Solicitation_ChiefAcct_final.doc

Solicitation

Chief Accountant USAID/Harare, Zimbabwe

1. SOLICITATION No: 613-10-004.

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 25, 2010.

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

5pm Harare, Zimbabwe Time; Wednesday, September 8, 2010.

4. POSITION TITLE: Chief Accountant.

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 ($71,674-$93,175); program funded.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2-year contract base; with 3 one-year contract extensions.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Harare, Zimbabwe.

8. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS Incumbent is expected to act with a high degree of independence under minimal supervision. If a USPSC, Certifying Authority may be required.

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens, Green Card Holders, Third Country Nationals.

10. OTHER: Funding for this position is subject to availability of funds and continued need for the services.

A.

BACKGROUND:

USAID/Zimbabwe’s Financial Management Office (FMO) provides: a) financial services to the Mission in Zimbabwe; b) oversight to a total of 5 financial management staff; and c) support for USAID’s technical programs, and the Ambassadors’ Self-Help program. FMO services include accounting, audit management, budgeting, payment processing, technical guidance, and staffing coverage. 2010 Mission staffing levels are: 10 USDH, 9 USPSCs, 1 TCNPSC, and 68 Foreign Service Nationals (FSN).

This is a challenging position since the incumbent will be involved in future decisions affecting Zimbabwe. This position requires strong management, leadership, interpersonal, and technical skills. The incumbent is expected to spend 60% of his/her time assisting the technical teams as they prepare for the annual budget cycle. Further, it is estimated that 40% of incumbent’s time will be spent providing on-the-job training and direction to the FMO staff.

B.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

Provide supervision, guidance and assistance to the USAID/Zimbabwe Financial Management Office in order to ensure all accounting, payments and reporting objectives are met in an efficient, effective and timely manner.

· Work in close coordination with the Team Leaders and designated staff to ensure program budgets accurately reflect the requirements. Conducts an analysis of the actual budget execution against the planned budget recommendations. On the basis of cost analysis, recommends means of reducing costs and expenses under Mission Management line item. Prepares budget tables for interagency review.

· Assist technical teams in the formulation and analysis of budgets for new activities.

· Develop budgetary documents for Agency and Interagency Reviews. Conduct pipeline analysis based on accrual data in consultation with the teams. Calculates and ensures project reimbursement for Mission support costs.

· Work closely with the team leaders to ensure funding is allocated to programmatic implementation instruments or SOAG prior to the close of the fiscal year.

· Attends interagency Technical Working Groups and Management meetings as needed to provide budgetary input for the development the budgets.

· Tracks budget revisions and reports the revisions to the team leaders or designee.

· Follows up on submitted vouchers to ensure payment is made in timely manner for all projects.

C.

SCOPE OF WORK:

S/he will be responsible for managing the daily workload of USAID/Zimbabwe Controller’s office. The individual will also conduct formal and informal training sufficient to ensure that those supervised attain expert knowledge to carry out their required duties in the financial management of the Mission.

S/he will be responsible for the management of the program and OE budget processes. This includes working in close coordination with the Program Officer and the team leaders in the development of the annual budget requirements, based on an analysis of prior years’ expenditures, project staffing, and procurement requirements.

S/he supports the formulation and preparation of detailed budgets and analysis for technical and program staff; provides expert advice on operating expense and project budgeting, methods of financing and implementation, and program planning and analysis. Produces reports and supporting financial data to ensure progress on expenditures has remained on track with projections, and makes recommendations on adjustments. S/he reviews the Annual Report tables for budgets for the Mission, the Office of Financial Management and ensures that all approved program and operating expense budgets are implemented in accordance with U.S. Government laws and regulations. S/he provides financial management recommendation for inclusion in COP submission. 20% S/he ensures the integrity of USAID financial data through budget execution, and compliance with appropriations law, the Anti-deficiency Act, and other applicable laws and agency regulations. S/he provides supervision, training, guidance and advice to staff on all aspects of obligation of funds, cost analysis, and interpretation of applicable fiscal regulations and laws. S/he liaises directly with regional staff, colleagues, and implementing partners, providing technical guidance on accounting, financial, reporting matters and ensures prompt resolution of such matters. S/he supervises the Financial Analyst in the formal and mandatory mid-year 1311 review periodic reviews of financial records to determine un-liquidated obligations and initiates actions to de-obligate excess funds. Reviews the quarterly accruals for both program and OE to ensure accruals are properly supported, documented in accordance with USAID regulations and assists with the development of Mission financial management internal control procedures. 20%

The incumbent will provide on-the-job training to FM staff on the following:

· Fiscal integrity of financial data and compliance with appropriations law, the Anti-deficiency Act, and other applicable laws and agency regulations.

· Preparation of program budgeting; conduct analysis of program and operating expense expenditures; refresher on accounting duties.

· Conduct of periodic reviews of financial records to determine un-liquidated obligations and how to initiate de-obligate excess funds.

· Conduct reviews of quarterly accruals for program and OE.

· Ensure that all approved program and operating expense budgets are implemented in accordance with U.S. Government laws and regulations.

· Conduct a continuous review of obligation documents for the purpose of ensuring maximum efficient use of USAID funds, making recommendations to the Regional Financial Management Office with respect to items requiring adjustments in program management and mission operating expense funds.

· Establishing effective pre-validation procedures / systems to ensure obligations are in accordance with appropriation.

