Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments, we develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.
Room to Read Zambia Limited is looking for talent as Accounting and Finance Manager – Lusaka
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Lead and guide the Finance and Accounting Department on their day to day functioning;
Train, develop, hire if necessary and supervise the Country Office (CO) Finance & Accounting team;
Oversee the development, approval and implementation of the CO’s annual budget and quarterly forecast in collaboration with the Country Management Team at CO;
Working closely with Country Management Team and Regional counterparts, ensure all finance and accounting activities are consistent with global strategic plan;
Establish a framework for financial analysis and reporting on a regular basis that meets CO, Regional Office and Global Office requirements;
Establish and implement short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies and operating procedures for the CO;
Establish and implement short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies and operating procedures for the CO;
Collaborate with other departments to, for example, align monthly fund forecast with Implementation Calendar, streamline forecasting process and involve other departments in the development of budgets;
Develop, analyze and make recommendations relating to global and local financial policies, procedures and controls to ensure effective and efficient financial operations.
Maintain adequate records related to bookkeeping, expenses, funds, partnership ventures, that are at all times accurate, substantiated, up to date, sufficiently detailed and prepared for random spot checks by internal audit functions
Prepare and submit all financial reporting documents required in a precise and timely manner for e.g. forecasting cash needs on a monthly basis, maintaining required bank balances, processing wire transfers, completing detailed expense reports, completing monthly accounting close timely and related reports, etc.
Advise the Country Director and CMT on all probable risk situations and implications thereof regularly.
Ensure internal processes are adhered to be releasing of payments
Legal matters and related responsibilities.
Coordinate internal audits, external/statutory audits and audits of Partners where applicable.
Oversee the management of the retirement fund, insurance and other payroll related benefits in consultation with the HR Department as applicable.
Check the correctness of the payroll process before salaries are paid
To review and recommend documents related to financial commitment.
Ensure timely closure of all audit observations.
Guide the Accounting Associate to create and manage billing processes (accounts payable/receivable).
Develop deviation to Finance & Accounting Policy Manual (FAPM) in line with local administrative requirements as needed.
Set up and maintain adequate in-country financial reporting in accordance with government regulations if required.
Manage Room to Read’s legal compliance in Zambia; navigate procedures for expansion and complying with all applicable statutes, governmental standards, requirements, and regulations
Comply with RtR Financial and other policies and establish reliable internal control procedures.
Issue staff and program related reimbursements in a timely manner and in accordance with applicable internal guidelines.
Collaborate with GO to identify reputable audit firm and make arrangements for CO audit.
Line Manage and Supervise the Country Finance Team and train the Accounting Associates in Accounting Concepts, Internal Controls, & RTR policies.
Undertake field visits to validate systems and procedures followed, comment on data integrity and train partner/community on applicable accounting and reporting skills.
Collaborate with Office Associate to execute different administrative matters
Lead and/or participate in projects that have departmental, cross-departmental, regional or global impact. Projects that may be considered could be Country Office cost management, etc;
Ensure all relevant Government Acts, Rules, and Regulations like provision of taxation, Value Added Tax etc. are followed Identify and monitor risks relating to legal and statutory compliances;
Ensure that major financial risk issues and gaps in systems as highlighted in the internal audit are addressed;
As a management team member provide inputs towards strategic decision making for the CO;
Make sure that CO agreements with the Government of Zambia are complied with to the extent of financial matters;
Prepare highlights of key business indicators for the organization’s annual report;
Implement relevant accounting standards, audit standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and maintain current knowledge and understanding of accounting and tax regulations, laws, industry trends, practices;
Implement all Financial and Accounting Policy Manual (FAPM), Human Resources and Administrative guidelines;
Make relevant reports to Government, Global Office and Country Director in timely and precise manner;
Ensure complying with OFAC regulations as it applies to RTR Zambia;
Represent Room to Read at relevant meetings and occasionally assist in hosting key donor visits; Any other Accounting and Finance related tasks as advised by the Country Director.
Qualifications:
Required:
Demonstrable accounting skills (a written test forms part of the interview process)
Post Graduate/Advance degree in finance or accounting
A minimum of five years of professional experience in a financial management position
Experience in successful implementation of a wide range of responsibilities in a prior financial services position
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
Preferred:
CIMA/ACCA/CPA/CA qualified
4-6 years related accounting experience in a managerial position, preferably in an INGO
Experience developing and/or implementing large-scale literacy initiatives
How to Apply
Please forward your application and CV to: constance.pola@roomtoread.org before or on 14thNovember 2014.
Due to the anticipated high volume of applicant response, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.