Jobs in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Finance & Accounting Officer: Africare Zambia

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Africare’s Zambian Maternity Homes (ZaMs) Project is a Phase II implementation and evaluation project in two Saving Mothers Giving Lives (SMGL) Districts in Zambia, funded under the MSD for Mothers and other maternal health donors’ initiative for developing Sustainable Maternity Home Models in Zambia. The Zambian Finance and Accounting Officer (FAO) responsibilities shall be carried out under the direction and supervision of the Africare Zambia Officer In Charge through the Project Director and Donor requirement, and in accordance with generally accepted accounting, administrative and human resource management practices. This position will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day Financial and Administrative management of the Zambia Country Office. The FAO is expected and required to possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed to guide and ensure that the Africare’s in-country finance and administrative staff conduct, prepare manage, record and report all financial transactions including procurement, cash management and payroll in a timely and accurate manner, consistent with the County Office approved budget(s), in accordance with ethical accounting practices, and in full compliance with Africare’s financial, administrative and procurement policies and procedures. The incumbent may also be responsible for reviewing, approving, and obligating project financial resources in accordance with approved budgets. The FAO will also provide oversight of the Human Resources function.

Responsibilities:

As a senior staff member of the Country Office team, he/she will be expected to maintain cordial and productive relations with Africare stakeholders including donors, government, collaborating partnersand communities, adequately espousing Africare principles at all times, and will be required to assist the Officer In Charge and Project Director to inform, review and ensure staff compliance with the
Africare’s Code of Ethics. His/her responsibilities shall be to develop and implement policies, systems and internal control systems to ensure proper accountability. These responsibilities shall include financial, administrative and human resource management. They will involve creating budgets and budget projections, procurement of goods and services for the in-country operation, supervision of finance and administration personnel, preparation of Personnel Action Forms, coordination of in-country travel, preparation of various reports required by headquarters and Donor agencies and support the Officer In Charge and Project Director in the administration of field offices.

Reporting to :Country Officer In Charge through the Project Director

The FAO will be responsible for:

  •  Instilling professional running of the Africare Finance, Administration & Human Resource office
  •  All financial operations of the country office
  •  Timely submission of both Administrative and financial reports
  •  Developing systems of internal financial controls
  • Financial reporting to donors
  •  Caring out internal audits of Field Office Accounts
  •  Carrying out document reviews of all Africare/Zamia payment vouchers, ensuring timely processing,
  •  Tracking all settlements against authorized travel advances, ensuring prompt settlements of advances and supervisory approval prior to supervision for review
  •  Developing, monitoring and reconciling the annual approved budget for Africare/Zambia
  •  Promulgating all policies and manuals concerning administrative and human resource operations.
  •  Policies include but are not limited to travel, procurement, property and vehicle management.
  •  Reviewing and negotiating all procurement contracts as well as grant contracts to ensure compliance with standard contract terms, good business practices and regulations
  •  Establishing controls, approvals and guidelines for all contracts and procurements.
  •  Maintaining all vendor contract files and purchase orders.
  •  Procuring of goods and services for the in-country operation
  •  Maintaining the inventory of all Africare/Zambia property, vehicles and equipment and coordinates the annual physical inventory of all assets.
  •  Managing Africare’s IT assets to ensure efficiency of all staff, including regular preventative maintenance of all IT equipment and quick resolutions to IT problems
  •  Planning, supervising and scheduling all work assignments for Administration and Finance staff to ensure timely completion, high quality work and responsiveness.
  •  Any other duties as assigned by the Officer In Charge.

Qualifications:

  •  She/he must have a Diploma in Accounts (ATD), CPA, CMA, NATECH, or ACCA. A highly motivated and experienced individual is required.
  • She/he must be computer literate, proficiency with
  •  Accounting packages including payroll software, word processing, excel spreadsheets and database.
  •  Good verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills a must.
  •  Prior Work Experience and Other Requirements:
  •  5yrs experience in Senior Management position, project accounting, administration, preparation of prime books of accounts, and attending to audits.
  •  Membership of a professional body and effective Oral and Written communication.
  •  Higher qualifications such as Accounting Degree (Bachelor’s or Masters) are an added advantage.
  •  Effective communicator with well-developed verbal, written and presentation skills with the English language.
  •  Appropriate knowledge and skills in using computer software and systems for accounting,preparation of financial statements and payroll reporting and systems.
  •  Demonstrated experience and proficiency using with Microsoft Excel, Word and QuickBooks is necessary.
  •  A demonstrated track record in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate and foundation grants is essential.
  •  Valid Driver’s license.

How to Apply:

Applications should include a CV and cover letter. In the cover letter (of no more than two pages in length), the candidate should briefly describe his or her motivation for the position and highlight relevant experience.
Please send CVs to [email protected], including “Finance & Administrative Officer” in the subject line. Closing date for all applications is June 15, 2015 with priority date of June 3, 2015. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.