Position: Commercial Accountant
Organisation: African Parks, Greater Kafue Landscape Ltd
Location: Kafue National Park
Reporting To: Senior Financial Controller
Key Relationships
1. Park Manager, Regional Financial Controller, Commercial Manager, DNPW Revenue Collectors;
2. All statutory regulatory bodies
3. External Auditors;
4. Heads of Departments;
5. APN Headquarters, Johannesburg.
Background
African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the complete rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. The organization currently manages 23 national parks and protected areas across 13 countries in Africa, covering over 20 million hectares. These include Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Objectives
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Financial Controller, the Commercial Accountant will supervise revenue collection activities in order to enhance accountability of commercial revenue for the Greater Kafue Landscape LTD.
Key Responsibilities
1. Revenue Reporting
Ensure that all the revenue collection/reporting activities below are done in accordance the with the African Parks- Ministry of Tourism agreement, Statutory Instruments (SIs) and Tourism Operators Concession Agreements
1.1. Supervise Revenue Collection and Banking Activities
Provide oversight and monitoring of revenue collection and banking operations carried out by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) Assistant Accountant(s). Ensure that all collected funds are banked promptly and in full compliance with established financial controls and procedures as well as the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
1.2. Verify Accuracy of Revenue Records
Conduct thorough verification and reconciliation of the revenue collected against the amounts banked. Investigate and resolve any discrepancies to ensure financial integrity and accurate reporting.
1.3. Compile Monthly Revenue Statistics
Prepare detailed monthly reports consolidating all revenue collected, broken down by specific revenue streams (e.g., park entry fees, concession fees, accommodation charges, etc.). Ensure these statistics are accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with financial records.
1.4. Facilitate Revenue Reconciliations with DNPW
Ensure that quarterly reconciliation review meetings between African Parks and DNPW representatives are conducted to validate and confirm revenue figures before invoices are sent to the Ministry of Tourism. Document any follow-up actions to ensure transparent financial collaboration.
1.5. Coordinate Submission of Operator Statistics
Ensure that all park operators submit their monthly statistics (e.g., number of visitors, services used) by the 26th of each month. Review and verify the submitted data for accuracy and completeness before forwarding it to the Commercial Accountant for billing purposes.
1.6. Ensure Timely Invoicing and Account Updates
Oversee the timely issuance of invoices by the DNPW Commercial Officer
The CA shall share the raised invoices and update statements to all park operators by the 14th of each month. Follow up to ensure that these are received and resolve any billing-related inquiries or disputes professionally and efficiently.
Maintain accurate and organized records of all issued Invoices for audit and reference purposes.
1.7. Manage Receipt Issuance Process
Ensure that official payment receipts are issued by the DNPW Commercial Officer promptly upon confirmation of payment
The CA share the receipt/s with and an updated statement for the operator
Maintain accurate and organized records of all issued Receipts for audit and reference purposes.
1.8. Prepare Debtors’ Reports
Compile and maintain comprehensive consolidated debtors’ statements, clearly outlining outstanding balances and payment histories. Submit these reports to SFC/ Commercial Manager to support decision-making and debt recovery planning.
1.9. Produce Monthly Financial Summaries for Reporting
Generate accurate and well-documented monthly revenue summaries for inclusion in Serenic ( the African Parks accounting software). Ensure that these summaries reflect current financial activities and support broader financial reporting and analysis functions
2. Other accounting operations
- Ensure rotations in the department for leave by performing other tasks
- Perform any other task requested by the hierarchy
3. Other control tasks
- Review procedures to ensure they exist and are being applied
- Propose the revision of procedures if necessary
Qualifications and Requirements
1. Degree in Accounting or related field and 5 years of experience. (ACCA, CIMA or ZICA will be added advantage)
2. Must be a registered member of ZICA.
3. Previous demonstrated experience in a similar role or Audit.
4. Result-oriented and focused, with the ability to follow guidelines and controls required of the position.
5. Budgeting, financial analysis, and MS Excel skills required.
6. Proficiency with accounting softwares.
7. Demonstrated team player with effective cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
8. Ability to follow guidelines and controls required of the position.
9. High level of integrity and impeccable record in previous accounting positions.
10. IT – Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook.
