Accountant Southern African Social Protection Experts Network (SASPEN)

Background

The Southern African Social Protection Experts Network (SASPEN), is a non-profit loose alliance of stakeholders, scholars and consultants who engage with social protection, through promoting, fostering, expanding and improving social protection in the SADC region and beyond. As a network, SASPEN links social protection experts and institutions. Activities of the network include country workshops, international conferences, seminars, publications, joint research and dissemination of information on social protection.

SASPEN is looking to engage an Accountant to support financial management at Secretariat. The Accountant will be responsible for overall financial management functions of SASPEN, under direct supervision of the Network Coordinator.

2.0 Terms of Reference/Duties of Accountant

Key areas of accountability:

Filing and reports

• Ensure that all cash payments and deductions are made
• Administer, balance and reconcile petty cash monthly
• Filing of all financial documents and vouchers
• Data capturing
• Perform reconciliations of all bank accounts on a monthly basis
• Print reports from Agresso and prepare monthly financial statements
• Prepare project financial report at the end of project

Payments:

• Prepare all online and cheque payments
• Ensure all payments are correctly coded, approved and support documents attached
• Ensure sufficient funds in bank account to be able to make payments

Compliance:

• Facilitate adherence to legal obligations ZRA, NHI, NAPSA, WC
• Ensure that all payments and forms are submitted to the relevant authority before deadlines

Financial Reporting:

• Perform reconciliation of all bank and petty cash accounts
• Draft monthly financial statements to Network coordinator for verification and approval
• Assist in drafting other financial reports as requested
• Draft financial statements to be submitted to donors on a monthly basis and assist in drafting adhoc financial reports on time and accurately.

Audit Assistance:

• Prepare for audit, participate in meetings and assist auditors
• Attend audit planning meetings.
• Prepare accounts and exhibits for audit review
• Supply relevant data to onsite auditor.
• Together with the board chairperson and the network coordinator review draft audit report.
• Responsible to conduct donors funded project internal and external audits as per donor requirements and ensure that the management letter issues are followed up and resolved/implemented.

3.0 Required Skills and Competences

• A Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Accounting or Business Administration from a recognised University. Postgraduate or professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CIS or equivalent would be an added advantage.
• Must be a member of Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).
• At least 5 years relevant experience working for an INGO.
• Strong accounting skills and experience, including management of the general ledger, journal entries, payroll, payables and balance sheet.
• Strong background in external donor reporting for international NGO and experience working with major donors is an added advantage.
• Good financial management skills with knowledge of computer accounting packages and good understanding of government budgets and tax policies
• Proven ability to work with a team under minimal supervision and being able to prioritize work and meet tight deadlines.
• Good management and negotiating skills.
• Good financial management skills with knowledge of computer accounting packages and national tax policies.
• Proven ability to work with a team under minimal supervision and being able to prioritize work and meet tight deadlines.
• The post holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.