Diocesan Accountant Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia (ADEZ)

JOB VACANCY

POSITION: Diocesan Accountant
LOCATION: Chipata
TYPE: Full-Time/Contractual renewable based on Performance
DEADLINE: 31st March 2025

ABOUT US:
Founded in 1995 after being curved from the Diocese of Lusaka, the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia (ADEZ) is one of the five dioceses in Zambia. The Diocese has existed for nearly thirty (30) years, with two Bishops leading it at various stages. The Diocese elected a new Bishop in June 2024, marking a new phase of the Diocese’s Transformational Leadership and Sustainable Development.

The Diocese also runs Social Justice programs, Education, Health, and development. ADEZ believes in the power of missions and development through integrated Mission and Development to support strong families, Churches, and Communities (John 10:10b) to promote human dignity and holistic ministry.
To realise the dream and vision of ‘Transformational Leadership through Mission and Sustainable Development, the Diocese has established human resource and financial management systems to meet the aspirations of today’s organisational compliance mechanism to enhance efficiency and effective organisational development of ADEZ.
We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Accountant to join our team and help us manage our financial resources effectively to maximize our impact.
ADEZ seeks a dynamic, detail and results-oriented Diocesan Accountant with multitasking experience to lead the growth phase program of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia.

ABOUT THE JOB
The Diocesan Accountant will work closely with the Office of the Bishop, Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Treasurer and other Church structures, such as the Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Standing Committee, Church Groups, Guilds Departments, and Social Development Wings in the diocese.

• Work with the Finance and Investment Committee, Diocesan Treasurer, and Senior leadership team to ensure that financial accounts are produced. Coordinate the consolidation of financials and all investments, including full commentary and reports showing the aged debtors and creditors for each, with an update of actions taken in the month.
• Overseeing all financial control activities, including reviewing and analysing monthly and quarterly numbers and disclosures.
• Ensure all accruals and prepayments are posted for all subsidiary companies to allow the production of the accounts as highlighted above.
• Provide/prepare meaningful cash flow forecasts and statements for accounts and all subsidiary investments.
• Provide management with accurate and comprehensive financial information to guide effective policy making, including data on the diocese’s cash position and commentary to be reported.
• Manage the payroll via the external agency, ensuring all control accounts are reconciled, and any recharges are carried out monthly.
• Working with the Bishop and diocesan Treasurer alongside the Finance Senior Leadership team to ensure data accuracy, supporting the budgets and forecasts and financial year-end consolidation.
• Tax preparation duties and submission of returns.
• Provide meaningful reports to committees as required.
• Liaison and point of contact for external auditors.
• Input into the Management of the transactional processing team via a matrix management structure.

1) To ensure that all transactions are managed and processed as appropriate and that monthly reconciliations and reports are produced
2) Ensure all debts are chased promptly
3) Ensure all purchase invoices are paid as appropriate

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a qualified and experienced professional, the Diocesan Accountant will play a key role in supporting the Diocesan Treasurer in the delivery of financial accounts, overseeing accounting activities, ensuring that ledgers accurately reflect money coming in and out of the Diocese, and developing financial information.

• The role is part of our critical staff, who are responsible for providing Professional Support Services and assistance to parishes and diverse local community projects that serve the broader mission of the Diocese.
• The post-holder is expected to ensure financial compliance with statutory and financial Law and internal and external deadlines.
  The job holder’s responsibilities include compiling and presenting financial analysis, forecasting and summarising budget trends, analysing deficiencies and reporting variances.
• Overseeing all financial control activities, including the review and analysis of monthly and quarterly numbers and disclosures, providing treasury management and cashflow analysis, delivering to management accurate and comprehensive financial information to guide effective policy-making, liaising with the external auditors with the necessary documentation and support, tax preparation duties and other financial ad-hoc reports as required by the Diocesan Treasurer and the Diocesan Standing Committee.
• The post holder is expected to represent and work under the ethos of the Diocese of Eastern Zambia and maintain the highest financial management standards.
• Prepare and maintain accurate financial records, including ledgers, accounts payable/receivable, and bank reconciliations.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.
• Monitor and manage the organization’s budget, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and financial policies.
• Conduct regular audits of financial transactions and ensure adherence to organizational policies.
• Support grant management by tracking expenses, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
• Collaborate with program managers to provide financial insights and support decision-making.
• Assist in preparing tax returns and compliance with all financial regulations.
  Contribute to the development of financial policies and procedures to enhance organizational efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Aged between 35 and 50 years
• Grade 12 School Certificate
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A member of ZICA.
• Minimum four (4) to five (5) years experience
• Zambia Qualifications Authority Validated Qualifications.
• Membership of the relevant body is a requirement.
• Proven experience as an Accountant, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, practices, and regulations.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The successful applicant must bring the following skills and experience:

• Proven 5 years experience in senior leadership and management of an organisation of a significant size
• Experience in successful strategic planning and delivery
• A delivery record and the ability to lead changes in pursuing excellence.
• Experience in financial and budgetary strategic decision-making at the senior management level
• Excellent and effective communication and writing skills.
• The ability to communicate with a diverse audience.
• Strong negotiating, advocacy and influencing skills.
• Elevated level of numeracy and IT skills
• Experience in successfully managing a range of varied and competing priorities.
• A strong understanding of how complex governance structures and processes can serve the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the Anglican Church and a committed Christian

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Vocationally motivated with the ability to demonstrate humility, an attitude of service and integrity
• Resilient with the ability to resource oneself and manage working boundaries.
• Emotionally intelligent, relational, inclusive, and collaborative
• Able to work as both a team member and team leader.
• Able to navigate and relate across a complex network of structures and relationships.
• Ability to think creatively as well as strategically.
• Able to drive and seek improvement and deliver change.
• Understand the importance of confidentiality.

WHY JOIN US?

At the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia (ADEZ), you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a difference in the Church and Community. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to contribute to meaningful programs and projects that impact the lives and faith of the people we serve.