Head of Finance & Administration

Head of Finance and Administration Jobs in Mfuwe

Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) invites applications for the role of Head of Finance & Administration, a senior leadership position based at our head office in Mfuwe, Eastern Zambia. This full-time opportunity is ideal for an experienced finance professional seeking to lead and enhance the organisation’s financial, administrative, and compliance functions within a dynamic conservation and public sector environment.

About the Role: Head of Finance and Administration Jobs in Mfuwe

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Finance & Administration will oversee finance, budgeting, reporting, procurement, payroll, stores management, and internal controls. This role involves managing a skilled team including the Senior Accountant, Accountant, Stores Supervisor, and Stores Assistant. The successful candidate will work closely with programme heads, donors, auditors, and government authorities to ensure robust financial stewardship and organisational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership and Reporting: Lead CSL’s finance and administration functions, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and compliance. Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO and Board, coordinate budgeting processes, and prepare detailed financial reports including variance analysis and cash flow forecasts.
• Accounting Systems Management: Maximise the use of QuickBooks Online as the core finance system, maintaining accurate coding, reconciliations, and grant tracking. Develop finance procedures and collaborate with programme teams to align financial reporting with project delivery.
• Cash Flow and Foreign Exchange: Prepare regular cash flow forecasts, manage foreign currency transactions, and advise on exchange rate impacts in line with CSL policy.
• Procurement and Internal Controls: Strengthen procurement procedures and payment authorisations, maintain fixed asset registers, oversee stores management, and implement improvements to internal controls to meet audit and donor compliance standards.
• Payroll and Compliance: Oversee payroll accuracy and statutory submissions including PAYE, NAPSA, VAT, and tax obligations. Coordinate audits and provide tax planning advice to ensure legal compliance.
• HR Administration and Team Leadership: Manage HR-related administration, lead the development of finance and administration handbooks, and undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Professional qualification in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field; ZICA membership or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in financial management, ideally within NGOs or donor-funded organisations.
• Proven expertise in budgeting, management reporting, audit preparation, payroll, procurement, and internal controls.
• Experience managing restricted donor funding, multi-currency finance, and foreign exchange.
• Proficiency with accounting software, preferably QuickBooks Online, and strong Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead finance/admin teams and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Strong knowledge of statutory compliance and payroll obligations in the Zambian NGO context.
• Excellent English communication skills, integrity, confidentiality, and commitment to living in Mfuwe.

Desirable Skills and Competencies

• Experience in conservation, community development, humanitarian, or field-based NGOs.
• Familiarity with international donor compliance systems and organisational growth transitions.
• Supervisory experience in procurement, stores, HR administration, IT/data security, or operational support.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving abilities with a practical understanding of field operations.
• Self-motivation, goal orientation, and ability to manage competing deadlines independently.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to rachel@cslzambia.org with the subject line “CSL Head of Finance & Administration”:

• A CV not exceeding three pages.
• A detailed cover letter (maximum two pages) addressed to the CEO, explaining how your experience aligns with the role. Please include salary expectations and earliest availability.
• Contact details for three referees, including a brief description of your working relationship with each.
• Do not submit qualification certificates unless requested.

Applications close on Monday 8th June.

Additional Information

Conservation South Luangwa is committed to integrity, safeguarding, accountability, and professional conduct. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold CSL’s Code of Conduct and organisational policies. CSL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. Applicants must have the right to work in Zambia or demonstrate eligibility to obtain work authorisation. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Job Details