· Preparation of financial reports for the Regional Financial Management Office and CFO.

20% S/he conducts a continuous review of obligation documents, makes recommendations to the Regional Financial Management Office with respect to adjustments required in program management and mission operating expense funds. S/he reviews Program and OE obligation reports, monitors and reports on the operation of the Mission’s budget systems and suggests methods of increasing its effectiveness. Conducts discussions with the Regional Financial Management Office management to advise on accounting, budget and financial operation matters and supervises the monthly 1221 reconciliation with the United States Disbursing Office (USDO). Compiles, analyzes and submits periodic accounting reports to USAID/Washington, including loan guarantee reconciliations. 20% S/he provides guidance to staff in matters affecting use and limitations of appropriated funds for transportation of individuals and personal effects, allowances and other related matters. S/he advises the Executive Officer, Contract Officer’s Technical Representatives, and technical officers on various aspects of ICASS and program financial management. 10% S/he may performs other duties as assigned. S/he may be appointed as lead contact person for Government Management Reform Act (GMRA) audits, Controller and Mission Management Assessments and may serve as backstop to the Financial Analyst. 10% D.

EVALUATION CRITERIA AND OTHER INFORMATION:

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

a. Education: Possession of a 4 year University Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration. (20 points)

b. Experience: Six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience in public or private accounting after earning university degree, with two (2) years of supervisory experience is required. (25 points)

c. Language: Level IV (fluent) English required. (10 points)

d. Knowledge: Demonstrated thorough work knowledge, application, and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology. Demonstrated work knowledge of U.S. Government and business industry financial accounting, and budgeting principles, procedures, and reporting mechanisms. A thorough knowledge or the ability to acquire the knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with United States Government financial management. (25 points)

e. Abilities: Excellent analytical skills and sound judgment is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. S/he must demonstrate an ability to develop procedures and internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial data. S/he must demonstrate an ability to understand and implement financial management processes and procedures required by U.S. law or regulation. S/he must demonstrate an ability to manage complex accounting systems, must have strong word processing and spreadsheet skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, and ACCESS. (20 points) Other Information:

Within the required one-year probationary period, the incumbent is expected to demonstrate thorough knowledge of US federal laws, regulations and procedures associated with AID financial management, knowledge of USAID systems, business practices, reporting and analysis, understanding of US Government procurement regulations, ability to prepare both automated and manual financial reports and statement in accordance with applicable US accounting standards, an understanding of the federal budget process, and good supervisory skills.

f. Available Guidance:

· AIDAR

· Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

· Current accounting literature

· Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR)

· Federal Travel Regulations (FTR)

· Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH)

· Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM)

· Foreign Affairs Regulations (FAR)

· GAO decisions

· OMB Circulars

· US General Services Administration (GSA) guidelines,

· USAID / Southern Africa Controller Operating Procedures

· USAID Automated Directives System (ADS)

· USAID Staff Development Programs

The incumbent does not carry authority / responsibility to make financial commitments on behalf of USAID; this position is accountable for validating accounting data entered into the Agency’s General Ledger through Phoenix and determining the integrity of the data for official financial reports. The position is supervisory in nature; the incumbent is responsible for the oversight of the Financial Management Office.

E. TERMS OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS:

The Chief Accountant shall perform the preceding services for a period of two years, based in Harare Zimbabwe (followed by 3 one-year extensions). Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received; the incumbent will be expected to proceed to Zimbabwe to commence services. The position described has been classified at a U.S. Government GS-13. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. However, an individual may be offered the position at a salary below the GS-13 pay band. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change will be added.

F.

Medical and Security Clearance:

If a USPSC is selected, s/he must be able to obtain a USG Secret level security clearance and a Department of State medical clearance. Green card holders and Third Country Nationals must be able to obtain a Security certification for employment and a medical clearance.

G.

Benefits:

A PSC may be authorized certain benefits and allowances in accordance with regulations. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.]

1.

Benefits

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 for a family and $7,266 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium with no maximum limit;

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs (if granted)

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Vacation & Sick Leave

2. Allowances* (If Applicable): In accordance with Department of State Office of Allowance.

3.

Other Benefits: Applicable in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations.

H.

FEDERAL TAXES:

Personal Service Contractors and US Residents (Green Card holders) are required to pay Federal Income taxes.

I.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS:

1.

For initial consideration, please submit an OF-612 or SF-171

Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate:

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).

4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86)

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington).

The list of required forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

J.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp , or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612.

Applicant’s detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included.

All applications should be submitted electronically to the Attention of Yvette M. Feurtado, Supervisory Executive Officer and be emailed to Zimrecruit@usaid.gov To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date in item number three of this solicitation. Applications received after that date and/or time may not be considered.

Please note: Only the shortlisted candidates that are interviewed will be notified regarding the final selection. If you are not contacted by September 30, 2010, you were therefore not shortlisted for the position.

ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertain to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf L. Points of Contact

1. Yvette Feurtado, Supervisory Executive Officer, USAID/Zimbabwe, Ph: 263-4-252401 Ext 209, E-MAIL: yfeurtado@usaid.gov

2. Ashleigh Appel, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Zimbabwe, Ph: 263-4-252401 Ext 235, E-MAIL: aappel@usaid.gov

3. Tendai Sirewu, HR Assistant, USAID/Zimbabwe, Ph: 263-4-252401 Ext 256, E-MAIL: tsirewu@usaid.gov

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