Senior Payments Officer (FMG/AT 3)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Manager Payments and Payroll, the Senior Payments Officer is responsible for all payments, while ensuring that said payments are made based on the priority position of the transaction, as well as the status of cash flow, at any given time. 

The incumbent ensures that all processes related to payments to suppliers and clients of the Department, as well as payments for services contracted by the RPD, are carried out in accordance with the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, its Regulation and Instructions, Staff Orders, other Regulations as well as applicable Circulars. 

The Senior Payments Officer delivers his or her responsibilities using ethical business practices, due diligence and commitment, with high levels of accountability, responsibility as well as productivity. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences, as required.
• Prepares reports, as required; 
• Prepares and delivers presentations, as needed, 

Technical/Professional 

• Maintains cordial and professional relationships with external and internal stakeholders and clients; 
• Ensures that payments are processed with dispatch while having regard to policies laid down by the FAA Act, its Regulations and Instructions, Staff Orders, other Regulations and applicable circulars; 
• Develops and implements a schedule to coincide with the days of the week and specific payments related to each day; 
• Identifies and processes outstanding amounts to be paid, based on policy priority and availability of funds and ensure that accounts are updated and corresponding payment requests uploaded to the Government Financial Management System (GFMS) accordingly; 
• Ensures arithmetic accuracy, the application of correct rates, and the deduction of all amounts deductible including withholding tax; 
• Ensures the timeliness and accuracy of all payments, and ensure that all records of payments and contractual obligations are accurate and up to date; 
• Verifies the Cashier’s deposits and that Cash Books are in accordance with the policies and procedures of GoJ; 
• Reconciles credit card transactions to ensure legitimacy, in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the FAA Act, and ensures that balances are paid in a timely manner;
• Monitors and maintains Imprests in accordance with the FAA Act; 
• Assists with research for responses to audit queries/observations; 
• Participates in the development of the Individual Work Plan; 
• Maintains and upholds all service excellence principles, standards, deliverables and responsibilities; 
• Delivers on customer enquiries at all times. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Sound knowledge of: 
  • Accounting Principles and Practices as well as Public Administration; 
  • The Government of Jamaica’s (GoJ’s) Accounting Standards; 
  • The Financial Administration and Audit Act and Regulations; 
• Expert knowledge and experience of GOJ’s Budget preparation process. 
• Knowledge of: 
  • Related GoJ Financial systems; 
  • Related GoJ operations and Public Sector matters. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other applications; 
• Excellent organising, planning and interpersonal skills; 
• Possesses high ethical conduct, and integrity; 
• Critical thinking/analytical skills; 
• Teamwork; 
• Excellent oral and written oral communication skills.

Minimum Required Qualifications and Experience

• AAT Level 3; or  
• ACCA-CAT Level C/Level 3; or 
• ACCA Level 1; or  
• NVQJ Level 3, Accounting; or 
• Diploma in Accounting from an accredited University or Community College; or
• ASc. Degree in Business Studies/Business Administration from an accredited tertiary Institution; or 
• Asc. Degree in Accounting, MIND; or  
• Diploma in Government Accounting, MIND, Government Accounting Levels 1, 2 & 3; or
• BSc. Degree in Accounting or Management Studies with Accounting; or 
• BBA Degree; or  
• Successful completion of three (3) years of any of the Bachelor’s Degree programmes mentioned above. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• This is a typical office environment; however, travelling may be required; 
• There can be stress especially when meeting deadlines; 
• May be required to work outside of normal working hours.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.