Deputy, Financial Secretary

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Deputy, Financial Secretary, within the Ministry of Finance & Economic Management.

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Deputy, Financial Secretary, within the Ministry of Finance & Economic Management.

JOB PURPOSE

To ensure the prudent management of the Government of Montserrat's financial resources by overseeing departmental operations, leading strategic planning initiatives, and serving as the principal advisor in the Financial Secretary's absence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and coordinate the work of all departments within the MOFEM to ensure prudent economic and financial management of GoM resources.
• Assumes the responsibilities of the Financial Secretary in his/her absence.
• Management responsibility for the Ministry of Finance Headquarters
• Leads the preparation of the Strategic and Operational Plans for the Ministry and coordinates the submission of performance reporting information.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of all departments within the MOFEM and ensure that effective working relationships are established with the Secretariat team responsible for national development planning.
• Perform the role of Accounting Officer for the MoFEM in accordance with the Financial Regulations.
• Plans, manages and monitors the continued development and improvement of the PFEM functions including ensuring that all recommendations from evaluations such as FRA and PEFA are implemented.
• Ensures that all PFEM related internal audit and external audit recommendations are reviewed and followed up 
• Identifies needs for specialist technical assistance, mobilizes such assistance and ensures that objectives are met  
• Consults with and seeks advice on impending legislation and bills from the Attorney General.
• Represent Governments financial interests in statutory organizations, Government Companies, or organizations in which GOM has a financial interest, regional institutions.
• Ensure that all reports, papers, forecasts prepared, are high quality, accurate and based on sound evidence.
• Prepares and implements the development and capacity building programme for all staff in the public finance functions to ensure that GoM has competent staff in all PFM posts
• Engage in negotiations on behalf of the Government of Montserrat as approved by the Financial Secretary, Executive Council, Minister of Finance.
• Attend meetings on behalf of GoM or MoFEM and maintain effective working relationships with local, international and regional institutions and stakeholders including ECCB, Caribbean Development Bank, CARTAC, FCDO, UK Treasury, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, European Union local financial institutions and statutory bodies
• Regulation of the financial services sector (in coordination with the Financial Services Commission) 
• Assist the Financial Secretary in coordinating and following-up on regional and international initiatives.
• Liaise verbally and in writing with regional and international institutions on matters related to finance, technical and other assistance on behalf of the GoM or MoFEM
• Engage from time to time in special investigations and undertake special assignments as determined by the Financial Secretary.
• Chairman of the Government Postal Services
• Chair of the Procurement Board 

STAFF REPORTING TO THIS POST

• Director, Economic Management
• Budget Director
• Director Corporate Services
• Director, Postal Services
• Chief Statistician

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS

The applicant should possess:-

Academic:

• Bachelors Degree in Economics, Finance, Public Policy or related discipline.
• Masters Degree with specialization in Economics, Public Sector Finance or related field would be an asset.

Other:

• Professional accounting qualification e.g. Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy -CIPFA, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants - ACCA, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants - CIMA, American Institute of Chartered Public Accountants- AICPA or equivalent.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years experience in budget preparation and management.
• Experience in the Public Service at a Senior Management level.
• Economic Planning; with exposure in preparing development and capital programmes.
• Experience in Financial Management and Accounting principles and procedures.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be on a contractual basis for one (1) year.