Finance Officer

The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) is a dynamic advocacy network of over 104 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working around the different dimensions of poverty in Zambia. The network strives to effectively contribute to poverty reduction and pro-poor development through anti-poverty policy advocacy and the promotion of inclusive economic governance, social security and justice, civic engagement, and climate justice. The organisations’ social accountability advocacy using research, capacity building, lobbying and awareness raising in 6 Provinces is centred around the national development plan themes.

CSPR seeks a qualified, experienced, and dynamic individual to join the CSPR secretariat team at the Lusaka Head Office.

Overall Purpose: To support the day to finance and Administrative functions of the CSPR Network.

General Role Summary

The Finance Officer works in collaboration with other finance staff to support the Finance and Administrative Manager to ensure that CSPR operates within a healthy financial environment and meets all of its obligations and accountabilities on time. The position holder supports to establish, operate, and maintain good financial systems and controls. In addition, he/she supports the conduct and management of audits, prepares donor and operational budgets, and facilitates procurements. The Finance Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management of financial transactions and procedures in line with organizational policies and principles.

General accounting

• In collaboration with other finance staff, ensure that accurate records for all daily transactions are kept in the right format and place.
• Prepare balance sheets and other reports as may be required.
• Process invoices in support of payments as may be required.
• Review/record accounts payable and accounts receivable in line with organizational policies, and standards.
• Ensure that the financial system is always up to date with financial data.
• Manage petty cash
• Perform any other accounting duty that may arise from time to time.

Banking

• Ensure that all banking transactions are done on time with very minimum risk and in line with organisational policies.
• In collaboration with other finance staff, support the Finance & Administration Manager to reconcile bank statements.
• Work with Operations and programs teams to prepare all budgets that may be required.
• Support the  Finance & Administrative Manager to routinely review and recommend the revision of policies and support in implementing same within the organization
• Finance Management and reporting.
• Ensure that petty cash is managed in line with organisational policies and practices.

Auditing, Financial Management and Reporting

• Support the preparation of monthly/quarterly financial reports.
• Support both the conduct and management of internal and external audit processes.
• Provide support to the CSPR to implement all audit recommendations.
• Prepare and submit monthly management and donor reports to Management.

Teamwork and People Management

• Support the Finance & Administrative Manager to create and sustain a healthy finance team environment of mutual respect and accountability where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Provide team members with capacity-building support, information, tools, and other resources to improve performance and achieve team/organizational objectives.
• Provide support to volunteers, interns and other staff as may be necessary.

Organizational Learning

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that organizational learning is more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time learning activities that benefit CSPR as well as themselves.

Other

• Perform other relevant tasks as may be reasonably assigned by the Finance and Administrative Manager and Executive Director.

3 Required Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications Essential

• A degree in Finance, Accounting or Economics with at least three years of post qualification experience in NGO sector
• A professional qualification such as ICA, ACCA, and ICMA in lieu of experience.
• A solid knowledge of financial and accounting procedures
• Experience in using financial software like Pastel Sage Evolution, Vision, GAS etc
• Advanced MS Excel skills
• Knowledge of financial and tax regulations
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills
• Strong ethics, with an ability to manage confidential data. Desirable
• Honesty and integrity are desired attributes in this role.
• Multitasking and ability to work under pressure

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please read the following instructions carefully before applying:

• Only candidates meeting the above minimum criteria need apply.
• Candidates must send a cover letter, updated Curriculum Vitae with traceable references (minimum 3 of the most current employer/referee).
• The required key competencies must be demonstrated through the CV.
• Only electronic applications will be accepted with the following subject: “JOB APPLICATION FINANCE OFFICER”.
• By applying, the candidate consents to having the provided information being subjected to further background checks
• Acknowledgement of the application will not imply shortlisting or recruitment
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly via email.
• Applications must be addressed to the Executive Director and sent to the following email address recruitments.procurements@csprzambia.org no later than 28th June, 2024.
• No late applications or applications submitted by any other mode other than email will be accepted.