Principal Accountant

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (“ZEMA”) is a statutory body established under the Environmental Management Act (“EMA”) No. 12 of 2011 whose mandate is to do all such things as are necessary to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources and protection of the environment, and the prevention and control of pollution. The EMA further mandates the Agency to conduct environmental education and promote public participation in environmental management.

In pursuance of its mandate, ZEMA is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the following positions;

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT

Job Purpose

Under the Supervision of the Manager-Finance, to assist carry out financial and accounting functions to ensure that all financial transactions are done according to approved accounting practices and standards in the Agency.

The main duties and responsibilities of the Principal Accountant (without limitation), include:

• Assists superior with the control, supervision and management of the finance department activities and transactions, to ensure accurate determination of the Agency’s liquidity position at any given time, expenditure levels and economy of operations in all regional offices.
• Initiates and carries out the preparation, development, maintenance, interpretation and implementation of all financial and management accounting and revenue collection procedures, in order to ensure practical financial operations. Reviews operational effectiveness of the same with a view to improving them.
• Maintenance of proper books of accounts and systems, supervising and checking all reconciliations to ensure they balance. Investigates and resolves all cases of imbalances.
• Prepares and consolidates budgets indicating income projections, expenses and expenditure, financial position and cash flow, cost analysis reports, Head Office and Regional Offices related expenses and revenue collections. Submits reports to superior for incorporation in overall Agency plans/budget.
• Supervise/ Carry out payments for staff salaries, including recoveries, in respect of standing statutory payments to NAPSA,  Insurance, Mortgages, pension contributions, staff loans and advance payments.
• Initiate/prepare and facilitate Certification and ratification of the Agency’s financial statements, disbursements, approving purchase commitment documents and cheques within own budgetary limits with regard to cash in and out flows.
• Analyses and evaluates statistical data and information and prepares departmental performance reports periodically, showing degree of adherence to established procedures. Submits the same to superior for action.
• Resolves administrative issues relating to discipline, motivation, development and progress of subordinates to ensure proficiency and high productivity in the department.
• Manages the treasury – ensuring that surplus funds are invested in credible risk markets.
• Carries out other financial accounting duties, as and when required.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Grade twelve (12), University entrance.
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting/Finance with ACCA, ACA, ZICA or equivalent.
• Must have high computer proficiency with demonstrable working knowledge of current accounting packages.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the Public Finance Act and other Public Finance Policy Directions
• Five (5) years post qualification experience of which three (3) must be at senior level.
• Membership to ZICA

The candidates must be Zambians of exceptional integrity who are self-starters, goal-oriented with demonstrated ability to lead teams through onerous time bound tasks. Driving and computer proficiency are a must.

Interested candidates may send their application letters, certified copies of relevant academic certificates and Curriculum Vitae indicating contact telephone numbers, email addresses and contact details of at least three traceable referees to the address below:

The Director General
Zambia Environmental Management Agency
Corner of Church and Suez roads
P.O. Box 35131,
LUSAKA.

CLOSING DATE

Closing date for receiving applications is Wednesday 30th April, 2025. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NOTE: Envelopes should be clearly marked in bold for the position applied for – “JOB APPLICATION FOR….. “

ZEMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND AS SUCH FEMALE CANDIDATESARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR THESE POSITIONS.