FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in a long – lasting way by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing – creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 50 countries including Zambia and all U.S. states and territories.

Responsibilities or duties

The Accountant will perform accounting functions and conducts the theory and practice of recording, classifying, examining and analyzing data and records of financial transactions to ensure smooth implementation of the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) project to enhance global health security in Zambia. S/He will review and consolidate Zambia office financials on a monthly basis, process and record journal entries, cash receipts/field cash management and wire payments. In addition, S/He will respond to inquiries and assist in trainings, maintain general ledger accounts, support sub-ledgers and produce various accounting reports. The Accountant, STRIDES Zambia will participate in various accounting projects including external or internal audits, system upgrades, changes to accounting processes and procedures.

Qualifications or requirements 

• Applies accounting principles and practices to a limited range of accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting and/or other fiscal functions.
• Provides support for field programs by conducting live meeting training on financial systems and processes.
• Reviews Zambia Country Office monthly financial reports for month end closings involving cash and travel reconciliations, accuracy of reports, and cost allowances.
• Reconciliation of accounts or reports, examination of various financial statements for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to guidelines, and maintenance of subsidiary ledgers.
• Assist in the processing and disbursement of payments on timely basis.
• Prepare VAT reimbursement reports for submission to MRA and Department of State
• Review financial reports of all subcontractors for processing every month.
• Maintain financial files of the Project and the Zambia Country Office
• Assists in various financial analysis projects and closure of accounting records.
• Reconciles sub recipients with the General Ledger accounts.
• Reviews inter department cash requests and journal entries.
• Assists with internal and external audit request.
• Prepares field office risk assessment reports.
• To Review Quarterly Inventory Register reports

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Apply general knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), practices and reporting guidelines.
• May apply knowledge of program specifics.
• Possess general knowledge of applicable information technology systems and uses them to meet deadlines.
• Compile, monitor, examine, and audit various financial statements/reports for accuracy and integrity and conformance to accepted accounting and program guidelines.
• Draw conclusions and prepare written findings following GAAP and/or other applicable accounting guidelines, and present recommendations supported by facts.
• Prepare financial reports.
• Input data into ledgers and sub-ledgers.
• Maintain data integrity and recognize and research unusual activity for further investigation.
• Understand and adhere to systems of internal control.
• Prepare written and/or technical products following standard guidelines; may review and edit the work of others.
• Communicate structured information in a clear, concise, and organized manner suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships that foster organizational success.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Identify and recognize routine or standard problems that have established precedents.
• Develop solutions to routine issues and refer non-standard questions and more difficult problems to higher levels.
• Translates information provided in an incorrect form to meet required standard.
• Explains basic accounting trends and variations from prior periods, budget and/or forecast.
• Resolves basic issues with ledger accounts and internal policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates an understanding of system functionality to provide answers for financial requests.
• Errors may be detected and corrected.
• An appropriate audit trail is maintained for all transactions.
• Month end closing deadlines and processes are met timely.
• External and internal audit requests are met timely, without outstanding issues.

Supervision Given/Received:

• General supervision and instructions given for routine work and detailed instructions given for new activities or special assignments.
• Provide assistance to a higher-level manager in recruitment and selection process.
• May implement work plans and provide input for performance reviews with the assistance of a higher-level manager.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Accounting, Business, Finance or a related field.

Experience

• Typically requires a minimum of 3+ years of experience in providing outstanding customer service, performing complex activities associated with maintaining ledger accounts, and in ensuring compliance with FHI 360’s system of internal controls.
• Computerized accounting software experience required.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet software required.
• Articulate and professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive fashion with clients and staff.
• Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English.
• Prior work experience in a non- governmental organization (NGO).
• Prior experience using Microsoft Office Suite preferred.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

Technology to be Used:

Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

Ability to travel less than 10%

• Perform accounting functions and conducts the theory and practice of recording, classifying, examining and analyzing data and records of financial transactions to ensure smooth implementation of the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) project to enhance global health security in Zambia.
• Review and consolidate Zambia office financials on a monthly basis.
• Process and record journal entries.
• Manage cash receipts/field cash management and wire payments.
• Respond to inquiries and assist in trainings.
• Maintain general ledger accounts.
• Support sub-ledgers.
• Produce various accounting reports.
• Participate in various accounting projects including external or internal audits, system upgrades, changes to accounting processes and procedures.
• Apply accounting principles and practices to a limited range of accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting and/or other fiscal functions.
• Provide support for field programs by conducting live meeting training on financial systems and processes.
• Review Zambia Country Office monthly financial reports for month end closings involving cash and travel reconciliations, accuracy of reports, and cost allowances.
• Reconcile accounts or reports, examine various financial statements for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to guidelines, and maintain subsidiary ledgers.
• Assist in the processing and disbursement of payments on timely basis.
• Prepare VAT reimbursement reports for submission to MRA and Department of State.
• Review financial reports of all subcontractors for processing every month.
• Maintain financial files of the Project and the Zambia Country Office.
• Assist in various financial analysis projects and closure of accounting records.
• Reconcile sub recipients with the General Ledger accounts.
• Review inter department cash requests and journal entries.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests.
• Prepare field office risk assessment reports.
• Review Quarterly Inventory Register reports.

• General knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), practices and reporting guidelines.
• General knowledge of applicable information technology systems.
• Ability to compile, monitor, examine, and audit various financial statements/reports for accuracy and integrity and conformance to accepted accounting and program guidelines.
• Ability to draw conclusions and prepare written findings following GAAP and/or other applicable accounting guidelines, and present recommendations supported by facts.
• Ability to prepare financial reports.
• Ability to input data into ledgers and sub-ledgers.
• Ability to maintain data integrity and recognize and research unusual activity for further investigation.
• Understanding and adherence to systems of internal control.
• Ability to prepare written and/or technical products following standard guidelines.
• Ability to communicate structured information in a clear, concise, and organized manner suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships that foster organizational success.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet software.
• Articulate and professional communication skills.
• Fluent in English (read, write, speak).

• Bachelor’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Accounting, Business, Finance or a related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in providing outstanding customer service, performing complex activities associated with maintaining ledger accounts, and in ensuring compliance with FHI 360’s system of internal controls.
• Computerized accounting software experience.
• Prior work experience in a non- governmental organization (NGO).
• Prior experience using Microsoft Office Suite preferred.