Recruitment accounting firm to support AGD on acounts preparation

Request for Expressions of Interest for Consulting Service

Country: The Republic of the Gambia

Project Title: The Gambia Public Administration Modernization for Citizen Centric Service Delivery (PAMP) Project

Assignment Title: Recruitment of a firm to support the Accountant General’s Department (AGD) in the Preparation and Consolidation of the Government of the Gambia’s consolidated financial statements.

Procurement Method: Consultant’s Qualifications Selection Method (CQS) – Firm Based Selection.

Reference No. GM-CPCU - MOFEA-531711-CS-CQS

• Background:

The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA), has secured funding from the World Bank, aimed to modernize public administration by enhancing tax performance, improving HR management, and fostering citizen engagement, Structured as a Program-for-Results (PforR) initiative. The Gambia Public Administration, Modernization for Citizen Centric Service Delivery Project (PAMP) links funding to progress on Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs) that drive specific outcomes in public sector reform.

In Governments’ commitment to strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) systems and improving the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting in accordance with international standards. The Accountant General’s Department (AGD), as the central accounting authority, is responsible for the preparation and submission of the Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) of the Government of The Gambia. To enhance the credibility and reliability of these financial statements, the AGD seeks the services of an experienced and qualified firm to provide technical assistance in the preparation and consolidation of the Financial Statements ensuring alignment with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) cash basis and the Public Finance Act 2014.

• Objective of The Assignment:

• The objective of this assignment is: Support AGD in the preparation and submission of timely, complete, and accurate consolidated government Financial Statements in preparation for external audit. Enhancing the capacity of AGD staff in financial statement preparation and consolidation through on-the-job training.

• Ensuring compliance with IPSAS, and the Public Finance Act and regulatory frameworks.

• Develop and institutionalize a sustainable framework for future financial reporting, including documented procedures, manuals, and templates.

• SCOPE OF WORK

Consolidation perimeter: For the purpose of this assignment, the consolidated financial statements shall cover the budgetary central government, which includes all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) whose transactions are processed through the Consolidated Revenue Fund and are recorded in the IFMIS. The diagnostic phase will review extra-budgetary units (EBUs) and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and recommend a phased approach for their future inclusion, in line with IPSAS requirements. Additional details regarding the scope of work will available upon request.

• Required Firm Experience

The firm must demonstrate:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in public sector accounting and financial reporting.

• Proven experience in supporting governments in the preparation of consolidated financial statements.

• Expert knowledge in IPSAS and national financial reporting regulations.

• Experience working with governments in Africa, preferably in The Gambia or similar contexts.

• Experience in Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).

• A multidisciplinary team comprising:

• Team Lead / Senior Public Finance Expert:

Must have at least 10 years of experience in public sector financial management, with ACCA/CPA/Chartered Accountant qualification and demonstrated expertise in leading IPSAS-compliant financial reporting and consolidation assignments with understanding of IFMIS.

• Financial Reporting Specialist:

Must have a minimum of 10 years extensive experience in preparing public sector financial statements in accordance with IPSAS, with strong analytical skills and expert knowledge in IFMIS systems, including chart of accounts, budget execution, and financial data analysis and revenue management.

• Public Sector Accounting Expert:

Minimum of 7 years’ experience in Public Sector accounting and must possess solid experience in government accounting, including chart of accounts, budget execution, and financial data analysis and revenue management.

• Capacity Building/Training Specialist:

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Capacity Building/Training and should have proven experience in designing and delivering training programs on public financial management, with a strong background in adult education and capacity development for government finance personnel.

Full TOR Availability Notice

The full Terms of Reference (TOR) will be made available upon request. Please send your request via email to the addresses provided below. Contract duration is expected to last for 6 months with possible extension.

Submission of Expressions of Interest:

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) through the Gambia Public Administration Modernization for Citizen Centric Service Delivery (PAMP) Project PAMP, now invites eligible consulting firms to express interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated February 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with Consultant’s Qualifications Selection Method (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information and Terms of Reference can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 12h30 on Friday.

Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail) on or before 3rd February 2025 at 12h30 GMT

Central Project Coordination Unit

Royal Insurance Building

2nd Floor, Kotu Bertil Harding Highway

The Gambia

Email: [email protected], and [email protected]