Job description

Programme Accountant – Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS)

Organization: Zambia Open Community Schools
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Job Type: Contract
Sector: NGO | Community-Based Education
Closing Date: Monday 13 July 2026 at 17:00 hours

About ZOCS
Established in 1992, ZOCS is a flagship institution for community-based education in Zambia. We empower communities to deliver quality basic education to 259,691 learners across 1,385 Community Schools in 95 districts in all 10 provinces.

Main Purpose
Responsible for budgeting, planning, quality control, and reporting. Ensure effective financial management by capturing all accounting transactions and providing monthly reports. Account for all funds utilized by the organisation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
Accounting for prepaid expenses.
Prepare monthly bank reconciliations for all ZOCS bank accounts and post journals.
Prepare monthly audit file.
Prepare and update monthly donor reports in accordance with donor requirements.
Manage and update assets register.
Develop budgets for proposals, annual budget, and Strategic Plan budget.
Prepare management accounts.
Carry out monitoring responsibilities, including quarterly travel outside duty station.
Report all anomalies and ensure corrective actions.
Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and review vouchers.
Monitor, control and ensure all donor expenses/transactions comply with ZOCS policies and donor requirements.
Maintain donor report calendar and ensure reports are ready 5 days before submission date.
Review cash disbursement vouchers and bi-weekly import templates into Pastel.
Perform other finance and accounting duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Experience
Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting OR ACCA Stage 2 OR ZICA Stage 2.
Minimum 5 years experience in a similar position with a reputable donor funded organisation.
NGO experience in accounting is essential.
Experience in managing donor funds and engagement is essential.
Strong organizing skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet strict deadlines.
Ability to work individually and in a team, adapt to change, and work in a busy environment.

Core Competencies
Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results, Integrity, Financial Discipline, Policy & Reporting Control, Sound Risk Management.

Networks
Internal: Staff. External: Schools, Donors, Government.

How to Apply
Email application letter, resume, certified copies of academic and professional qualifications, and traceable referees to: zo••••••@••••••.com

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
ZOCS is an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply.