BACKGROUND

The Sesheke and Sekute Chiefdoms have agreed to jointly establish the Simalaha Community Conservancy to promote conservation and development through a wildlife economy. The Conservancy is pioneering a model of development led by the communities, based on the sound management and conservation of their natural resources.

The Conservancy was registered as a Trust under the Land Act in 2019. As a body corporate, it is governed by a Board of Trustees, which provides strategic guidance, and relies on its Conservancy Management Unit (CMU) to manage the Conservancy and implement its long-term vision.

JOB PURPOSE

Your role will involve close collaboration with various members of the CMU, fostering a strong working relationship. Additionally, you will be required to maintain a close and effective working connection with the Peace Parks Foundation Financial Manager, who is stationed in Sesheke. Therefore, the purpose of the job will be to provide financial advice to the Board of Trustees, CMU, and other Programme staff, whilst ensuring compliance with financial best practices and legal requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the preparation of the organisation’s strategic plan.
• Prepare the annual budget and forecasts.
• Maintain regular liaison with the Conservancy Manager and Operations Manager.
• Maintain records to meet legal and tax requirements and to measure both the inputs and the outcomes of the organisation’s operations.
• Prepare the statutory annual accounts.
• Plan and manage cash flow and investment activity.
• Maintain contact with bankers, investment managers, pension advisers, and auditors.
• Prepare a monthly analysis of cost of goods sold and operational expenses against the prior year and budget, providing explanations and solutions to help mitigate the risks.
• Analyse financial performance against key programme indicators and document pertinent financial highlights that will enable management to determine progress against budgets.
• Identify, investigate, and analyse potential operational improvement. As appropriate, based on findings, make proposals for operational changes (policy, procedures, and processes).
• Maintain and close the consolidated books on a monthly basis and deliver consolidated financial statements in compliance.
• Assist with the development and implementation of financial reporting and accounting systems.
• Provide accurate, timely, and relevant information on financial and project performance.
• Propose and implement improvements in accounting and reporting systems along with internal controls to facilitate accurate and timely reporting.
• Implement agreed recommendations from either internal or external audits.
• Advise the management team or CMU both formally and informally of trends or potential financial risks arising.
• Support the Conservancy Manager and the Management Team in preparation of budget/forecast presentations to the board and donors.
• Make finance-related presentations to CMU and the Board of Trustees.
• Facilitate the annual and quarterly financial forecasting process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A professional accounting certification (e.g., CPA) is preferred but not mandatory.
• Proven experience as an accountant, preferably in the non-profit or conservation sectors.
• Proficient in accounting software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Contribute to the preparation of the organisation’s strategic plan.
• Prepare the annual budget and forecasts.
• Maintain regular liaison with the Conservancy Manager and Operations Manager.
• Maintain records to meet legal and tax requirements and to measure both the inputs and the outcomes of the organisation’s operations.
• Prepare the statutory annual accounts.
• Plan and manage cash flow and investment activity.
• Maintain contact with bankers, investment managers, pension advisers, and auditors.
• Prepare a monthly analysis of cost of goods sold and operational expenses against the prior year and budget, providing explanations and solutions to help mitigate the risks.
• Analyse financial performance against key programme indicators and document pertinent financial highlights that will enable management to determine progress against budgets.
• Identify, investigate, and analyse potential operational improvement. As appropriate, based on findings, make proposals for operational changes (policy, procedures, and processes).
• Maintain and close the consolidated books on a monthly basis and deliver consolidated financial statements in compliance.
• Assist with the development and implementation of financial reporting and accounting systems.
• Provide accurate, timely, and relevant information on financial and project performance.
• Propose and implement improvements in accounting and reporting systems along with internal controls to facilitate accurate and timely reporting.
• Implement agreed recommendations from either internal or external audits.
• Advise the management team or CMU both formally and informally of trends or potential financial risks arising.
• Support the Conservancy Manager and the Management Team in preparation of budget/forecast presentations to the board and donors.
• Make finance-related presentations to CMU and the Board of Trustees.
• Facilitate the annual and quarterly financial forecasting process.

• Proficient in accounting software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A professional accounting certification (e.g., CPA) is preferred but not mandatory.
• Proven experience as an accountant, preferably in the non-profit or conservation sectors.