processing Centre (GTPC) for processing, and effect statutory payments (NSSF).
• Manage Post’s bank relationships and be the first point of contact for queries, to ensure that bank requirements are met including facilities, signatories, routine correspondences and emergency engagements. Monitor bank accounts daily and reconcile bank statements promptly.
• Manage Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) relationships and be the first point of contact for queries and engagements on BHC tax returns. Coordinate and supervise the processing of VAT and Fuel duty returns for Post, process transfers of tax refunds for individual diplomats.
• Support the Finance Analyst on Finance processes including Office and implementing partner finance spot checks, due diligences, and mock internal audits.
• Engage in cross cutting Finance team activities at Post including Annual Budgeting exercises, Gap Analysis assessments and Finance Clinics.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• A University or technical college degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or 3 years professional working experience with a focus on finance and accounting.
• Can present financial information clearly both verbally and in writing to support organizational decision making.
• Contributes to the development of systems and processes to meet business needs and user requirements.

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: Proficient

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 

• Professional experience in the use of Microsoft Office especially Excel and ERP based accounting systems
• Evidence of strong organizational and time management skills with excellent attention to detail
• Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills

Additional information