Accountant (m/f)

Description

• The Project Accountant manages, directs and maintains project accounting systems for USAID/Mozambique’s Office of Financial Management (OFM) with an operational yearly budget (OYB) of approximately $148.5 million dollars. The Project Accountant reviews, analyzes, reconciles, and balances project funded accounting records and systems for USAID/Mozambique. Additionally the Project Accountant initiates modifications and introduces new methodology necessary for the effective and efficient use of the accounting systems by OFM. Various accounting systems are critically necessary to enable consistent, structured and accurate preparation of Mission and Agency periodic and special reports, as well as for responding to the financial accounting systems required by varied USG grantees, loan borrowers, and contractors which also include cooperative agreements. The Project Accountant must also be readily available to respond to questions and issues raised by OFM clients and to provide guidance and advice on project funded activities. The Project Accountant is under the direct supervision of the Chief Accountant, but, ultimately, he reports directly on status of all program funded activities to the Controller or Financial Management Officer (FMO) and USAID/Mozambique’s Senior Management Team
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) – Accountant, FSN-10 Equivalent
• Dear Prospective Offerors:
• The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mozambique is seeking applications from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation
• This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers
• Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information
• Solicitation No. 72065621R10004 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Point of Contact: Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov
• Market Value: USD46,205– 64,685 USD per annum, equivalent to FSN-10 (Step1-12)
• In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Mozambique). Final compensation will be negotiated within the market value
• Period of Performance: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about February 2021
• Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: February 2021 – February 2022
• Option Period 1: +February 2022-November 15, 2022
• Eligible Offerors: To meet basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must be a cooperating country citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country
• Security Level Required: Employment Certification (RSO Certification)
• List of Required Forms Prior to Award:
• Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the required forms
• Benefits and Allowances:
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• USAID Regulations, Policies and Contract Clauses pertaining to PSCs:
• USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:
• USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf
• Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:
• Item No
• (A) SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)
• (B) QUANTITY
• (C) UNIT
• (D) UNIT PRICE
• (E) AMOUNT
• (F)0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: PSC
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: PSC
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs
• Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.
• See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

Duties

Accounting Support Activities: 45%

• Provide advice to Technical offices on all types of project funded accounting transactions
• Conduct continuous, quarterly and the mandatory year end 1311 reviews in accordance with the USG rules and regulations
• Track, analyze, adjust, list and maintain records of all un-liquidated obligations, ensuring validity of obligations are compliant with Congressional Actions/Laws. Also, project and plan for de-obligations and upward adjustments of obligations, keeping OFM Management Team fully informed of any potential problems and impact of such activities
• Respond to requests for contracts and purchase order closeouts ensuring that all requisite activities are included in the closeout process and that all un-obligated funds are reconciled. Inform contracting officers, EXO, A/CORs and Chief Accountant of the amounts available for de-obligation
• Coordinate with financial analysts on quarter end and year end accrual generation activities, including appropriate actions such as producing worksheets used by A/CORs for projection of program accruals
• Prepare reconciliations on all project activities and prepare reconciliations related reports such as SF-1221, SF-224 and SF- 6653 which also involves cash/check and electronic payments reconciliations. Also coordinates other reconciliation activities when appropriate with pertinent OFM staff
• Receive and manually post transactions processed by the State Department (1221 charges) and IPAC charges from Washington and other Missions into Phoenix
• Coordinate with the Supervisory Voucher Examiner on corrective measures for faulty transactions through preparation of journal voucher entries and adjustments
• Receive from USAID/W and other Missions and process all Intra-Agency-Payments (IPAC) in phoenix. Work with the Chief Accountant in clearing all outstanding IPACs in Phoenix and ensuring that they are properly recorded and reconciled in the SF-224 Financial Report on Agency Location Code payments
• Track and maintain records for Modified Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents (MAARD), Journal Vouchers, International and Field Trip Requests, SF 1081s, SF1190s and other accounting transaction documents
• Provide backup for the Reconciliations Accountant
• Along with the Chief Accountant, respond to audit and USAID/W requests for documentation and other financial data requests
• Prepare the Mission’s Cost of Operations Budget (COB) as well as track the execution and report on the budget status on a quarterly basis. The total annual COB which includes both Operating Expenses (OE) and Program
• Funded Operational Costs (PFOC) is about $31 million dollars
• Serve as the main Point Of Contact for ICASS related matters which includes reviewing and updating workload counts, conducting budget reviews, reviewing ICASS invoices for accuracy before the Controller and Mission Director’s approval and signature; and providing fund cites for the ICASS bills
• Assist the Chief Accountant during the Budget Formulation and Execution Manager (BFEM) preparation in providing input on PFOC related needs

