Bookkeeper

Job description

Role Description

Bookkeeper

Play it Forward is seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Bookkeeper to join our dedicated team in Livingstone. The successful candidate will support the Head of Finance & Operations in managing the day-to-day financial transactions of the organisation, ensuring accurate and timely financial records across our charitable programmes. The Bookkeeper will report directly to the Head of Finance & Operations.

Background 

Play it Forward Zambia is a non-profit organisation and football club that uses sport as a platform to create opportunities for young people. We work closely with our UK-registered charity, Play it Forward.

Our mission is to empower young Zambians to develop sustainable livelihoods through quality education, health and football programmes. We work with over 2,500 young people each year through initiatives including education, health and wellbeing, digital skills, mentoring, employment support and football. Our support on and off the pitch helps young people develop the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to succeed in school, the workforce and in life.

Job Details

Location: Play it Forward Office, Livingstone, Zambia

Type: Full-time 

Contract: 2-year fixed-term contract, renewable subject to performance and funding. 

Salary: Competitive

Reports to: Head of Finance & Operations 

Essential skills and experience

• Studying towards or holding ZICA/ACCA Level I/II or an equivalent bookkeeping/accounting qualification, or willingness to work towards one.
• Minimum of 1–2 years’ experience in a bookkeeping or accounts role, preferably within an NGO or private-sector environment.
• Sound working knowledge of accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage or similar systems.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets and other standard office software.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial record-keeping.
• Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Trustworthy, hardworking and reliable, with the ability to handle sensitive financial information with discretion.
• Good written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Transaction Recording

Key Deliverable: Accurately capture and code all financial transactions. 

• Record daily financial transactions, including income, expenditure and bank transfers, in the accounting system.
• Ensure transactions are correctly coded to the appropriate budget lines, projects and cost centres.
• Maintain organised and up-to-date physical and digital records of financial documents, receipts and invoices.
• Ensure supporting documentation is complete and appropriately authorised.

2. Bank and Cash Management 

Key deliverable: Maintain accurate and up-to-date cash and bank records. 

• Prepare and process bank payments, transfers and petty cash transactions.
• Manage petty cash and conduct regular reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly bank, cash and project account reconciliations, working closely with the Head of Finance & Operations.
• Identify and follow up on discrepancies to ensure they are resolved promptly.

3. Payables and Receivables 

Key deliverable: Ensure suppliers, staff and partners are paid accurately and on time. 

• Process supplier invoices and ensure appropriate approvals are obtained before payments are made.
• Track outstanding payments and follow up as required.
• Maintain accurate records of amounts payable and receivable.
• Support timesheet collection and processing ahead of monthly payroll runs.

4. Financial Support, Budgeting and Compliance 

Key deliverable: Support accurate financial management and a robust internal control environment. 

• Assist in maintaining the organisation’s fixed-asset register.
• Support the preparation of monthly financial reports, requisitions and reconciliations.
• Monitor expenditure against approved organisational, project and donor budgets.
• Maintain accurate financial records for donor-funded projects, including project account reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with Play it Forward’s financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Assist with donor financial reporting, audits and independent examinations, and provide other reasonable finance and administrative support as required.

How to Apply

We welcome applications from people of all ages (over 18) and backgrounds who have the skills and experience to help strengthen our team.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter of no more than one A4 page outlining your suitability for the role to accounts@play-itforward.org

Application deadline: 5th October 2026. Due to the number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

To learn more about our work, visit play-itforward.org

Play it Forward is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that are in our care or attending our premises. Applicants must be willing to undergo background checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers. The Employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description, and to promote positive working relations amongst Employees and beneficiaries.