Country Management Accountant

DUE: 15 OCT 2023

Location: Harare, Zimbabwe

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 Management Accountant – Country Office

Reporting to the Country Finance Manager, the Country Management Accountant is responsible for providing financial and managerial accounting services to support the operations of Plan International Zimbabwe, and to ensure accuracy and consistency in accordance with Plan financial policy / procedures and donor requirements. The role Supports management decision making to enhance the effectiveness of operations and achievement of Plan International Zimbabwe’s strategy. Responsible for overseeing grants management, review and monitor all budgets, expenditures, and reports for Plan International Zimbabwe to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Accountabilities

KRA 1: Strategy, Planning & Budgeting

• Support the organisation in strategic and operational planning and budgeting; facilitate decision making to optimise value-for-money in the deployment of resources
• Collaborate with BDM in the grants budget development during proposal development process, reviewing budget ensuring compliance with donor / National Offices financial policy requirements and Plan International Zimbabwe’s financial management.
• Prepare Monthly and Adhoc Management reports for the Country Management Team (Scorecard Report, Budget Versus actual report, Grant Budget Phasing report, Project Budget Phasing Report and Cost Recovery Report).

KRA 2: Financial Management, Analysis and Reporting

• Ensure that quality financial data analysis is provided on time to support budget-holders in decision making; support management to achieve value for money and manage finances in line with good practice and PI policies:
• Analyse and present to management financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicating monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements for decision making
• Monitor budget performance and provide advice to accountable managers on the effective management of the financial resources; ensuring that there is Value for Money and that finances are managed in line with Plan policies.

KRA 3: Accounting & Treasury

• Manage the treasury operations of PIZ, reviewing and monitoring monthly cash flows and scheduling fund transfers to ensure sufficient funds and petty cash for all operations and programme activities for PIZ.
• Conduct rigorous financial analysis to determine PIZ’s financial status with regards to cash management, liquidity maintenance, availability of funds, optimization of resource utilization and forex exposure, highlighting any concerns to management.
• Work with relevant departments especially Budgeting and Reporting to ensure cost recovery is implemented related to salary allocation & re allocation, office running costs, PU and CO monthly support cost allocation.

KRA 4: Risk & Compliance Management

• Coordinate the development of PIZ’s internal control system and highlight any areas of concern to the relevant accountable individuals:
• Facilitate internal and external audit missions and ensure the final audit report is sent to key stakeholders on time; follow up to ensure that finance-related audit actions are implemented and action taken as required to address weaknesses in financial controls and procedures.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls processes, procedures, systems are in place and adhered to; oversee the implementation global financial policies and procedures by PIZ
• Participate in the partner due diligence process and follow up on the issues raised in the risk matrix.

KRA 5: Team Management and Capacity Building

• Influence the Finance team in a manner that empowers them to deliver high quality output and timely support to the Programme Area Team
• Foster an inclusive environment by implementation of policies that provide for diversity and equal opportunities and utilisation of a leadership style that will drive employee engagement
• Capacity Building of Finance Staff, Consortium Partners, Sub grantees and Community participants on Financial and Grant Management processes.

KRA 6: Projects and Program Support

• Influence the Projects team in a manner that empowers them to deliver high quality output:
• Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting and review of program expenses and ensure that spending is on target.
• Review Project Outlines and Annual plans for approval by authorized signatories and ensure the annual plans/PO are in line with approved budget.
• Support Program Accountants on field operations and financial management on a day-to-day basis.
• Develop internal reporting mechanisms to enhance communications between field and Country offices.

KRA 7:  Month end Processes

• Coordinate the Month-end and Year-end closure processes.
• Attend to Year-end reporting and ensure reports are in line with guiding instructions.
• Review 0L and ZL ledgers and ensure the ledgers are aligning.
• Review GH revaluation process on monthly basis.
• Ensure that the upload by GH into BPC reflects the position as in SAP
• Open the purchase ledger for the next period for posting
• Monitor Exchange rate variations and update CFM on quarterly.

KRA 8: Safeguarding, Gender Equality & Inclusion

Ensures 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.

Knowledge

• Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Accounting or Business Administration majoring in Accounting.
• Full professional qualification in accountancy (CIS, CIMA, ACCA).
• Minimum of three years working experience as an Accountant in a busy organization and at a responsible supervisory level is essential.

Critical Business Management Competencies

• Good grasp of financial management including understanding relevant funding sources, ability to budget and accurately estimate costs, experience with reading financial reports and taking appropriate action based on the results.
• Strong ability to analyse and interpret an appropriate range of data and evidence, both internal and external, using sound judgement to make balanced decisions, based on insights gained, or projection of trends.
• Good digital skills, ability to use ICT resources to improve work efficiency and effectiveness, whilst working in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines.
• Good written and spoken communication skills, with an ability to effectively adjust content and presentation so as to connect with an audience.

Critical Technical Competencies

• Excellent computer skills with the ability to work with SAP or other ERPs.
• Practical experience of grants management and a good understanding of donor funding management.

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.

TO APPLY

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.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

This position is open to Zimbabwean nationals
Location: Country Office (Harare)0
Type of role: Fixed Term Contract
Closing Date: 15 October 2023

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