Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity.

We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. In Zimbabwe, we have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 31 years. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity.

Assistant Accountant – Digital Skills 4 Youth Project

Location: Harare Program Area

Job Description

Reporting to the Grant Accountant, the Assistant Accountant is responsible for providing timely and reliable information, maintaining accurate records of financial transactions through establishing accounts and posting transactions in the accounting system for the Program Area. The role involves delivering results from operations in the Program Area with a level of effecting thinking required. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing donor compliance at all levels according to Plan International Zimbabwe’s approved policies / procedures and donor requirements

Accountabilities

Systems Administration

Receive and process payment requests in a timely manner and in line with PIZ’s policies and statutory requirements, uploading the payments to the financial and banking systems:

• Receive payment requests and liaise with the requestor to assist them in verification of the accompanying documentation and submit requests for review and approval
• Initiating payments in SAP in line with the approved requests
• Prepare and enter Journal entries into SAP for cash receipts and inter-company charges
• Print off the electronically generated payment vouchers that are attached to the payment request and maintained in the corresponding file
• Prepare and enter Journal entries into SAP for cash receipts and inter-company charges

Cash and Bank Account Management

Support the effective processing of approved cash requests from the field offices; ensuring its availability, disbursement and accountability

• Support the Accountant in collating all the requests from the field offices; ensuring a timely disbursement of the approved funds to field offices
• Prepare cheques, mobile money and Business on line payments
• Track bank deposits and receipts, ensuring a timely acknowledgement of receipt to the corresponding depositors

Record Keeping and Financial archives

Manage the record keeping and archive of the Program Area financial records, ensuring that all documentation is secured confidentially and can be easily retrieved as required:

• Review financial documents to ensure completeness and stamp them to verify readiness for filing
• Ensure all documentation is filed according to PIZ’s procedures, organising files so that they are easily accessible and moving outdated files into the archive
• On request, assist with the retrieval of documents making copies if the requestor needs them and taking personal responsibility for ensuring that documents are returned to the correct place after use
• Keep alert for unauthorised access and inform the Accountant in case of problems or concerns

Risk and Compliance Management

Support in identification of PIZ’s country program area related financial risks and support the development and implementation of risk-management controls and practices:

• Implement financial processes to enhance compliance with donor expectations by assessing financial documentation prior to disbursements of funds
• Support in the implementation of the actions based on the audits relating to the Program area
• Support in all projects and statutory audits; providing the necessary documentation that would be required
• Participate in inventory stock takes and asset verification at least annually
• Reconcile inter-company charges with the programme area finance
• Monitor partner advances and review partner liquidation reports for completeness and adherence to policy and follow up on outstanding issues.

Safeguarding, Gender Equality and Inclusion

• Ensure that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy, including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes but is not limited to ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies, and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in commerce, Business Administration, accounting, any other related field.
• Part professional qualification in accountancy e.g. CPA or ACCA,
• Practical experience of book keeping and a good understanding of donor funding management
• At least two years’ experience of working as a Finance Officer / assistant preferably within an NGO.
• Good understanding of financial and procurement systems, with a good track record of complying with relevant procedures and controls.

Skills

• Analytical skills
• Communication skills, appropriate to the audience
• Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant accounting software package

Behaviours

• Gains, develops and retains credibility about his/her performance
• Acts as a good team player, communicating effectively and being open and supportive towards those around them; is aware of the potential impact of their behaviour on others and makes sensitive choices

PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES IN PRACTICE

We are open and accountable

1. Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
2. Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
3. Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
4. Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
5. Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people.

We strive for lasting impact

1. Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
2. Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
3. Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
4. Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

1. Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
2. Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
3. Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
4. Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

1. We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential.
2. We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace.
3. We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and change their own lives.

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are required to submit their curriculum vitae & cover letter outlining their suitability for the position. Plan International takes very seriously the responsibility and duty to ensure that we and anyone who represents us does not in any way harm or place at risk children and young people. In this regard, reference & background checks will be performed including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Safeguarding Policy.

This position is open to Zimbabwean nationals

Location: Zimbabwe (Harare)

Type of role: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 11 August 2023

Please note that Plan International does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.