Project Accountant

Project Accountant Opportunity in Lusaka, Zambia

Self Help Africa invites qualified professionals to apply for the role of Project Accountant, a key position within our ongoing efforts to support sustainable development. This opportunity is ideal for candidates seeking project accountant jobs in Lusaka who are passionate about financial management in the context of international development and community empowerment.

About Self Help Africa and the GREEN Tech4CE Project

With over 35 years of experience in Zambia, Self Help Africa has positively impacted the livelihoods of more than 250,000 smallholder farmers through community-led, market-based initiatives. Our Zambia programme focuses on reducing hunger, poverty, social inequality, and climate change effects by collaborating with local communities and businesses.

The Project Accountant will contribute to the European Union-funded GREEN Tech4CE initiative, running from July 2024 to June 2028. This project promotes sustainable economic growth nationwide, with an emphasis on urban centres and economic corridors. GREEN Tech4CE supports start-ups and MSMEs in green and digital sectors by providing technical and financial assistance to foster innovation, job creation, and economic diversification aligned with Zambia’s Green Growth Strategy.

Role Overview: Project Accountant Jobs in Lusaka

The Project Accountant will oversee the financial management of grants disbursed to companies contracted under the GREEN Tech4CE project. This role ensures rigorous accounting controls, compliance with EU regulations, and adherence to Self Help Africa’s financial policies. The successful candidate will manage accurate recording of financial data, monitor expenditures, verify eligibility of costs, and prepare comprehensive financial reports.

Acting as the primary finance liaison for grant recipients, the Project Accountant will support partner companies in financial reporting and reconciliations, while also providing necessary training to their accounting teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Verify SME accounting records for accuracy and donor compliance.
• Prepare schedules for posting SME financial entries and disbursement tracking.
• Review quarterly financial reports and coordinate fund disbursements with leadership.
• Assist in project budget development and reforecasting in collaboration with programme staff.
• Conduct internal audits of partners’ financial and operational activities.
• Ensure proper filing of all expenditure documentation aligned with project records.
• Support preparation of financial reports and presentations for internal and external audits.
• Participate in procurement processes and review internal control compliance.
• Prepare monthly work plans and provide regular updates to management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance with professional certification (ZICA CA, ACCA, CIMA preferred).
• Minimum five years of practical financial accounting experience, including at least three years in grants management.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, spreadsheet applications, and computerized accounting systems.
• Demonstrated skills in financial advisory, operational analysis, risk assessment, and internal audits.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills with fluency in English.
• Experience managing donor-funded projects, preferably involving USAID, EU, or similar donors.
• Proven ability to work effectively within multicultural teams and complex environments.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience in rural enterprise development, including value chains and cooperative structures.
• Familiarity with media, lobbying, and mass mobilisation techniques.
• Knowledge of Zambian development context and regulatory environment.
• Commitment to safeguarding principles and accountability mechanisms.

Employment Details

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the qualifications are encouraged to submit their applications online. Please include a detailed curriculum vitae with traceable references, copies of academic and professional qualifications, and any other relevant supporting documents.

Apply via the following link: https://selfhelpafrica.org/ie/careers-apply/?jbcd=500QD00000uZZVz-ProjectAccountant(93965

Commitment to Safeguarding and Equal Opportunity

Self Help Africa is dedicated to safeguarding everyone we work with and promoting a safe, respectful working environment. We uphold strict policies against harassment, exploitation, and financial misconduct, and expect all staff to embody our values as outlined in our Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policies.

We encourage applications from women and individuals from marginalized groups, recognizing that diverse perspectives strengthen our work. If you are passionate about this role but do not meet every qualification, we welcome your application.