Innovation: Africa (iA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose team of dedicated problem solvers work together to bring solar and water technologies to rural communities in Africa. We use solar energy to pump clean water for villages and provide schools, orphanages, and medical clinics with light and refrigeration to store vaccines and medicines. With more than 1,200 completed water, solar, and agriculture projects, iA has provided over 5,3 million people in Africa with access to light, clean water, food security, and proper medical care. Visit www.innoafrica.org to learn more about our work.

Job Summary

We seek a highly trained and qualified Accountant to join our Zambia team for a replacement of Maternity leave. The Accountant is responsible for iA’s financial operations in Zambia, including ensuring our compliance with all local laws and regulations. The ideal candidate has proven and extensive experience transparently managing the financial operations of NGOs in Zambia.

Reports To

Country Manager

Responsibilities

• Manage and complete local country filings and registrations, in coordination with iA’s international offices.
• Ensure iA’s compliance with all local rules, laws, and regulatory obligations.
• Prepare and submit fully transparent operating budgets and expense reports, accompanied by supporting documentation and receipts.
• Collect and track all receipts and financial documentation at all times.
• Create, coordinate, and oversee the team’s monthly work plan with the Project Manager to ensure submission of complete and accurate monthly operating budgets.
• Monitor and ensure the team’s strict adherence to approved budgets only.
• Reconcile and provide thorough analysis and reporting on bank account activities.
• Monitor and control petty cash amount to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
• Obtain approvals from the Country Director and CFO for all procurements and purchases made by the Zambia office.
• Schedule, track and oversee all calendar events related to iA’s legal and regulatory compliance obligations in Zambia.
• Propose, create, and implement local country policies, procedures, and controls to ensure accountability and financial transparency.
• Prepare and manage all financial accounts and local audits.
• Interface and maintain frequent communication with contractors and vendors, and review all financial documents submitted for accuracy and authenticity, including bills of quantities, invoices, payment requests, etc.
• Maintain frequent communication with CFO, iA’s international finance team, and local advisors, at flexible hours.
• Promptly respond to all written and verbal communications, such as email, Whatsapp, Zoom, from team members, contractors, and vendors.
• Execute any other task required by the Country Manager and according to the work plan.
• Promote and ensure that all team members, contractors, and vendors are operating in a strictly transparent and accountable manner, free of corruption, bribery, or any other non-ethical conduct.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years managing the financial operations of NGOs in Zambia.
• Passionate and effective team leader with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a proven commitment to serving vulnerable communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting is required.
• Local certification and accounting-related registrations (these will be verified).
• Exceptional computer and email skills, including fluency in Excel and Microsoft Office software.
• Comfortable working with an international team in different time zones, and the ability to commit to flexible working hours, including weekends if needed.
• Mandatory relocation to Eastern Province.
• Fluent level proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking)
• Driver’s license.

As an international organization that works across three continents, our teams are required to maintain daily communication, at flexible hours, with one another using technology solutions, including WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom. Our ideal candidate thrives in this type of fast-paced environment and is comfortable working with a diverse international team located in various time zones.

• Manage and complete local country filings and registrations
• Ensure compliance with local rules and regulations
• Prepare operating budgets and expense reports
• Collect and track financial documentation
• Coordinate team's work plan
• Monitor adherence to budgets
• Reconcile bank account activities
• Control petty cash amount
• Obtain approvals for procurements
• Implement local country policies
• Manage financial accounts and audits
• Maintain communication with contractors and vendors
• Respond to communications promptly
• Ensure transparent and accountable operations

• Strong problem-solving skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Effective team leadership
• Attention to detail
• Fluency in Excel and Microsoft Office software

• Minimum 3 years managing financial operations of NGOs in Zambia
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
• Local certification and accounting-related registrations
• Fluency in English
• Driver’s license