JOB AND TASK DESCRIPTION. Division: Corporate Services Division, Finance & Management Information Section

Transcription

1 JOB AND TASK DESCRIPTION Job Title: Assistant Financial Accountant (Treasury) Division: Corporate Services Division, Finance & Management Information Section Grade: J Reports To: Financial Accountant General information The Finance and Management Information Section (FMIS) forms part of the Corporate Services Division (CSD), which has responsibility for a wide range of services in the Commonwealth Secretariat. The division has five sections and overall responsibility for the financial management of the Commonwealth Secretariat s budget of approximately 45 million. FMIS provides financial management and accounting services and support to the Commonwealth Secretariat. The section prepares budgets, management information and financial statements for the three separate Commonwealth Secretariat funds. It manages payroll, pensions, treasury, payments and travel and subsistence for both full time staff and contracted experts, and provides financial information to Secretariat management and the governing bodies. FMIS is also responsible for the implementation and maintenance of risk management across the organisation as well as the maintenance of the Secretariat s financial system. Job summary The post holder is responsible for the Treasury management functions. The objective of the job is to maintain and manage a reliable treasury management system in order to maximise returns on surplus funds and manage the cash flow of the organisation so as to ensure the Secretariat always has funds available to meet its operational requirements. Safeguard the Commonwealth Secretariat s financial assets and to avoid loss of capital and draw attention of management to any potential risk issues. The post holder will work closely with the Financial Accountant in areas of risk exposure, internal controls and compliance with relevant policies. Regularly reconciling bank accounts to the financial system, and ensuring that the Financial Accountant is made aware of daily cash balances. The post holder is expected to support the Financial Accountant in the achievement of the team s objectives and goals. Duties Prepare the daily liquidity reports as per the treasury and investment policy and procedures; Identifying funding needs and ensuring funds are available at the right time

2 Prepare cash flow forecasts for the Funds and support the Financial Accountant in recommending treasury action plans regarding fund cash flow requirements; Ensure that all Bank accounts are monitored, reconciled to CODA and appropriately approved as per requirements in the Treasury and Investment policy and procedures; Follow up on any reconciling differences to eliminate them from the reconciliations in a timely manner; Proactively manage treasury function by liaising with banking relationship managers on financing facilities and banking arrangements as well as negotiating investment arrangements that are most beneficial to the Secretariat; Develop a process to help maximise FX exposure and assist in the decisions on investments. Manage and ensure compliance with the Secretariat s policies and procedures including annual maintenance of the Treasury and Investment policy; Prepare the quarterly Treasury and Investment report for the Committee on Corporate Services and the annual report for the Audit Committee; Assist with internal and external audits including queries and preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation particularly relating to treasury; Assist with the preparation of the financial statements for the Secretariat funds; Follow up and implement external and internal audit recommendations; Work with overseas banks to make funds available for staff on mission, exploring alternative financing options; Proactively pursue opportunities for improved service, efficiency and information for decision making; Ensure compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS); and Adheres to the Gender Equality values of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Charter and Secretariat s Gender Equality Policy. Performs any other duties as may be required from time to time. 2

3 Person Specification Education A first degree in finance, business administration or a related finance discipline ACCA qualified, or part-qualified and actively undertaking professional studies Evidence of Continuing Professional Development Experience 5 years experience in an accounting position or banking environment; Experience of preparing bank reconciliations involving multi-currency transactions; Experience of working with Treasury management and foreign banks; Experience of working with CODA Financials or a similar accounting package; Strong IT skills, experienced user of Microsoft Office products with strong working knowledge of Excel Experience of liaising with internal and external auditors; 3

4 Competencies: Respect for Diversity Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally. Shows respect and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates understanding in daily work and decision making. Examine own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses and does not discriminate against any individual or group. Identifies biases in systems & processes Working with Others Regularly shares information of value with colleagues Shows commitment to delivering on key agreements made to colleagues Makes an effort to view a situation from the other party s perspective as well Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to colleagues pressures Utilises networks to ensure similar goals are achieved collaboratively Develops long term relationships across cultures and/or geographical boundaries Uses relationships to identify the best people to help in the completion of tasks Tactfully deals with difficult people to gain buy-in and manage their expectations Developing & Applying Expertise Takes advantage of opportunities to develop an area of expertise Takes learning from previous experience and applies them appropriately Demonstrates willingness to learn new skills and/or approaches Adapting & Innovating Recognises opportunities for improvement and proposes change with impact and effect Helps others evaluate and strengthen ideas Quickly grasps new concepts and how to apply them Demonstrates flexibility e.g. by working beyond own remit in order to achieve an objective inter alia Will effectively reorganise activities when faced with changing contexts and demands Welcomes and adapts to new ideas and/or approaches 4

5 Adapts personal style to meet the needs of others Accountability Takes ownership of assigned tasks, honours deadlines. Ensures timely delivery of outputs within defined cost and quality standard parameters. Takes ownership of assigned tasks, honours deadlines (L1) Ensures timely delivery of outputs (L1) 5