Diocesan Accountant
Catholic Diocese of Karonga
Job location
Karonga
Job details
Background
The Catholic Diocese of Karonga is found in the Northern part of Malawi, covering Karonga, Chitipa and
part of Rumphi districts. The mission of the Diocese of Karonga is to provide holistic evangelization through teaching the Word of God and facilitating development work. The Diocese fulfills this mission with the help of its three main Sections: The Pastoral Commission, the Caritas Commission (which is the socio-economic development arm) and the Directorate of Finance, Investment and Administration which supports the operations of the two Commissions (Pastoral and Caritas) and one of its core duties is to ensure that Diocesan operations are more effective and efficient in all its three Sections of the Diocesan Curia.
Job Summary
We are looking for a very experienced accountant to occupy the position of Diocesan Accountant who as
Head of Department oversees general accounting operations of the Diocese by controlling and verifying
our financial transactions.
Reports To:
The Director of Finance, Investment & Administration (DOFIA)
Responsibilities:
Major responsibilities of the Diocesan Accountant (DA) include but not limited to the following:
Coordinate preparation of the annual budget of the Diocese.
Implement financial policies and procedures.
Ensure cash controls as per financial policies of the Diocese and/or partners of the Diocese who fund specific projects.
Establish, maintain and reconcile the general ledger.
Monitor cash reserves.
Monitor financial performance and transactions of diocesan investments.
Ensure preparation and reconciliation of bank statements.
Issue cheques for all payments due.
Ensure preparation and remission of tax returns as well as insurance payments.
Ensure transactions are properly recorded and entered into the computerized accounting system on
a daily basis.
Ensure preparation of balance sheets.
Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports and report on variances.
Assist with the annual audit of the operations account and those of projects as agreed with partners.
Ensure proper maintenance of financial files and records.
Maintain the accounts payable and accounts receivable systems in order to ensure complete and
accurate records of all funds.
Administer the monthly payroll and ensure that employees are paid in an accurate and timely manner.
Ensure that the Procurement Officer’s office operates efficiently and effectively and without any
undue influence from members of staff and/or suppliers.
Call for and chair monthly departmental meetings.
Prepare all required documents and reports for Diocesan Finance Council meetings and provide
responses/clarifications to all technical questions/issues raised by the Council.
Work closely with the DOFIA, the Pastoral Secretary, the Caritas Secretary and the Vicar General in
preparing for the Annual Thanksgiving Mass during which the faithful give their donations towards
the general running of the Diocese.
Ensure that all Parishes and diocesan schools and hospitals are audited once a year.
Ensure that all funds donated weekly in prayer centres for the Seminary Fund are remitted to his/her office properly and regularly and report on the same to all Parishes quarterly.
Ensure that all construction projects adhere to their budget lines and reported on as required or
agreed with partners.
Represent the DOFIA in any matter/meeting requiring the involvement or presence of the DOFIA.
Requirements
BS degree in Accounting, Finance or relevant,
Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Accounting Supervisor, Senior Accountant,
Thorough knowledge of basic accounting procedures,
In-depth understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP),
Awareness of business trends,
Familiarity with financial accounting statements,
Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process,
Hands-on experience with accounting software packages, like Fresh Books and QuickBooks,
Advanced MS Excel skills including Lookups and pivot tables,
Accuracy and attention to detail,
Aptitude for numbers and quantitative skills,
Demonstration of commitment to Catholic values and knowledge of the Catholic Social Teaching,
Vast experience in working with international partners.
Application Instructions
Please send your cover letter, CV and Copies of Certificates in a single PDF attachment to
[email protected] not later than Friday, 8th July, 2022.
Please title the file with your full name.
Kindly include the position for which you are applying to work in the subject line
