Assistant Accountant Ministry of Finance

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

RURAL FINANCE EXPANSION PROGRAMME

IFAD Loan No. 2000000429-ZM

Spanish Fund Loan No. 2000000430-ZM

BACKGROUND

The Rural Finance Expansion Programme (RUFEP) is a follow up of the Rural Finance Programme (RFP) that completed its implementation on 30 September 2013. The Financing Agreement for the Rural Finance Expansion Programme (RUFEP) between the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (FAD) and the Spanish Food Security Facility Trust Fund (SFSFTF) was signed on 22 July 2014. The Programme was declared effective on 22 July 2014 upon signing of the Financing Agreement and its development goal and objective is to improve rural livelihoods through increased access to, and use of, sustainable financial services by rural men, women and youth.

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning (MoFNP) through the Investment and Debt Management Department is the Lead Programme Agency and has overall responsibility for the implementation of the Programme. In line with the Financing Agreement and following extension of Programme Implementation date to 30 September 2023, the MoFNP invites applications to fill the vacant position of Assistant Accountant.

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Accountant

Duration: Less than 1 year

Contract: Less than one-year contract, with six months probation period, renewable based on agreed performance targets and funds availability.

Reports to: Financial Controller

Purpose

The Assistant Accountant will report to the Financial Controller. He/She will be responsible for posting accounting entries to various ledgers in the programme accounting system following established policies and procedures. Specifically, the Assistant Accountant will be required to update the books of accounts and records in a timely manner and to prepare financial returns so as to ensure effective management of the Programme finances. Further, the Assistant Accountant is also responsible for all banking work as well as safeguarding of programme assets.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. To post on a timely basis al financial transactions to the Ledger accounts;

2. To prepare books of accounts up to Trial Balance level on a monthly basis

3. To update on a regular basis al financial records and ensure they are properly maintained

4. To file and ensure safe custody of all financial records and documents

5. Responsible for preparation of all payments in compliance with established policies and procedures
and ensure accountability of all imprests

6. Responsible for all banking work as official agent of the Rural Finance Expansion Programme

7. Responsible for Bank reconciliations on a monthly basis,

8. Responsible for disbursements of funds to Implementing Agencies and ensure full accountability of the funds disbursed by way of thorough review of the returns

9. Preparation of Statements of Expenditures (SOES;

10. Responsible for the review and validation of all financial requests claims

11. To maintain the registers of fored assets and contracts;

12. To assist the Financial Controller in preparing for annual statutory audit

13. Support the Financial Controller in the continuous improvement and enhancement of the Programme financial systems

14. Assist the Financial Controller in preparation of Withdrawal Applications for submission to the financier, IFAD

15. Responsible for updating of cash books and providing cash position information to management

16. Responsible for renewal of annual Bank mandates by 31 January of each year,

17. Responsible for preparation of payroll for Programme staff and ensure compliance with statutory
obligations;

18. Responsible for managing staff debtors’ register and ensure repayments as appropriate

19. Ensure annual renewals of vehicle insurance and other such service contracts

20. To assist in procurement related duties

21. Responsible for tracking and safe custody of programme assets by ensuring that all assets are
distinctively labelled as appropriate, and

22. Carry out any other duties that may be assigned by the Programme Coordinator

Minimum Qualifications

• Grade 12 School Certificate with Five O Levels .
• Must be below 55 years
• Minimum Diploma level of Accounting
• Part qualification CA ZICA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent (at least level II)
• Minimum three (3) years’ work experience involving management of donor funded projects with support from IFAD. AFDB or World Bank at Assistant Accountant or Accountant Level
• Fully paid up member of ZICA and must demonstrate proof of valid membership
• Demonstrate knowledge of accounting packages (e.g.ACCPAC, Pastel, SUN Systems)

Skills and Experience

• Computational skills, ability to operate Microsoft Windows, ie. MS Word, Excel (as a minimum)
• Analytical skills
• Excellent oral and written communication in the English Language
• Pro-active, good communication and problem-solving capabilities
• Self-motivated and full of initiative and able to work with minimal supervision
• Team player and good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Resourceful, well organised and task oriented
• Excellent oral and written communication in the English Language