10 In accordance with Financial Rule VII - Internal Control, the Comptroller, ADG/GMG and Regional Directors have the delegated authority from the Director-General to open Imprest accounts. Any requests for the creation of a new Imprest account must therefore be sent for approval to the Comptroller or ADG/GMG for headquarters or the appropriate Regional Director for regional/country offices. The reason for opening the Imprest bank account is included as part of the account opening request (see X.1.1 Bank accounts).
20 Imprest bank and cash accounts are normally established in the local currency used in the country of operation. However, accounts in other currencies such as US Dollars or Euros may also be opened depending on the local requirements.
30 An Imprest account is opened in the name of the World Health Organization and not under the name of individual staff members. Each Imprest account has a designated Imprest Holder who is accountable for all funds under their responsibility.
40 A panel of signatories is designated by the controlling office for each Imprest account and provided to the bank. Administrative changes to local Imprest accounts, such as the opening or closure of the account, updating signatory panels etc., are only permitted with the approval of the Comptroller or ADG/GMG for headquarter accounts or the Regional Director for regional/country office accounts in line with the relevant delegation of authority.
50 A ceiling is established for each Imprest bank account at a minimum amount which is considered sufficient to cover general operational costs paid at the local level and payments made on behalf of the Global Service Center. The ceiling is set at 1.5 times the months average estimated monthly disbursements (based on the past 12 month’s expenditure). The Chief Finance for headquarter controlled accounts, or the Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) for regional accounts, may authorize variations from this limit based on local conditions, given appropriate justification. Controlling offices should review ceiling levels on a regular basis and take necessary action to revise the ceilings when necessary. At a minimum, ceiling levels for each Imprest bank account are reviewed on an annual basis. It is suggested that Imprest cash accounts also be assigned a ceiling although it is not considered mandatory.
