Finance Officer

About The Project:

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a global conservation organisation conserving wildlife and ecosystems in protected areas and outstanding wild places. FZS maintains long-term programmes in Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. The Africa Programme is active in five focal countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

FZS has been working in partnership with Zambia's Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) since 1986 in North Luangwa National Park, and since 2017 in Nsumbu National Park.

The Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme (NTCP) is a partnership between FZS and DNPW, dedicated to preserving the Nsumbu-Mweru Ecosystem with an initial focus on Nsumbu National Park and surrounds. The programme has matured considerably, supporting effective protected area management through natural resource protection, structured field operations, community fisheries management, ecological monitoring, and strong community engagement and outreach.

Our mission in the Nsumbu-Mweru landscape is "conserving landscapes, enriching lives."

About The Position:

The Finance Officer (FO) supports the Finance and Administration department in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of the Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme.

This role is ideal for an early-career professional eager to build skills in financial management, administration, and organisational processes.

The FO contributes to accurate financial documentation, efficient office operations, and compliance with donor and organisational requirements.

Your Tasks:

Finance Support

• Review invoices, receipts, payment requests and supporting documents for completeness, accuracy and appropriate authorisation.
• Prepare and process payments in accordance with FZS procedures and delegated authority, ensuring that required approvals are obtained before payment.
• Record financial transactions accurately and promptly in the designated accounting system.
• Maintain organised financial records and supporting documentation, ensuring that transactions can be readily traced and verified.
• Prepare monthly bank and cash reconciliation statements, where assigned, for review by the Landscape Finance Manager.
• Monitor outstanding staff advances and follow up on timely retirement and supporting documentation.
• Support monthly financial reporting and closure within established deadlines.
• Compile and check supporting documentation for donor reporting.
• Ensure compliance with audit and regulatory requirements.

Administration & HR Support

• Maintain up-to-date permanent and casual staff registers.
• Coordinate with the Field Operations team to verify attendance records and prepare monthly attendance summaries for payroll processing.
• Ensure communication with staff during absences (illness, leave, etc.).
• Assist with recruitment logistics (advertising, scheduling interviews, filing applications).
• Maintain personnel files and ensure confidentiality of staff records.
• Support induction and onboarding of new staff.

Procurement & Inventory

• Assist with procurement of goods and services in line with FZS procurement policy.
• Prepare purchase requisitions and maintain purchasing records.
• Track delivery of supplies and ensure accurate documentation.
• Maintain inventory of office supplies and equipment, record usage and losses.
• Conduct periodic stock counts and reconcile with records.

Office & Logistics Support

• Ensure smooth day-to-day running of the office (supplies, utilities, communications).
• Support travel arrangements for staff (transport, accommodation, allowances).
• Provide logistical support for field teams when required.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure adherence to FZS policies, donor requirements, and financial regulations.
• Prepare clear and timely reports on financial and administrative matters.
• Support internal and external audits by compiling required documentation.
• Uphold confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information.

Your Profile:

We are interested in applicants who can show that they have actually managed complex field operations, rather than simply supported them.
You may come from conservation or protected-area management, engineering, construction, logistics, fleet management or another demanding remote operational environment.
The successful candidate will combine technical understanding with strong management ability.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Diploma or degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in finance, administration, or logistics support (NGO or conservation sector preferred).
• Experience with inventory management and donor reporting is an advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Basic knowledge of accounting systems and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with procurement and audit requirements.
• Grant and …