Accountant

Job Vacancy: Accountant (1)

Organization: Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET)

Location: Lilongwe

Application Deadline: 3rd October 2024

Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) is dedicated to advocating for agricultural policies and practices that promote sustainable development and food security. We are a leading organization in the agricultural sector, working towards strengthening the voices of farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Accountant to join our vibrant team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing financial transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing insightful financial analysis to support our organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Organizational systems

• Reviews and ensures that all policies and procedures in Finance and Administration in the organisation are compliant with organisational standards and local relevant laws and regulations, and reflect the needs and objectives of the organisation.
• Responsible for adhering/complying with approved organisational policies and procedures including reporting.
• Recommends to the National Director any changes that might be required to improve in the Finance and Administration area of responsibilities.
• Implements all necessary policies and procedures to ensure that correct procedures are followed by staff under supervision.
• Ensures timely implementation of Financial/Admin related audit action plan.
• Provide periodic input and advice at board meetings on Finance and Administration (as and when requested/instructed by ND).
• Ensure smooth and effective functioning between the Finance and Administration and Finance, Audit and Compliance Committees of the Board.
• Work as the secretary to the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board.
• Ensure that the organisation has clear workplans and annual budgets for the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board.

Budgeting and planning

• Prepare Finance/Admin budget planning to ensure that the control of expenditure and the disbursement of resources in Finance and Admin are in accordance with the established procedures.
• Lead the development, review and consolidation of organisational overall as well as project-wise financial plans and budgets; and the annual national resource allocation.
• Support and facilitate to prepare budget and plan of the programme activities.
• Support the team in the preparation of the budget for proposal development.
• Ensure organisational Annual Cost Recovery Plan and Funding Gap analysis are done and shared with the National Director.
• Ensure cost-sharing funding and its split trend are analysed and shared among the managers and the National Director for further necessary actions.

Monitoring

• Develop, monitor, review and update the Finance activity work plan to ensure that the function attains its objectives as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible.
• Ensure individual monthly work plans and progress reports are submitted to the project managers regularly.
• Guide and facilitate the program team and partner staff on the financial monitoring programme.
• Conduct quarterly field visits to project sites.

Reporting

• Ensure the preparation of Finance and Admin reports to ensure that it meet the requirement of organisational compliance.
• Keep up-to-date Finance/Admin information and data and provide the analysis when required for the continuous improvement of the organisation.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly/yearly reports on Finance & Admin and share them with the management.
• Provide inputs in the development of other functions’ reports to ensure it is in accordance with the requirement.
• Responsible for donor financial reporting and compliance.

Finance Management

• Control of expenditure and the disbursement of resources of the budget in Finance and Administration to ensure compliance with financial policy and procedure manual.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger entries.
• Prepare and manage budgets, financial forecasts, and regular financial reports. Ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial data.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and organizational policies.
  Prepare for and assist with audits.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records and documentation.
• Manage payroll processing and ensure timely and accurate salary disbursement.
• Perform monthly bank and account reconciliations.
• Provide financial insights and support to various departments and assist with financial planning and strategy.
• Any other duties assigned by the National Director or the Chairperson of Finance Board Committee.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional accounting certification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ICAM, CPA) is preferred.
• Must be a registered accountant with ICAM.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in accounting or finance roles in a busy organisation.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel).
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume, a cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to cisanetmw@gmail.com and ccd elizabeth@cisanetmalawi.org with the subject line “Accountant Application by Thursday, 3rd October 2024.

Address the application to: The Acting National Director, Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET), P.O. Box 203, Area 47/5, Lilongwe.

CISANET is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.