Assistant Accountant

Background

Grant money and public funds only keep coming to institutions that can account for the last lot. This post sits at the centre of that – transactions, reconciliations, statutory remittances and audit-ready records for an institute running research across three sites. It is a finance job where the standard of your work decides what the scientists can do next year.

Responsibilities

• Process transactions – payments, receipts and journal entries captured accurately and on time in the accounting system.
• Prepare payments – vouchers, cheques and electronic funds transfers, strictly in line with approvals.
• Drive revenue and receivables – receipting, banking, recording and active follow-up of outstanding debtors.
• Reconcile bank, control and ledger accounts on a disciplined monthly cycle.
• Meet statutory obligations – prepare and remit PAYE, NAPSA and NHIMA on time, with zero penalties.
• Control petty cash and import, and support budget monitoring with expenditure returns and variance data.
• Carry the audits – schedules, documents and explanations for internal and external auditors.

Qualifications

• ZICA Licentiate, CA Zambia Application Level, or Advanced Diploma in Accountancy or a recognised equivalent.
• Full Grade 12 School Certificate or its equivalent.
• Paid-up membership of ZICA – mandatory, and verified before appointment.

Experience

• Three (3) years of relevant post-qualification accounting experience.

Additional Information

• Integrity and discretion with confidential financial information, and the judgement to escalate what matters.

Added Advantage

• Experience in a public, statutory or grant-funded institution, including donor and project reporting.
• Strong working knowledge of a computerised accounting package and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Familiarity with IPSAS and Zambian public financial management requirements.

Re-advertisement Note

THIS IS A RE-ADVERTISEMENT. If you applied for this position under the earlier advertisement, you need not apply again – your application is already in the pool. New applications are welcome from candidates who have not previously applied.

How to Apply

Applications must arrive on or before 10 SEPTEMBER 2026.

Send one single PDF containing: a cover letter naming this post; a detailed CV ending with three (3) traceable referees and their contact details; and copies of your Grade 12 certificate, academic qualifications and professional membership certificates. Separate files, links or zipped folders will not be opened. Subject line: Assistant Accountant, Lusaka

Hard copies may be posted or delivered to: The Executive Director, National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Along Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Road, P.O. Box 310158, Lusaka, Zambia.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 10 SEPTEMBER 2026. One PDF per application. Late applications will not be considered.

Apply by emailing: careers@nisir.org.zm