Regional Controller

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor - Regional Controller SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-121-14-000004 ISSUANCE DATE: 5/22/2014 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 6/06/2014 POSITION TITLE: USPSC/Controller MARKET VALUE: GS-15 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kyiv, Ukraine SECURITY ACCESS: Employment Authorization must be obtained prior to the execution of the contract AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens SUPERVISORY CONTROL: The incumbent will be expected to work independently with little direction and guidance. POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The USAID Regional Mission for Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Cyprus (UMBC) in Kyiv, Ukraine is soliciting expressions of interest from qualified U. S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSC) to serve as the Mission Regional Controller for one year starting July 1, 2014. The USPSC Controller will lead the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and serve as the focal point for all financial management functions including budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, payments, audits, and financial advisory services to Mission management and staff. STATEMENT OF WORK The Contractor shall report to the USAID/UMBC Deputy Mission Director, and shall lead and coordinate the financial management functions of the Mission. Assignment of work is communicated only in terms of general objectives. The Contractor shall plan and organize the work in the Controller's office and review such work for the achievement of the overall objective. S/he shall supervise and evaluate the performance of employees in the Controller's office in conformance with policy, regulations and procedures. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following: 1) Serve as principal manager for all financial management systems, practices and procedures. Responsible for planning, directing, and administering a comprehensive accounting, reporting and budgeting systems designed to provide senior Mission management with timely financial information for making operating decisions. 2) Guide financial management of all appropriated and non-appropriated funds available to USAID/UMBC, including implementation of internal accounting controls to safeguard those funds and other USAID assets. Oversee operations to ensure effective use and accountability of all USAID-financed assistance. 3) Oversee the formulation and preparation of the annual operating expense budget; analyze proposed forward funding and existing obligation pipelines. For current year budgets and allowed funds, assure effective management and funds controls are applied over operating expense and program funds. 4) Coordinate implementation of Financial Manager's Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) internal control review process. Identify the appropriate accountability units and operating environment within the Mission. Lead the Mission in the assessment of risks and development of control techniques, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements. 5) Serve as the liaison with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Serve as the focal point for audit activities including identifying requirements and developing audit plans, reviewing all audit and inspection reports from the OIG, and reviewing actions to be taken in response to the findings and recommendations. Manage the financial audit program for host country recipient organizations. 6) Be responsible for conducting pre-award assessments of proposed award recipients and financial reviews of awardees. Provide leadership to enhance the financial management capacity of local partner organizations. 7) Be responsible for staff development and training for OFM staff. 8) Serve as the Mission's authorized certifying officer. Take the lead in resolving method of payment, cash management, cost reasonableness and disbursement issues for projects 9) Provide Mission staff with assistance and advice relative to USAID financial management regulations and procedures. Contribute to Mission-wide policy and strategy formulation, staff development and resource management decisions. 10) Participate in the analysis of the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) budget and serve as a USAID member in the ICASS Budget Committee; coordinate with mission management on ICASS matters, including ICASS invoice review. QUALIFICATION/SELECTION CRITERIA Education (25%): A Bachelor's degree or equivalent level in accounting, finance or business administration; CPA certification is desirable. Prior Work Experience (25%): Ten years of progressively responsible work in a USAID Controller Office. At least five years working as USAID Controller is required. Working knowledge of Phoenix, E2, GLAAS and other Agency systems. Knowledge (25%): Thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology, as well as the principles and accepted procedures of U.S. Governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting is required. A thorough knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management is also required. Strong understanding of USAID project planning and implementation procedures and of USAID organization and operations is highly desirable. The position requires a high level of independent judgment with regard to USAID's financial management policies and regulations. Skills and Abilities (25%): A high level of analytical skill and sound judgment is required. Must have the ability to perform in a team and to maintain cordial and professional relationships with USAID staff, Host Government, NGO and Contractor personnel. Excellent English communication skills, both orally and in writing, are essential. Must have strong supervisory and management skills to effectively supervise OFM staff and direct the various elements of a complex financial management operation. Must have excellent interpersonal and training skills, and a genuine interest in developing the abilities of OFM staff. SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Supervision Received: The Regional Controller will report to the USAID/Ukraine Deputy Mission Director. Supervision Exercised: The Regional Controller will supervise 12 FSN PSCs and one USDH Deputy Controller. Exercise of Judgment: The Regional Controller must exercise sound and independent judgment in the course of carrying out the assigned duties. Position requires a high level of ability with regard to understanding financial and accounting policies and regulations and the ability to analyze situations and accurately apply those regulations and make sound judgment. Authority to make commitments: The Regional Controller does not have the authority to make legal commitments but is responsible for recording all financial obligations. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Regional Controller establishes and maintains solid working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel, contractors and Host country government officials. Time required to perform full range of duties: The Regional Controller is expected to be an expert in the field of USAID Financial Management. Physical Demands/ Work Environment: The work is sedentary and performed in an office setting. TERM OF PERFORMANCE/COMPENSATION The term of the contract will be for one year to start o/a July 01, 2014, subject to availability of funds and validation of security/medical clearances. Renewal of the contract is also based on the need for continued services and satisfactory job performance. The position has been classified at a GS-15 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Currently, post differential for Ukraine is 20%, and One Rest & Recuperation trip as per AIDAR Appendix D. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO THE BELOW E-MAIL ADDRESS: "KyivVacancies@usaid.gov" Attention: Mr. Don J. Brady Supervisory Regional Executive Officer USAID/Ukraine To ensure that your application is received for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number in the subject line of your e-mail as (USAID/Ukraine Controller) or your application may not be considered. Interested individuals are requested to submit: - Fully completed and hand-signed copy of an Application for Federal employment an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612). Forms are (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=ALL or at Federal offices); - Cover letter highlighting your qualifications, skills, attributes and past experience to demonstrate suitability for the position and how they meet the requirements of each of the evaluation criteria. The cover letter may be considered as writing sample and shall not exceed three (3) pages, with standard font (12) Times New Roman; - Current resume/curriculum vit (CV) containing the following information which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. Personal Information: full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held); Education: Colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received; Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (includes series and grade if federal job), duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, basic salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the OF-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, job related certificates and licenses (current only), job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested). Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years of the applicant's professional life from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's knowledge of contracting work. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references. Date of availability to begin assignment in Kyiv, Ukraine. NOTE: This position requires the submission of complete forms and/or supplemental materials as described herein above. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment. Please note: late, incomplete or unsigned applications will NOT be considered. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. Interested candidates should send above via the internet, or international mail, to the attention of the addresses indicated. E-mail must be received by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a US-PSC is normally authorized the benefits in Appendix D and TCN-PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances as per Mission Order and AIDAR Appendix J. AIDAR Appendix J can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf and Mission Order at http://agh2k3fpsaccr02:8080/accra_aid/intranet/notices/index/15 ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. ALLOWANCES PSCs are also eligible for allowances listed in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas Sections cited below - as applicable. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) Living quarters allowance (Section 130) Post Allowance (Section 220) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Education allowance (Section 270) Educational Travel (Section 280) Post differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/authorized Departure (Section 600) Danger Pay (Section 650) Consumables Allowance SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time, any offer made may be rescinded.