ABOUT CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL
Children International Zambia, herein referred to as CIZ, is an affiliate of Children International (CI), a global nonprofit that delivers child and youth development programming to break the cycle of generational poverty, headquartered in Kansas City, USA,
Children International serves 218,000 young people in 10 countries around the world for the first two decades of their lives. By providing access to resources that include health care, education, and life and job skills, we are equipping them to eventually become sustainably employed adults, as we empower young people to transform their lives, we also are strengthening their families and communities.
Children International’s work to end poverty for good is made possible by approximately 3,800 dedicated volunteers and by generous sponsors, donors, corporations and partner organizations. Our mission is also carried out by 1,300 employees worldwide. To ensure that our programs continue giving children and youth the best possible chance, we are growing our people talent. That’s where you come in.
As a locally registered entity, CIZ boasts of a dedicated team of over 70 staff and 200+ volunteers. The organization operates offices and programs that support more than 17,000 young people across different communities in Lusaka namely - George, Kanyama and Chibolya.
THE CAREER OPPORTUNITY
The Accounting Officer, employed by CI-Zambia, will join the agency at a pivotal moment as it implements new Child Path strategies designed to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability for the benefit of over 17,000 sponsored children in Lusaka.
Reporting directly to the Accounting Manager, this role requires close coordination and collaboration with colleagues across the organization—including the Agency Director, department managers, program leads, service area coordinators, and field officers—while ensuring full compliance with CI-Zambia policies, particularly those related to child safeguarding
Key accountabilities
Bookkeeping
· Encode all approved payment requests, cash receipts and reclassification adjustments using D365.
· Assist the Accounting Manager in the preparation of Annual Budgets.
. Keep accurate control of electronic payments, and other accounting formats
Payroll and Banking
· Prepare and execute the monthly payroll and send payment slips to Agency employees.
· Act as bank main point of contact by liaising with the bank’s officials on outstanding issues, if required by the Accounting Manager.
· Support Accounting Manager in keeping adequate control of signatories and permissions in all Agency bank accounts, if so requested.
Asset and Inventory Management
· Encoding fixed assets in D365 and generate various reports.
· Supporting the Accounting Manager by implementing the Internal Control Schedule approved for the year, which includes performing surprise inventory count of the stocks at the warehouse and random petty cash counts.
Compliance and Statutory Payments and Reports
· Upload online/physical payments for statutory payouts promptly.
· Prepare and submit tax-related forms for suppliers and professionals.
· Generate reports such as monthly withholding taxes, quarterly income tax returns, and supplier lists using relevant systems.
· Facilitate annual registration of accounting books and statutory compliance documentation.
· Prepare/process tax exemption revalidation documentation when applicable.
Bank Reconciliation and Filing
· Review bank reconciliations prepared by third-party consultants or affiliate agencies.
· File all approved vendor authorizations and Microsoft dynamics System journal reports.
· Prepare annual compliance certifications, if applicable.
· Maintain organized filing of online payment and physical vouchers
Audit Support
· Assist the external and internal auditors during audit, providing all vouchers required by them.
· Prepare for audits by visiting centers on a regular basis per agreed scope of center audit
· Accompany the auditor/s during audit visits/interviews to randomly selected beneficiaries.
· Attend Auditors’ queries on issues pertaining to payments and providing necessary documents and information when requested upon.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND KEY SKILLS:
· Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or any related field.
· Professional accounting qualifications (e.g. ZICA, ACCA and CIMA Level 2)
· ZICA membership of at least Licentiate
· Minimum 3 years of experience in accounting with exposure to reporting, invoicing, and data entry.
· Excellent computer skills; experience in accounting software, Microsoft Office Suite
· Proficiency with accounting software and experience with software system implementation is a plus
· Good knowledge and application of accounting, cost accounting principles and norms such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and relevant Local Accounting standards
· Good written and verbal communication skills
· Good knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting, best practices, laws, standards, and state/national regulations
· Time management and planning skills with the ability to prioritize, work under pressure and ensure adherence to deadlines and turnaround time without compromising quality.
· Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems, processes, and procedures, coupled with a growth mindset characterized by openness, humility, and courage to embrace change.
· Self-motivated and proactive with a high level of compassion, empathy, integrity and passion to work on complex social causes, especially the cause of children and youth.
Organizational Policies
· Strictly observe confidentiality and strong ethics with respect to all participant information, financial reports, and other organizational data.
· Comply with and ensure adherence to the organization’s policies, safety and security protocols and child safeguarding norms and guidelines by self and other stakeholders both internal and external.
· Value other cultures and demonstrate respect while relating with all organizational constituents irrespective of their race, color, faith, gender, sexual orientation, age, caste, abilities, experiences, beliefs, and ethnicity.
Travel Requirement: No major travel is required. The Accounting officer is required to visit the field as part of the internal control schedule.
JOB INFORMATION
· Department: Accounting
· Reports to: Accounting Manager
· Grade: 5
· Type of Engagement: 2 years contract renewable
Children International firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, caste, gender, sexual orientation, creed, disability or any other protected category pursuant to applicable national, state or local law.Children International – Zambia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and associates to share this commitment.
