Project Accountant

MarketConnect and the Business Linkage Fund are a part of the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade (ZATP) project being implemented by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI).

The ZATP aims to contribute to increased market linkages and firm growth in agribusiness. The project comprises three components: (1) Market Linkages in Agribusiness; (2) Strengthening the Regulatory and Institutional Framework for Agribusiness and Trade; (3) Project management and Monitoring and Evaluation.

The contract is for 30 months, with the possibility of extension after the Mid Term Review. The purpose of this project is to establish a sustainable programme that outlasts the project implementation phase, with the royalties contributing to the long term viability of the SDP.

MarketConnect will provide tailored assistance to growth-oriented agribusiness SMEs, preparing them to supply corporate and public buyers at larger scale.

Outline of the Role

The services to be delivered by the Employee are to undertake the role of Project Accountant for the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project MarketConnect. As the Project Accountant for ZATP MarketConnect, the Employee will be responsible for managing and implementing the financial systems of the programme in accordance with the activities and objectives set out in the ZATP business case, Terms of Reference and the consortium’s technical proposal.

Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of the Accountant include but are not limited to the following:

• Working closely with Nathan’s Finance Team in London.
  Keep account of and complete records of all project transactions.
• Provide an account for all transaction and expenses for the previous month.
• Liaise with the team to prepare monthly forecast of cash flow by the 10th working day of the month.
• Prepare financial information for annual audits.
• Pay consultant fees and wages to core team members as requested by the Project Director.
• Ensure adequate control systems for financial management, such as receipts and invoices.
• Process local travel expense claims based on approval by the CEO.
• Facilitate payment for workshop, training activities and dissemination.
• Provide monthly bank and petty cash reconciliations for the previous month by the 5th working day of the next month.
• Produce monthly financial reports to submit to London.
• Maintain up to date fixed asset register and send it to head office with monthly financial report.
• Responsible for ensuring that the project complies with tax and insurance provisions.
• Responsible for ensuring consultant invoices are saved under the shared folder by agreed date so Nathan London has access.
• Maintain financial records according to ZATP MarketConnect and Nathan requirements.
• Checking procurement processes for goods, services, and grants are followed.
• Comply with head office requests in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Accountancy, Finance, Administration, or related field.
• Preference for individuals with professional accreditation, such as, ACCA II, CIMA II, ZICA/CA II or equivalent
• Five (5) years of progressive professional experience, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience supporting donor-funded projects in an accountancy and/or financial role
• Preference for individuals with experience working with international organisations, such as NGOs
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, considering different cultures and backgrounds required
• Must be a motivated individual, who is able to work independently with minimum oversight
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• Excellent computer skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Skype, QuickBooks
• Zambian nationality is required
• Fluency in English is required

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