Senior Accountant

Job Title: Senior Accountant

Department/Unit: Finance

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Duration: Full-Time position

Reports to: Finance Manager

Background:

John Snow Health Zambia (JSH) with support from USAID through the eSCMIS Project will continue assisting the Government of the Republic of Zambia in the rollout of a next-generation electronic supply chain management information system (eSCMIS). The eSCMIS Project aims to increase the use of health services, decrease disease burden and increase quality of life through ensuring appropriate quantities and quality of health commodities are available at health facilities to meet patient demands. Continuing the rollout of and provision of technical support to the existing eLMIS will enable a seamless transition from the activities being done under predecessor projects. Establishing public private partnerships to promote sustainability and eSCMIS transition to the government are key objectives in Zambia during this 5-year project plan. The eSCMIS Project will work closely with and in support of the Ministry of Health.

Position Description:

JSH seeks a dynamic and highly experienced candidate for the position of Senior Accountant to be based in Lusaka, Zambia. The Senior Accountant will support the finance team in the oversight of all JSH financial activities.  S/he will undertake JSI financial operations and responds to questions regarding financial matters from COP, DCOP, Director Operations and other project staff. The Senior Accountant will report to the Finance Manager and help in achieving the project’s goals and objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities, but not limited to;

• Oversee the project’s financial databases and perform data analysis of accounts.
• Perform staff advances analysis, reporting and follow up on retirements and all expenditure reports
• Posting of all financial data into QuickBooks and participate in monthly and yearly accounts closure of QuickBooks
• Prepares and submits monthly reconciliation of all control accounts and month end reports for review by Finance Manager
• Monitors and reports on vendor payment schedules and obligations.
• Provide first level review of all invoices, advances and reimbursements, cheques, wire transfer payments and VAT Local Purchase Orders for approval and processing (prepared by the Accountant) ensuring accuracy and timely execution.
• Work with Procurement team to ensure compliance with operations manual, that invoices are paid in a timely manner and escalate any delays of vendor payments/other issues to the Finance Manager.
• Perform cashflow management and treasury duties by monitoring bank account, initiating transfers, negotiating exchange rates for foreign currency transactions and preparation of cash flow forecasts and expenditure analysis for planning purposes and to ensure liquidity all the time,
• Review and verify inventory by performing regular physical counts and updating QuickBooks
• Ensures compliance with all project statutory requirements, including employee taxes, WHT, and NAPSA.
• Process monthly payroll and statutory submissions
• Reconcile payroll accruals and prepayment accounts
• Assist with internal and external audits and reporting
• Ensure financial and month end reporting are concluded and submitted to senior management by 10^th of every month on timely basis
• Review of monthly E-record documentation through e-filing system and ensure files are in chronological order.
• Manage and maintain trackers for vendors.
• Assist with the development and implementation of new/revised accounting policies procedures and internal controls
• Maintain and monitor system of internal controls.
• Monitor electronic timesheets and following up with staff to ensure that timesheets are filled regularly
• Regularly review accounting transactions to ensure costs are allowable and reasonable
• Develop the monthly invoice to USAID
• Support the Finance Manager in financial reporting process to donors
• Implement and adhere to JSH’s personnel and fraud management policies.
• Be alert for continuous developments in the financial management systems, where necessary and inform supervisor and management of imminent changes in the operating environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Finance Manager or other senior staff.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Accounting/Finance, full CIMA or ACCA or related
• A minimum of 7 – 10 years working experience with a USAID
• Excellent verbal and written English.
• Ability to take initiative and work and lead teams.
• Strong computer skills including Quick Books, Excel, Word, and Power point applications.
• The ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision and demonstrate discretion with common sense in discharging assigned responsibilities. Incumbent must recognize the need to consult and seek for help from superiors when in doubt.
• Audit and investigations skills
• Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented and high degree of accuracy
• Experience in accounting for projects funded by international donors (knowledge of USAID regulations preferred)
• Demonstrated strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Strong team player

Supervision and Reporting:

The Senior Accountant will work under the guidance and supervision of the Finance Manager.

Mode of Application:

Apply online from this link. Your application should consist of a cover letter and CV with three references and full addresses and contact information.

Closing Date:  November 19, 2021

Please do not apply if you do not meet the minimum requirements. Only candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks after the closing date, kindly assume that your application was not successful.

John Snow Health Zambia, Limited is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, genetic information, political affiliation, or military status (special disabled veterans or veteran status) in any employment decisions.