Assistant Accountant

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- BMZ Youth Economic Empowerment and Social Cohesion (YEES): Chiredzi Program Area

Reporting to the Program Area Accountant, the Assistant Accountant will be responsible for payments, forecasting, asset management, reporting and assisting grants cash and budget management, grant financial reporting, field visits and community capacity building under the BMZ Youth Economic Empowerment and Social Cohesion (YEES) grant.

Accountabilities
Monitor budget versus expenditure for the grant and prepare project monthly financial monitoring report. (Budget Versus Actual expenditure).
Reviews the Youth Economic Empowerment and Social Cohesion (YEES) budgets for the grant and budget modifications and submit the same to Finance Manager for incorporation into YEES global budgets
Reviews grant and project financial reports in the accounting system for accurate donor expenditure reporting, reconciling and ensuring timeous resolution of queries in liaison with other relevant functions.
Perform timely processing of payments and journals in SAP.
Perform balance sheet reconciliation to ensure that grant advances, accruals, prepayments are posted timely

Perform cash management function, maintaining bank and cash balances to levels sufficient to meet program requirements and cash threshold.
Ensure YEES project liquidations are submitted within 3 months as per BMZ guideline.
Perform bank reconciliations, general ledger reconciliations and cash requests from donors ensuring that financial resources are utilized and invested efficiently.
Reviews cash disbursements for accuracy and completeness.
Supports in reviewing procurement requests and commitments of goods and services in accordance with PLAN procurement procedures and donor requirements.
Ensure compliance to donor requirements on financial issues for the grant.

Support review grant proposal budgets to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Regular field visits to all grant funded project sites to verify that resources are optimally used.
Participate in payment of stakeholders to ensure completeness and adherence to donor regulations.
Assists the Program Area Accountant in conducting financial training programs for program staff and stakeholders involved in implementation of grant.
Acknowledging any disbursement received and requesting funds from donor, procurements and liquidations.
Promotes and abides by internal policies and procedures including but not limited to: Safeguarding Policy; Code of Conduct; mandatory reporting responsibility.
Any other duties in line with the job as prescribed by supervisor.

Knowledge
A degree or equivalent in Accounting; CIS or equivalent qualification
5 “O” levels including Mathematics and English Language.
2 years’ experience in a similar role in an NGO environment

Skills
Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills
Good communication skills, appropriate to the audience.
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

Behaviors
Embrace Child-centeredness, Child protection, Community participation and partnership.
Gains, develops and retains credibility about his/her performance
Appreciation of child rights

PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES IN PRACTICE

We are open and accountable

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

We strive for lasting impact

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

We work well together

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

We are inclusive and empowering

We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential.
We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace.
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
Closing Date: 7 May 2023