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.

Country Office Accountant

Reporting to the Country Finance Manager the Country Office Accountant will be responsible for the cash and budget management, Resource mobilization financial input, financial reporting and analysis, internal financial controls enhancement, risk management and considering the accounting, budgetary and cost implications of operational plans, advising to achieve optimal value for money.

Accountabilities

1. Budgeting

• Take lead in the preparation and monitoring of the Country office departmental budget ensuring that its operations are budgeted for and consolidated.
• Prepare annual operations budget; consolidating and regularly updating country office departmental annual budgets.
• Monitors expenditure to ensure adherence to budgetary limits.
• Ensures that budgetary allocations are received, expenditures recorded within the financial year.

2. Systems Administration

• Ensure payment requests from the Country Office are processed in line with PIZ’s policies and statutory requirements.
• Update the SAP system in a timely manner; clearing all payments in SAP bank according to the financial procedures.
• Review payments on the Digital payment platforms and notify delegated authorizers for approval as per the set DOA.
• Ensure that all the payment requests are fully supported prior to approval, processing and entry into the system.
• Manage the country office ledgers to ensure that transactions have been done correctly, allocated to the corresponding grant, and that all statutory payments have been made.
• Ensure all payables and receivables are correctly posted in the system within the period of occurrence.
• Reconcile and confirm that all the balance sheet accounts for the Country Office are justified.
• Review all inter-company charges to ensure they are properly authorized and passed to relevant offices timely.
• Coach and train Country Office Assistant Accountant on Plan’s systems, procedures and policies.

3. Cash and Bank Account Management

• Manage the Country Office bank account to ensure sufficient funds are available to support area operations.
• Coordinate the transfer of funds from Country Office to Program Areas; ensuring compliance to the cash management and banking policy management.
• Review and processes expense submissions/reconciliations, and processes field office payments for the assigned portfolio.
• Prepares monthly cash forecasts for the Country Office in line with Plan Zimbabwe’s finance guidelines.
• Prepare bank reconciliation statement and ensure all reconciling items are cleared in subsequent period.
• Review staff advance accountabilities and timely liquidate them in the system.
• Prepare timely accounts reconciliations to ensure cash is available to support the Country Office’s operations.

4. Risk and Compliance Management

• Take responsibility for ensuring that all financial transactions carried out in the Country Office are fully compliant with PIZ policies, donor requirements and the laws of Zimbabwe:
• Monitor all Country Office transactions to ensure that they are all compliant with PIZ’s policies and all non-compliance is promptly highlighted
• Comprehensively map out key Country Office management risks at all levels of PIZ’s financial management particularly cash management risks and implement risk mitigating actions
• Reviews payment requests for accuracy, proper coding and completeness in line with the check list of requirements
• Ensure all relevant taxes are deducted from service provider’s payments and remitted to the statutory organization as per deadlines
• File returns of taxes deducted from service providers within the Country Office as per the statutory set deadlines
• Participate in all projects and statutory audits; providing the necessary information and documentation that would be required.

5. Team Management

• Communicate clear performance expectations to the team, providing training, coaching and other support as required; manage any poor performance firmly but fairly, in line with PIZ’s policy
• Coordinate effectively with others to ensure high performance within PIZ’s matrix operating structure
• Foster an inclusive environment by implementation of policies that provide for diversity and equal opportunities and utilization of a leadership style that will drive employee engagement

6. 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.

Knowlegde

• Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Commerce or Business Administration majoring in Accounting.
• A professional qualification in Accountancy (CPA, ACCA) at intermediate or affiliate level.
• Minimum of 3 years working experience as an Accountant in a busy organization and at a responsible supervisory level is essential.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to pay meticulous attention to detail.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Good communication skills, appropriate to the audience.
• Ability to pay meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and work accordance with laid down procedures.
• Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g.

word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet.

• Ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality.

Behaviours

• Appreciation of child rights

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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 organization 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 maximize 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. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This position is open to Zimbabwean nationals

Location: Zimbabwe (Harare)

Type of role: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 20 November 2023

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.