Senior Accountant

Location: Windhoek

Reports to: Finance Director

Position Overview

The Senior Accountant performs a critical role within the organization, responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of financial operations under PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) donor funding. The position requires a deep understanding of donor funding regulations, specifically PEPFAR, and the ability to manage financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance in alignment with Namibian laws and donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

  • Prepare and maintain accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with PEPFAR donor guidelines and organizational policies.
  • Oversee the management of project budgets, including preparation, monitoring, and reporting to ensure adherence to donor and organizational standards.
  • Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard financial assets and ensure accountability.

Donor Compliance

  • Ensure all financial activities align with PEPFAR regulations, including procurement, reporting, and allowable costs.
  • Provide accurate and timely financial reports to donors, management, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency.
  • Stay updated on PEPFAR and U.S. government financial guidelines, implementing changes as required.

Audit and Reporting

  • Lead internal and external audits, ensuring the timely resolution of audit findings.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including variance analysis and expenditure tracking.
  • Reconcile accounts and ensure all transactions are properly documented and supported.
  • Collaborate with program and operations teams to build their financial management capacity and enhance compliance.

Grant Management

  • Oversee grant disbursements, ensuring funds are allocated as per project agreements and within budget constraints.
  • Coordinate with program staff to track project deliverables against financial expenditures.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, and local authorities to address financial management queries.
  • Represent the finance department in meetings with PEPFAR representatives and other key stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Professional qualifications (e.g., CPA, ACCA, or CIMA) will be a distinct advantage.  
  • A minimum 5-7 years of accounting experience, with at least 3 years working in a donor-funded environment (PEPFAR experience is highly desirable).
  • Demonstrated expertise in financial management, donor compliance, and grant accounting.  
  • Advanced knowledge of PEPFAR financial management, expenditure analysis and reporting requirements.
  • Proficiency in accounting software and financial systems.

Key Competencies

  • Knowledge of Namibian financial regulations, tax laws, and financial reporting.
  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.  
  • Commitment to the organization’s mission and values, particularly in public health and HIV/AIDS response.  
  • Good project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience preparing detailed financial reports.