Grant Accountant

job Description

Position: Grant Accountant - My Body, My Future
Location: Bulawayo, Matabeleland, Zimbabwe
Organization: Plan International
Country: Zimbabwe
Office: Plan International Bulawayo

Plan International is a dedicated development and humanitarian organization committed to advancing children's rights and promoting equality for girls. We firmly believe in the potential and power of every child and work tirelessly to support their rights from birth to adulthood. Our mission includes preparing and empowering children to navigate and respond to crises and adversities.

With over 31 years of experience in Zimbabwe, Plan International has been building impactful partnerships for children. Operating under an equal opportunities policy, we actively embrace diversity. Reporting to the Country Finance Manager, the Grant Accountant plays a crucial role in providing management support for effective financial management, ensuring accuracy, transparency, accountability, and compliance in all transactions related to the My Body, My Future (MBMF) Project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Budgeting and Reporting:
-Lead in preparing and monitoring the project budget, ensuring operational needs are budgeted for and consolidated.
-Prepare the annual grant budget, analyze operational impacts, and advise Project Coordinator and Plan Senior Management.
-Submit donor financial reports on time, collaborating with the Project Coordinator, Manager, and Program Area Support team.
-Track monthly grants expenditure, report issues promptly, and provide recommendations to relevant stakeholders.

Systems Administration:
-Process payment requests in line with Plan International Zimbabwe's policies and statutory requirements.
-Update the SAP system promptly, ensuring accurate payment records.
-Review and process payments on digital platforms, notifying delegated authorizers for approval.
-Manage project ledgers, ensuring correct transactions and proper allocation to grant numbers.

Cash and Bank Account Management:
-Manage the MBMF Project bank account, ensuring sufficient funds for area operations.
-Initiate fund transfers from the donor to the Project Account, ensuring compliance with cash management policies.
-Review and process expense submissions, prepare monthly cash forecasts, and reconcile bank statements.

Risk and Compliance Management:
-Ensure all financial transactions comply with PIZ policies, donor requirements, and Zimbabwean laws.
-Monitor project transactions for compliance, promptly highlighting any non-compliance.
-Identify and address project management risks, particularly in cash management.
-Participate in audits, providing necessary information and documentation.

Team Management:
-Lead the Project Finance team, ensuring high-quality output and timely support.
-Review staffing levels, communicate performance expectations, and provide training and coaching.
-Foster an inclusive environment, implementing policies for diversity and equal opportunities.

Qualifications and Experience

-Bachelor's Degree (Hons) in Accounting or Business Administration with a major in Accounting.
-Part professional qualification in accountancy (CIS, ACCA) at intermediate or affiliate level.
-Minimum of 3 years' experience as an Accountant in a supervisory role.
-Excellent analytical skills, ability to train field staff on grants financial management, and a self-starter.
-Empathy, conceptual flexibility, and a commitment to openness, transparency, and accountability.