Phoenix: 30%

• USAID/MOZAMBIQUE’s OFM uses Phoenix as its primary automated accounting system platform to control and report on all program activities. It is the responsibility of the Project Accountant to: a) perform appropriate program funded activity accounting operations; b) make sure that all accounting systems are in place for USAID/Mozambique programs; c) ensure proper application of accounting principles, practices, rules and regulations; and d) efficiently control and maintain all program funded activities in the Phoenix system. It is the Project Accountant who manages the complex and difficult processing of Budget allowances, Program Areas, Program elements, commitments and obligations of program funds. S/he additionally must ensure the integrity of the accounting system for ensuring that all transactions such as budget, acquisitions, accounts payable, bills for collection, and accrual subsystems are properly and correctly incorporated and accounted for

Accounting Reports: 25%

• One of the Project Accountant’s key responsibilities is to provide Mission clients with timely accurate periodic and last minute financial and ad-hoc reports which include preparing and presenting financial reports related to Operational Costs and ICASS. Clients also include the U.S. Embassy, the Africa Bureau, Washington CFO office, Office Directors, technical staff, various project managers and team leaders, other Agency officials, a wide range of implementing partners and the Government of Mozambique
• Supervisory Relationship: The Chief Accountant is the first line supervisor of the Project Accountant position and provides on the job training, task specific coaching and other advices and assistances as required. Completed work is reviewed for professional, technical adequacy, compliance with instructions, conformance with good accounting practices, and general quality levels. However, the incumbent is expected to perform in a professional manner with considerable independence and responsibility within his/her portfolio(s) of assignment
• Supervisory Exercised: None
• Available Guidelines: ADS documents
• 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
• Phoenix User Manual
• e-CART User Manual
• Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent must exercise sound and independent judgment in the provision of accounting advice on all aspects of financial accounting, budgeting, and operations. S/He ensures the integrity of the Mission financial data not only by review of accounting data entered into the system, but by analysis of financial systems and procedures required to meet the needs of the assigned portfolio(s)
• Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent does not have authority to make financial commitments on behalf of USAID. This position is accountable for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of accounting data entered into the Agency’s General Ledger through Phoenix and determining the integrity of the data for assigned portfolio(s)
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts include Mission-wide staff at all levels and U.S. government officials (State Department/CDC, etc.) to advise on financing instruments, systems, and performance on a regular basis. Frequent contacts with USDO/Charleston for 1221 reconciliations. Communicates with various Agency heads, Executive Office, State/FMO, and Washington headquarters on all matters relate to the ICASS software and budget
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Post Entry Training: On-the-job training by USAID financial staff. The following formal training opportunities covering U.S. government financial regulations and USAID policies and procedures will be provided as soon as possible:
• USAID Accounting
• Supervisory Skills
• Travel Policy, Regulations and Allowances
• ICASS Systems and Procedures
• USAID Financial Management Overview
• Appropriations Law
• CCN PSCs may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship Program described in ADS 495maa

Requisites

• Education: A University degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or other related field is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in professional accounting, financial management or auditing
• Language Proficiency: Level IV English and Portuguese is required. Demonstrated fluency in written and spoken English and Portuguese. (This will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: An excellent Knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology as well as the principles and procedures of the host government and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting is required
• Skills and Abilities: Excellent analytical skills and sound judgment are required. The incumbent must be able to compile and present detailed financial information in a concise and professional manner. S/He must have the ability to analyze and develop procedures and internal controls to ensure the integrity of USAID financial data. S/He must be able to understand and implement financial management operations required by law or regulation. The incumbent must possess excellent communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with American, third-country, and locally employed personnel in USAID, other USG Agencies, USG implementing partners and other stakeholders. S/He must have strong word processing and spreadsheet skills and be proficient in the use of office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and power point, and ACCESS

Evaluation and Selection Factors

• The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

The following evaluation factors are established

• Education - 15 points
• Prior Work Experience - 25 points
• Language Proficiency - 15 points
• Job Knowledge - 25 points
• Skills and Abilities - 20 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• A cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume in English
• Names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Reference checks will be conducted for the final selected candidate for the Contracting Officer to make a responsibility determination. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• Only interviewed candidates will be informed in writing of the Selection Committee’s final decision
• Per this scoring, Skills and Abilities is the most important factor, followed by Prior Work Experience and Job Knowledge, Education and Language Proficiency. Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements. Only applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position will be considered
• Candidates will be evaluated based on relevant education, prior work experience, knowledge, language proficiency, skills and abilities demonstrated in their application packages. A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and will be invited for an oral interview. Candidates successfully passing the oral interview will be invited for a language exam and may also be required to pass a written test. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants
• Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked candidate and will be utilized to supplement the TEC’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked candidate. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Final selection will be based on the application package, language abilities, oral interview, reference checks and written test. This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application