Chief Accountant

African Parks (AP)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

Location: Majete Wildlife Reserve, Chikwawa

Contract Type: Three-Year Contract (Salaried Position)

African Parks (AP) is a not-for-profit organization that secures mandates to conserve and manage protected areas through Public-Private Partnerships with governments and communities. In Malawi, African Parks manages Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park, and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.

An opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified and experienced individual to join our team as Chief Accountant based at Majete Wildlife Reserve.

Reporting Line: The Chief Accountant will report directly to the Finance Manager.

Key Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

  • Accurately record, classify, and summarize financial transactions; maintain proper accounts and records.
  • Prepare month-end journals for Finance Manager review.
  • Assist in the production of monthly financial reports and annual financial budgets.
  • Conduct inventory counts at the Curio Shop, Stores, and Lodges.
  • Verify fixed assets and inspect goods upon receipt.
  • Assist Human Resources in payroll preparation for both general staff and middle management.
  • Prepare FBT and VAT returns for Finance Manager submission prior to due dates.
  • Follow up with suppliers for MRA receipts.
  • Conduct random spot checks inside the park and surprise cash counts at the Curio Shop.
  • Review park income schedules monthly.
  • Index and maintain all archived documents.
  • Reconcile all balance sheet accounts monthly prior to financial reporting.
  • Reconcile cash and bank balances against maintained records.
  • Ensure reconciliations are reviewed and signed off by the Finance Manager and Senior Finance
    Manager.
  • Maintain adequate internal controls to safeguard inventory and oversee procurement controls.
  • Prepare weekly/monthly Food and Beverage reports for Thawale Lodge.
  • Monitor revenues and costs, proposing necessary control measures.
  • Assist with preparations for internal and external audits.
  • Support the preparation of statutory financial statements.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy.
  • Completion of ACCA, CIMA, or ICAM qualifications.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Email).
  • Experience with accounting packages such as Microsoft Dynamics Serenic Navigator, Sage Line 50 & 500, or similar systems.
  • Excellent communication, planning, and organizational skills.
  • Strong professional judgment, commitment, and work ethic.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
  • Capable of working under pressure with minimal supervision.
  • High standards of personal conduct and integrity.

Special Conditions:

African Parks is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their CV along with a covering letter clearly stating how their skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.

Include at least three traceable referees (no certificates required at this stage).

Applications should be submitted via email to:

recruitMalawi@africanparks.org

Deadline for submission: 16hrs00, 20h June 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within two weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.