Assistant Accountant

Job description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a non-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. For more information, please visit http://www.iita.org/

IITA is seeking to employ the services of a fully qualified and experienced Zambian national to fill up the following vacancy at its Lusaka Station:

ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT – REF NO: SARAH/AA/03/25

Under the direct supervision of the Station Accountant, the Assistant Accountant will be assisting in performing routine accounting tasks, record financial transactions for projects, units and promptly advise budget holders on their financial status. Accountable for recording the cost of newly acquired fixed assets, tracking existing fixed assets, recording depreciation, and accounting for the disposition of fixed assets.

Key responsibilities:

Maintain and update batch register for all station financial transactions
Oracle transaction input officer for Station Accountant`s approval
Monitor outstanding travel advances, cash advances and advise the Account Officer on aged or unretired advances
Maintain and monitor station cash advance register for compliance purposes
Maintain a travel authorization and advance register
Prepare cheques for collected for the Station Imprest from the bank
Act as Expense Claims Auditor
Prepares Account Payable Module inputs and reconciliation in Oracle.
Review / Audit Expense Claims Reports to ensure compliance with IITA Policies and Procedures and advise the Station Accountant accordingly
Issues receipts for monies collected where there is no Cashier or in the absence of the Cashier (Cashier Reliever)
Assist in the preparation of bank reconciliation for Station Accountant`s review and approval
Enter on-daily / weekly basis station transactions into the IITA Accounting System
Create and monitor a system of controls, procedures and forms record of the fixed assets
Assign tag numbers to fixed assets, record fixed asset acquisitions and dispositions in the fixed asset register
Conduct analyses and periodic physical inventory counts of fixed assets and recommend to management whether fixed assets should be disposed of
Provide cover in the absence of the Station Accountant
Perform all other related duties that may be assigned from time to time by the supervisor

Qualifications and Experience

A university degree in Accounting, Finance or other relevant equivalent qualifications
Full Grade 12 certificate
At least three (3) or more years of professional experience in Accounting
Member of ZICA

Core Competencies

Proven skills and experience in financial related activities
Knowledge of Oracle enterprise software will be an added advantage
Computer skills
Fluency in English and excellent written and verbal communication skills

General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three (3) years. Renewal is dependent on the performance and availability of funds.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should forward their detailed curriculum vitae and covering letter as One Document by email to IITA-Zambia@cgiar.org no later than 4th April 2025. The application should be addressed to the People & Culture Officer.

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted