Volunteer Accountant(Reposted)

Volunteer Accountant | Supporting Women and Girls | Malawi (6-12 Weeks)

Accounting for International Development (AfID) invites accountants worldwide to leverage their expertise for non-profit organizations globally. Our voluntary assignments, ranging from two weeks to six months, are designed to enhance the financial management capabilities of charities across more than 50 nations.

Our esteemed partner is a women-led non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of rural girls and women through comprehensive programs in education, health, and economic empowerment. As the inaugural AfID volunteer to support this organization, your primary responsibility will be to conduct a thorough review of their existing financial management controls, processes, and systems. Following this assessment, you will develop and implement actionable recommendations to bolster these areas.

The organization has evolved from a paper-based system to a hybrid approach, currently utilizing Excel spreadsheets alongside manual records. A key aspect of this role involves evaluating the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to a fully computerized accounting system. You will assess whether accounting software would be advantageous, and if so, recommend suitable options based on the complexity of their accounting needs, available resources (including electricity and internet access), and the skillsets of local staff.

Depending on the outcomes of the assessment and the duration of your placement, opportunities may arise to establish a new accounting system, develop a chart of accounts, and provide training to staff on its utilization. Additionally, support in refining their financial management tools—including organizational and program budgets, management accounting tools, and cashflow forecasts—would be highly beneficial. A critical objective is to help the organization gain clarity on the operational costs of both the organization and its various programs.

Currently, the organization manages funding from multiple donors and requires assistance in effectively recovering core administrative expenses, such as staff salaries and office operational costs. Contingent upon the findings of your review, you may also be tasked with examining donor agreements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of current financial management controls, processes, and systems.
• Identify weaknesses and areas for improvement within the existing financial framework.
• Develop and implement recommendations to strengthen financial management practices.
• Assess the potential transition to a computerized accounting system and recommend appropriate software solutions.
• Evaluate the feasibility of implementing accounting software based on organizational needs and resource availability.
• Potentially establish a new accounting system, including the creation of a chart of accounts.
• Provide training and coaching to local staff on new accounting systems and financial management tools.
• Support the review and enhancement of organizational and program budgets.
• Assist in developing and refining management accounting tools and cashflow forecasts.
• Help the organization understand its program and organizational running costs.
• Review donor agreements as required.

Qualifications:

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent).
• Proven experience in financial management, accounting, and audit.
• Familiarity with accounting software and Excel spreadsheets.
• Experience working with non-profit organizations is an advantage.
• Ability to assess organizational needs and recommend practical solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and mentor staff.
• Adaptability and willingness to work in diverse environments.
• Understanding of developing country contexts is beneficial.

Placement Duration: 6-12 Weeks

Salary: Volunteer (expenses may be covered - details available upon inquiry)

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