Project Accountant ActionAid Zambia

ActionAid Zambia (AAZ) is part of the ActionAid Global (AAG) Federation, sharing common values and aims to drive social change towards a just, equitable and sustainable world. AAZ works with the marginalized, excluded women and young people, their organizations, and social movements to address the structural causes of social injustice, gender inequality and poverty.

ActionAid Zambia has a vacancy for an experienced and suitably qualified Zambian to take up the following position:

1.0 POSITION: PROJECT ACCOUNTANT

Duration 24 months
Location: Lusaka

1.1. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The RISE Project Accountant will oversee the financial management and control for the project; verify all expenses and receipts and ensure they are allocated to their cost centres, accounts, and budget lines in line with ActionAid Zambia financial policies and procedures.

1.2 SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Prepare and monitor project budget, project cash flows, year-to-date spending, and funding requests to ensure that the project has adequate budgets to implement related activities throughout the year by ensuring project Bank Accounts (PBAS) are updated and reconciled and informs the project manager on the status of funds commitment.
• Prepare and analyse accounting records and other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and compliance with AAZ, and donor-specific reporting and procedural standards & requirements, by ensuring project-related payments are done on time and transactions are properly recorded and posted in the Sun System.
• Review the projects related financial transactions to ensure that they fall within the approved scope of project activities and donor requirements and that they comply with the financial procedures and Finance and Procurement Policies requirements.
• Prepare and analyse monthly and quarterly project financial reports for their accuracy and adequacy, before submitted to donor, in respect to full disclosure and that they present a true and fair view of the activities of the grant for the respective period.
• Facilitate internal and external auditors and provide relevant information as far as an audit is concerned and ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations.
• Participate in proposal writing with the view to provide financial advice and develop project lifetime budget in line with AAZ and Donor budgeting templates and guidelines in case of extension and/or project budget amendment.
• Maintain efficient management of project Assets and conduct a regular inventory to reconcile sun system reports and physical count of assets as per AAZ’s asset policy and procedures and maintain an updated asset register and ensure proper management of inventory and fuel.
• Train and provide ongoing technical assistance through field visits to partners on financial management best practices to strengthen their capacity.
• Flexible approach to work, willing to play a full role in ensuring the success of the team

1.3 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Full ACCA or CIMA or ZICA and bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting plus 3-5 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, preferably in an international non-profit organization.
• At least two years’ working experience with USAID funded project.
• Member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA)

1.4 ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILL

• Ability to effectively communicate financial information to non-financial officers.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and summarize financial records for accuracy and compliance to procedures, rules and regulations.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and partners.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience with MS Office package software applications with advanced skills using Microsoft Excel.
• Working knowledge of the Sun system accounting package is an added value.
• Good track record in delivering accurate, high-quality work and reports to deadlines and to required standards.

1.5 OTHER REQUISITE COMPETENCES

• Demonstrate understanding of the AAZ’s priorities and goals and effectively analyses complex problems.
• Overcome resistance to change by involving others, listening and building commitment.
• Motivates and develops employees.
• Expresses ideas clearly and concisely; disseminates information about decisions and plans.
• Has personal direction and is not easily side-tracked by details or workload.
• Acts in accordance with stated values; follows through on promises; uses ethical considerations to guide decisions and actions.