Head Of Accounting Division

Purpose of Job

Directs and manages the daily operations of the Accounting Division to achieve the strategic objectives of the directorate and the AU’s overall goals.

Main Functions

The main functions include:

• Designing and implementing policies, programs, and projects to achieve the directorate’s strategic objectives.
• Managing and supervising employees within the division, ensuring timely delivery of goals and effective staff performance evaluation.
• Designing policies, strategies, and programs to contribute to the effective implementation of relevant AU Policy Organs Decisions.
• Ensuring delivery of the division’s annual targets in line with the directorate’s overall goals.
• Providing technical leadership and ensuring efficient functioning of all units within the division.
• Managing the work of the division and supervising direct reports to ensure effective performance.
• Engaging stakeholders within Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in designing and implementing strategies.
• Maintaining thematic partnerships in support of the division's mandate.
• Maintaining regular working relations with senior stakeholders in Member States and partner institutions.
• Representing the organization and communicating its position at conferences.
• Contributing to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports.
• Ensuring effective management of funds contributed to the organization.
• Managing risk within the division and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Contributing to the development of the departmental business continuity plan.
• Maintaining a positive work environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing.

Specific Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership for effective planning and coordination of internal and external audits.
• Supervising and managing general accounting activities and ensuring statutory compliance.
• Leading end-of-period accounting closure activities and supporting analysis of business performance.
• Creating and enhancing financial policies and procedures across the accounting department.
• Ensuring consistency in procedures and policies across the accounting department.
• Engaging stakeholders within Member States and RECs in designing and implementing strategies.
• Managing compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
• Monitoring changes in regulatory framework and initiating relevant updates.
• Representing the Director as financial advisor to relevant Sub-Committees.
• Supervising end-of-period processes and supporting analysis of business performance.
• Preparing annual financial reports/statements of the African Union Commission.
• Oversight duty over the finance unit of Organs and specialized offices.
• Producing monthly management reports and any ad-hoc reports as requested.
• Ensuring timely reconciliation of bank accounts and settlement of accounts.
• Coordinating internal and external auditors for audit of the AU Financial Reports.
• Ensuring proper maintenance of Chart of Accounts and Master Ledger.
• Providing advice and corrective actions in response to audits.
• Custodian of documentation of all financial books and records.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Management/Administration with twelve (12) years of relevant work experience, including seven (7) years at managerial level and five (5) years at supervisory level.

Membership of an internationally recognized professional accounting body, such as CA, CPA, ACCA, or CIMA, is mandatory.

Required Skills

Key skills required include:

• Ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches between diverse partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations.
• Ability to develop and delegate clear program goals, plans, and actions.
• Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages; fluency in another AU language is an advantage.

Skills Required:

• Accounting / Finance
• Sales / Marketing / Business / Management