Parish Chief Accountant

Job Purpose:

To contribute to the effective performance of the finance, accounts and procurement functions of RADA in accordance with its programmes and priorities within the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, RADA Act, 1990, Public Bodies’ Management and Accountability Act, 2001, Government of Jamaica Procurement Guidelines, International Accounting Standards (IAS) and other relevant Regulations, Legislations and Policies.

Under the direction of the Parish Agricultural Manager the Parish Chief Accountant is responsible for RADA’s financial operations and accounting staff within the assigned parish and in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations of the Government of Jamaica.

Key Outputs:

• Completed Financial Accounts, Reports and Statements
• Certified payment vouchers for goods and services with recommendation for payment
• Annual Parish Budgets
• A Master Inventory System (Asset Register)
• An efficient database system of the financial operations of the parish

Key Responsibility Areas: 

Management/ Administrative Responsibilities 

• Gives guidelines to staff in the performance of their duties
• Attends the local Procurement and Contracts committee meetings and follows through as required
• Provides guidance to the general staff in preparation and submission of documents.
• Assists with training of Parish Accounting Staff in the use of any new accounting software
• Ensures that an efficient accounting system is maintained in the parish   
• Responsible for the supervision of the Accounting Unit and the Ancillary Staff in the parish
• Monitors the values received through the Value Book and ensures that their disposal is in the approved manner
• Liaises with the Data Processing Manager in Head Office
• Monitors the expenditure of funds provided for the operation of activities in the parish
• Interprets circulars and directives received from Head Office.
• Responsible for procurement and other office management functions
• Collects all data and reports from the Parish Office and records electronically
• Retrieves data on request and updates parish database system
• Checks supporting documents and certifies vouchers for final payments
• Ensures that all required financial documents are prepared correctly and delivered on time
• Coordinates and collates the annual Parish Budget for submission to Zonal Office and Head Office.
• Prepares regular cash flow reports and other financial statements as required by Zonal Office and Head Office.
• Ensures the maintenance of an expenditure record and a commitment ledger
• Authorizes requisitions to the Zonal Office for supplies of materials and equipment.
• Ensures the proper and adequate storage of vouchers and accounting records
• Edits the entry of all accounting data into the MS Great Plains or any other computerized Accounting Software
• Ensures the maintenance of an Inventory System of all furniture and equipment

Technical/ Professional Responsibilities

Strategic/ Administrative Support

Performance Standards:

• Reports, statements and schedules are prepared and delivered on time.
• High levels of accuracy in the completion of Financial Accounts, reports and statements.
• High levels of accuracy and promptness of data input into the MS Great Plains Accounting Software
• Reduced numbers of valid audit queries regarding financial statements and general compliance with Government regulations and procurement procedures