Programme Accountant

Programme Accountant Job in Lusaka – Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS).

Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS) is inviting applications from qualified and experienced finance professionals for the position of Programme Accountant. This is a contract-based opportunity for individuals with strong experience in donor-funded project accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial management within the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector.

The successful candidate will join one of Zambia's leading community-based education organisations and contribute to the effective management of programme finances, ensuring accountability, transparency, and compliance with donor requirements.

About Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS)

Founded in 1992, Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS) is one of Zambia's leading organisations promoting community-based education. Over the years, ZOCS has worked with communities, development partners, and government institutions to improve access to quality education for vulnerable children.

Today, the organisation supports 1,385 Community Schools across 95 districts in all 10 provinces of Zambia, providing educational opportunities to more than 259,000 learners. Through strong partnerships and community participation, ZOCS continues to contribute to improved education outcomes and sustainable community development.

About the Role

The Programme Accountant will be responsible for supporting the organisation's financial management systems by preparing budgets, maintaining accurate accounting records, monitoring donor-funded projects, and producing timely financial reports.

The successful candidate will ensure that all financial transactions comply with donor agreements, organisational policies, and applicable accounting standards while providing financial information that supports sound decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Financial Management

• Record and account for prepaid expenses.

• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations for all ZOCS bank accounts.

• Post accounting journals accurately and on time.

• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports.

• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations.

• Maintain complete and accurate accounting records.

Donor Financial Reporting

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing monthly donor financial reports in accordance with donor guidelines.

• Monitoring donor expenditure to ensure compliance with approved budgets.

• Ensuring all donor transactions comply with donor regulations and organisational policies.

• Maintaining the donor reporting calendar.

• Ensuring donor reports are completed at least five days before submission deadlines.

Budgeting and Planning

The successful candidate will:

• Develop project proposal budgets.

• Prepare annual organisational budgets.

• Support the preparation of strategic plan budgets.

• Monitor budget performance and recommend corrective action where necessary.

Asset and Financial Control

The role also involves:

• Managing and updating the organisation's asset register.

• Reviewing payment vouchers and supporting documentation.

• Preparing monthly audit files.

• Reviewing cash disbursement vouchers.

• Importing financial data into Pastel Accounting Software.

• Reporting financial anomalies and recommending corrective measures.

Monitoring and Compliance

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting financial monitoring visits, including quarterly travel outside the duty station.

• Supporting internal and external audits.

• Ensuring compliance with organisational financial policies.

• Assisting management with other accounting and finance duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• Full Grade 12 School Certificate or equivalent.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, or ACCA Stage II, or ZICA Stage II.

• Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a similar accounting role within a reputable donor-funded organisation.

• Practical experience in NGO financial management.

• Proven experience managing donor-funded projects and donor reporting requirements.

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Excellent financial reporting and analytical skills.

• Strong organisational and time management abilities.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to meet strict reporting deadlines.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

• Adaptability and ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced work environment.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate should possess:

• Effective communication skills.

• Integrity and professionalism.

• Financial discipline and accountability.

• Strong results orientation.

• Sound risk management abilities.

• Knowledge of financial policies, compliance, and reporting controls.

• Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.

Working Relationships

The Programme Accountant will work closely with:

Internal Stakeholders

• ZOCS Management

• Finance Team

• Programme Staff

External Stakeholders

• Community Schools

• Development Partners and Donors

• Government Institutions

• Auditors and other relevant stakeholders

Why Join ZOCS?

Working with Zambia Open Community Schools provides an opportunity to contribute to improving access to education for thousands of children across Zambia. Employees become part of a mission-driven organisation that values accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and community impact. Finance professionals at ZOCS play an essential role in ensuring donor resources are managed responsibly to support sustainable education programmes nationwide.

Job Summary

• Organisation: Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS)

• Position: Programme Accountant

• Location: Lusaka, Zambia

• Employment Type: Contract

• Sector: NGO / Community-Based Education

• Minimum Qualification: Bachelor's degree in accounting, ACCA Stage II or ZICA Stage II

• Experience Required: Minimum 5 years in donor-funded NGO accounting

• Application Method: Email

• Closing Date: 13 July 2026 (17:00 Hours)