About the Program

Aviation is an important enabler of economic activity and human development in the Pacific. It connects Pacific countries to the world and each other, facilitating tourism, trade, labour mobility and access to health and education services. Aviation either directly or indirectly enables over one-third of the economy in Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu. However, aviation in the Pacific is disadvantaged by the small size of Pacific Island countries and their geographical remoteness, both from within each country, the region, and from international hubs. 

The strategic intent for Australia – Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) is to improve the Pacific aviation sectors’ efficiency and effectiveness in organisational decision-making, governance, safety and reliability, and coordination to enable aviation to better contribute to sustainable development outcomes. It is recognised that the small populations, lack of economic diversification and geographic remoteness of the Pacific constrains its growth and international competitiveness. However, aviation’s intersection with tourism, trade, labour mobility, and access to critical services such as healthcare and education can enable Pacific growth and prosperity.

P4A will be delivered through three key outcome areas, including (but not limited to):

1. A stronger enabling environment, including improved management, regulations, policies, and plans that strengthen the Pacific aviation sector and reform unsustainable practices.

2. Improved Safety, Quality and Reliability through strengthened technical capability and more common approaches that improve aviation operations' safety, quality, and reliability.

3. Greater coordination, cooperation, and connectivity are needed to maintain connectivity between Pacific Island countries and strengthen regional and bilateral coordination and cooperation in regulatory and operational areas.

P4A will also mainstream cross-cutting sectors to ensure outcomes strengthen child protection and safeguarding, climate change resilience and adaptation, support locally led leadership and improve Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) outcomes. 

P4A is currently a five-year program directed by DFAT and jointly implemented by with Adam Smith International. 

Duties and Responsbilities

The responsibilities of the Program Accountant include, but are not limited to:   

• Management of all payment through FJD account including payroll, operational expenses, preparation of FNPF and PAYE remittances and social security payments for national and international staff each month;

• Support financial planning, activity-level budget development, and management of financial records;

• Prepare monthly cash flow projections to support funds requests from the Head Office (HO)
• Issue and collect project advances made to staff, and reconcile bank accounts and field advance accounts each month;
• Record all financial transactions in ASI - OS financial management system and submit monthly Field Office Expense Reports;
• Maintain a comprehensive documentation of all field office financial transactions and all other financial documents;
• With the approval of the Finance and Procurement Manager execute all approved payments for local vendors; subcontractors and consultants for goods and services received, in accordance with ASI/DFAT policies;
• Liaise and maintain cordial working relationships with all local/overseas vendors;
• Liaise with the bank on foreign currency rates, bank charges, fund transfers and payments;
• Monitor and manage bank accounts and monthly bank reconciliation;
• Manage and maintain field office asset register, supplier list;
• Oversee field office petty cash accounts for Fiji office;
• Assist in the preparation of annual workplan budgets;
• Provide the required assistance to teams conducting internal and external reviews/audits;
• Ensure all project accounting functions are performed within the procedures set in the Operations Manual and within DFAT guidelines;

Other financial management tasks consistent with this Scope of Work and as requested by the Finance and Procurement Manager.

Optimal Qualifications and Experience 

• A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related area;

• At least five (5) years of experience in a relevant accounting or finance position;

• Knowledge and experience of NGO and donor- funded programs is highly preferred

• Strong management skills and excellent interpersonal communication skills;

• Proficiency in MS Office and financial management software.