Controller of Accounting Services

Job description

SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Background

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional economic community founded and maintained by countries in Southern Africa. It aims to further the socio-economic, political, and security cooperation among its Member States and foster regional integration in order to achieve peace, stability, and wealth. SADC currently has sixteen (16) Member States with a population of approximately 340 million and a combined GDP of US$720 billion.

The Secretariat is currently recruiting for various positions to enhance its capacity to deliver on the above mandate. The Secretariat is therefore inviting suitably qualified and experienced citizens of SADC to apply for the following positions tenable at its Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana or as stated in the job advert:

Position: Controller of Accounting Services
Job Grade: 4

Primary Purpose of the Job

• Coordinate, supervise and facilitate an efficient and effective financial accounting and reporting process of the SADC Secretariat
• Manage the efforts and performance of the team under the Controller

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Coordinate the preparation and submission of monthly and quarterly management accounts for the Secretariat to management
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of the Secretariat annual financial statements to auditors and ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements
• Set timetables for completion of accounting tasks to ensure compliance with reporting deadlines
• Implement adequate financial controls, checks and reconciliations of GL to sub ledgers and ensure these have been performed at month end
• Approve all monthly journals by Accounting Unit and all year-end journals.
• Review monthly age-analysis of receivables and payables
• Approve all year-end journals, all account/ lead schedules for preparation of annual statutory reporting
• Ensure chart of accounts are appropriately set up, maintain and implement appropriate authorisation procedures for future updates
• Keep up to date with international accounting standards (IFRS) and provide adequate training to accounting team
• Provide technical financial advisory services on compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards treasury and budgetary matter

Budgeting

• Oversee capture of approved budget for department onto SIMS
• Provide monthly feedback on Finance Department’s variance reports

Internal Controls

• Implement adequate measures and financial controls to strengthen the internal control environment and enhance corporate governance, accountability and transparency
• Update audit matrix each quarter
• Implement and maintain an appropriate structure, system of policies and procedures for adequate level of control over all financial accounting activities of the Secretariat
• Monitor and maintain appropriate control and segregation of duties through control over around user access rights to the accounting system and ensure these reflect user rights, duties and authority
• Monitor and ensure compliance with donor requirement on financial Accounting

Other functions

• Prepare the annual, quarterly financial statements and financial performance reports to meet the statutory reporting targets
• Coordinate Drafting of Annotated Agendas for Audit Committee and Finance Committee Meetings
• Coordinate, review and / or Draft Annotated Agenda on matters related to the Directorate of Finance for submission to Audit Committee, Finance Committee and Council Meetings
• Provide Secretariat Services (logistical arrangements for the SADC Board of
• Auditors during Audit Committee meetings and in audit execution
• Follow-up on implementation of Council Decisions under Directorate of Finance
• Oversee arrangements for transfer of Board of Auditor Chair
• Draft the annotated agenda/record for the Board of Auditors

Management of the unit

• Develop, update and implement policies, strategies, processes, systems and procedures for the effective delivery of the unit’s objectives
• Participate in the formulation of the Corporate Strategy
• Develop short- and long-term plans and budgets for the unit, monitor progress, assure adherence and evaluate performance on a regular basis
• Manage the delegated unit budget to ensure optimal use
• Achieve the mission, goals and objectives of the unit, and report progress to the Head
• Ensure team compliance with all relevant Secretariat values, policies and standards, and statutory requirements
• Work towards building a positive workplace and team culture, and a climate that attracts, retains and motivates top quality personnel
• Plan the unit’s activity and maintain direct oversight on its operations and the staff in terms of (a) work scheduling, (b) estimating resource and staffing needs, (c) allocating and delegating tasks, and (d) recruiting, training, developing, supporting, supervising, motivating and appraising staff
• Continuously identify and implement leading practices to promote efficient and effective financial accounting and reporting process
• Undertake any other duties as delegated by the Head

Qualifications and Experience

Education
At least a Master’s Degree in a finance related field from a recognised institution

Professional Certification
Professional accountancy certification such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, ACPA or equivalent

Specialised Knowledge

• Knowledge of AS, IFRS and IPSAS
• Proficient in the use of computers and computer software relevant to the position

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years working experience in finance preferably within a public or private sector, regional or international organization
• This includes a minimum of 4 years in a line management position

Skills Requirements

• Communication and presentation skills
• Conflict management skills
• Decision-making skills
• International relations skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Mentoring and coaching skills
• Negotiation, persuasion, advocacy, networking, relationship building and stakeholder management skills
• Organisational skills (planning, budgeting, work prioritisation, time management)
• Research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strategy and policy development skills
• Team building skills

Competency Requirements

• Apply interpersonal styles/methods to develop, motivate and empower individuals toward achievement of goals
• Capable of maintaining quality whilst working under pressure and adhering to deadlines
• Capacity to motivate and influence people positively, and create a climate where people want to do their best
• Conceptual and practical thinking
• Customer focused
• Decisive
• Demonstrated ability to work well in an international, multi-cultural and highly political environment
• Organisational awareness with an understanding of how to engage the organisation to get things done
• Maintain confidentiality and respectful of sensitive situations
• Methodical and organised, and able to look at the big picture without losing attention to details
• Professionalism and adherence to good work ethics
• Question status quo / conventional approaches and encourage new ideas and innovations for progress
• Resilience and personal drive, self-motivation
• Results and performance driven
• Visionary, thinks and acts strategically

Remuneration

The SADC Secretariat offers a competitive package for the positions as outlined below.

Job Grade Salary range per annum (US$)

Job Grade 4: 93,097.00 – 99,643.00

Tenure of appointment

The term of appointment of the positions shall be for a fixed period of four (4) years, renewable twice for another period of four (4) years, subject to:

• satisfactory completion of 6 months’ probation;
• satisfactory performance;
• retirement age limit of 60 years; and
• the continued need for the position.

Eligibility

The positions are open to qualified applicants who:

• Are 52 years old or younger. This requirement is based on the Organisation’s need to recruit staff who can serve for a reasonable period of time before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
• The SADC recruitment age limit for internal candidates shall be 56 years to remedy turnover, retain institutional memory and ensure business continuity.
• Are from the following eligible Member States: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Closing Date and Submission of Applications: Applications must be submitted to the SADC National Contact Point of the eligible Member States not later than or on 20 November 2026.

Applications should be accompanied by the following:

1. a cover letter stating the position that you want to be considered for and describing how your qualifications, experience, and competencies are relevant to the position;
2. not more than five (5) pages of updated curriculum vitae;
3. certified copies of your degree(s), Diploma(s) and Certificate(s); and
4. duly signed and completed SADC Application Form.

Should you be shortlisted, you will be required to produce evidence of educational and professional qualifications supporting your application, on the day of your interview.

Gender Mainstreaming

SADC is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from female candidates.

Mainstreaming of People with Disability

SADC is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages and promotes employment for people with disabilities.

If you are results orientated, you have a passion for the transformation and development of Southern Africa and possess the required competencies, please submit your application.

Only applicants, who meet the requirements of the SADC Secretariat and being considered for an interview, will be contacted. Should you not hear from the SADC Secretariat within two months after the closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

For further details on the position that you want to apply for, job profiles, and SADC Application Form, refer to the SADC Website: www.sadc.int

Details can also be obtained from the National Contact Point in your respective country.