Position summary

Zimbabwe Project Trust (ZimPro) seeks to recruit a Finance Officer who will be part of a humanitarian project entitled “Restoration and Enhancement of Community Climate Resilience & Productivity in Matabeleland Provinces” under its two thematic pillars of Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture; and Sustainable and Diversified Livelihoods. ZimPro is anticipating growth in its programming that will necessitate the recruitment of additional project staff. This advert is placed conditionally, as recruitment is subject to availability of funding.

Purpose of Position

To administer all project operational financial activities and issues, supporting the Finance Team in delivering on their mandate to the satisfaction of both the organisation and the Funding Partner.

Role, Responsibilities & Essential Duties

• Provide financial support to project officers and managers and handle general financial queries, including providing detailed information;
• Contribute to the development of improvements to the department’s services, procedures and systems; Support the Project Finance and Admin Manager on all operational activities, particularly in supporting operational managers to effectively manage and monitor their budgets;
• Preparation of quarterly disbursement request for submission to the management;
• Advise project personnel on deadline for both financial and narrative reports, thereby ensuring that the monthly donor report status schedule is up to date and adhered to;
• Review all project payments ad grant procurements for the project and ensure required standards of accountability and any special donor requirements are met;
• Carry out routine field visits to check compliance and provide support to field based officers regarding financial accountability and reporting issues;
• Assist in the preparation of project budgets;
• Ensure that appropriate support documentations are attached for all financial transactions;
• Manage and process all supplier invoices and undertake reconciliation process;
• Support staff to accurately complete financial transactions, particularly in using correct codes for different activities;
• Liaise with logistics and procurement teams to ensure that goods are purchased and received as per contractual agreement;
• Develop and maintain an efficient filing system, so that all manual records are properly filed and are easily accessible;
• Ensure an account for the office petty cash system is in place, providing regular cash counts and reconciliations;
• Ensure the safekeeping of payment instruments and cash at all times;
• Manage all banking activities, including the encashments and deposits or withdrawals of cash;
• Provide monthly cash forecasts and expenditure reports against agreed budgets, with explanations for variances;
• Reviewing all expenditure requests from project personnel, ensuring appropriate back up documentation is in place and that payments are made in accordance with authorisation limits;
• Assist with bank reconciliation process and keep appropriate registers;
• Support the production of monthly financial reports and other management reports as requested including routine audits and review;
• Support the monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure that both individual and organisational performance targets are consistently met.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Minimum of a degree in Accounting;
• At least five years of relevant experience working for a donor funded project;
• Good knowledge and experience of all core financial management activities, including accounts payable, cash management, budget development, statutory requirements (particularly related to Zimbabwean standards) and standard accounts;
• Strong numeracy skills and experience using a computerised financial management information system (such as Pastel), and good computer skills (Excel, Word,);
• Good analytical and conceptual thinking skills; able to identify, analyse and resolve problems and issues and provide sensible, simple, cost effective solutions;
• Team player and prepared to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.