The Agricultural Consultative Forum (ACF)

The Agricultural Consultative Forum (ACF) is a Platform of agricultural stakeholders comprising of five categories, namely: the Public Sector, Private Sector, Research Institutions, Cooperating Partners(Donor agencies) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The forum provides agricultural stakeholders with a platform for voicing their concerns and interests in the public policy making processes as well as during implementation of policies and programmes.

What we stand for?

Since its creation in 1998, the Forum has been particularly working to:

a) Promote in a non-partisan manner, private/public sector consultation and participation in the development of agricultural sector policies. This is being achieved through providing an environment of constructive dialogue, information sharing, and communication amongst private and public sector stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

How we take action?

a) We engage stakeholders at various levels in policy advocacy and emerging issues in the agricultural sector.

b) We generate credible (quality) evidence and performance data for timely policy decision making and implementation;

c) We provide a reliable and relevant source of information and knowledge in the agricultural sector;

The Forum is seeking highly motivated, result-oriented, well-qualified and experienced professional to fill the vacancy:

ACCOUNTANT

Purpose

Reporting to the Executive Director, the position will be responsible for managing, analyzing and reporting on the Forum’s financial data to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

a. Act as Chief Financial Officer of the Forum.

b. Supervise the collection, receipts and custody of the funds and securities of the Forum.

c. Supervise the payments of all appropriations and other disbursements of the Forum as ordered by the Board.

d. Have custody of and preserve all financial records and documents relating to the property of the Forum.

e. Supervise the filling of all payments vouchers and attaching all supporting documentation to bring all records up to date.

f. Keep proper books of accounts.

g. Oversee preparations of financial statements and operating budgets for the Forum.

h. Ensure that audits of the books and records of the forum are currently and regularly made.

i. Compile and cause to be filed the reports required by government agencies.

j. Coordinate the audit of the forum and attend to audit queries, and

k. Attend ACF stakeholder meetings as requested by Management

Experience:

a) A minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience is commonly requested.

b) Specific experience in grant accounting and managing donor funds with an international NGO is often a key requirement for NGO roles.

c) Experience working in a cross-cultural or team environment is also valued.

Skills & Abilities:

e) Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Pastel, QuickBooks, Sun Systems) and strong computer skills, especially in MS Excel, are essential.

f) A thorough understanding of financial accounting, reporting standards, internal controls, compliance with local tax laws (ZRA, NAPSA), and grant/contract management processes is crucial.

g) Strong analytical and numerical skills, attention to detail, high accountability, excellent communication, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Qualifications:

a) A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is desirable. A diploma in accountancy may also be considered.

b) Full or partial professional qualifications are often preferred or mandatory. Recognized certifications include:

• Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) qualification (such as CA Zambia)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• ZICA Membership: It is a legal requirement for anyone practicing as an accountant in Zambia to be a registered and fully paid-up member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).

• Act as Chief Financial Officer of the Forum.
• Supervise the collection, receipts and custody of the funds and securities of the Forum.
• Supervise the payments of all appropriations and other disbursements of the Forum as ordered by the Board.
• Have custody of and preserve all financial records and documents relating to the property of the Forum.
• Supervise the filling of all payments vouchers and attaching all supporting documentation to bring all records up to date.
• Keep proper books of accounts.
• Oversee preparations of financial statements and operating budgets for the Forum.
• Ensure that audits of the books and records of the forum are currently and regularly made.
• Compile and cause to be filed the reports required by government agencies.
• Coordinate the audit of the forum and attend to audit queries.
• Attend ACF stakeholder meetings as requested by Management.

• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Pastel, QuickBooks, Sun Systems)
• Strong computer skills, especially in MS Excel
• Thorough understanding of financial accounting, reporting standards, internal controls, compliance with local tax laws (ZRA, NAPSA), and grant/contract management processes
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Attention to detail
• High accountability
• Excellent communication
• Ability to work with minimal supervision

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is desirable. A diploma in accountancy may also be considered.
• Full or partial professional qualifications are often preferred or mandatory. Recognized certifications include: Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) qualification (such as CA Zambia), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
• ZICA Membership: It is a legal requirement for anyone practicing as an accountant in Zambia to be a registered and fully paid-up member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).