Job Purpose:

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 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

Technical/ Professional Responsibilities

Strategic/ Administrative Support

• 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

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Associate Degree in Accounting from Management Institute for National Development (MIND) or any other recognized institution. OR Associate of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 3 OR Management Institute for National Development (MIND) Government Accounting Level 2, with adequate knowledge of computer operations and understanding how to use Microsoft Office, in particular, Microsoft Excel.

PLUS

• At least three (3) years work experience at a similar level