• Assist in the standardization of the financial process in each park through SOP compliance
• Working alongside newly recruited financial controllers for 3-4 months until they are familiarized with the African Parks process
• Support the implementation of new systems (e.g. inventory, payroll, revenue collection systems etc)
• Ensuring audit readiness of each park: donor audits and APN audits
• Ensuring completeness of all existing park finance and procurement paperwork

Accounting and Control

• Responsible to manage the external audits of AP parks in Zambia and Zimbabwe. This includes fee negotiations, ensuring that prior year management report items have been addressed, ensuring audits are of high standard, providing completed reporting packs to head office within the group deadlines
• Research and advise on complex technical accounting issues
• Perform financial analysis of balance sheet accounts to ensure compliance, integrity of account balances/financial reporting and effectiveness of business processes
• Optimize working capital throughout the various parks by ensuring adequate management of all treasury and funding
• Conduct internal audits of each park at least once a year and report findings to park and head office
• Provide Support to the Regional Operations Manager where needed

Reporting

• Quality assurance on all financial reports (including donor reports) prepared by the park
• Support PMUs with the preparation of park budgets
• Overall responsible to ensure quality reporting from parks

Managerial/Leadership duties

• Drive the continued development/training for all accounting/finance staff in the region
• Implementation and training of staff in new and existing systems as and when required
• Be the link between Head-Office (HO) and park and ensure adequate communication both ways
• Attending board meetings and act as company secretary when required
• Ensuring compliance from a statutory perspective of all entities including tax compliance
• Assist with oversight on tax structuring for organisation and employees (in principle not individual)
• Assist in driving cost efficiencies across the regional portfolio
• Continue Lusaka support on all stakeholder matters

Other

Attending monthly update meetings at DNPW (with Regional Operations Manager & Country Representative)

Board Secretary (Bangweulu, Liuwa & Kafue)

Board Member (Matusadona)

Visit each park in the region at least once every quarter

Attend park management meetings at least once quarterly and make recommendations for improvements

Oversight on accounting at Regional Office and Regional Procurement

Participate in +/-3 SOP audits annually in various countries

Ad-hoc Investigations (Financial/procurement) on tip-offs or review findings

 Key Performance Indicators

Timeliness and Accuracy of Financial Reporting

Monthly financial reports are submitted on time and meet African Parks’ quality standards.

Donor financial reports are complete, accurate, and submitted within specified deadlines.

Budget Adherence and Variance Management

Forecasting models consistently align with actual financial performance, enhancing cash flow management.

Audit Compliance

All parks maintain readiness for statutory and donor audits.

All audit recommendations are implemented within the expected timeframe.

Ensure that donor audits don’t lead to ineligibilities

Risk Mitigation and Internal Control Effectiveness

Reduction in identified risks related to cash handling, procurement, and financial reporting across the region.

Effective implementation of corrective actions for all identified risk areas.

Team Development and Regional Capacity Building

Positive feedback from park finance teams regarding mentorship and support.

Improved financial competence and autonomy among park finance managers in budget and reporting responsibilities.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; ACCA, CA, or CMA certification preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of financial management experience, preferably within multi-site or non-profit organizations in East Africa.
• Demonstrated expertise in donor-funded projects and compliance with international funding requirements such as US Aid, EU or other intuitional funding.
• Proficiency in financial systems and software, particularly ERP systems; advanced Excel skills required.
• Fluent in English; strong communication skills and cultural adaptability.

Key Competencies

• Analytical and strategic financial planning skills suited to complex regional operations.
• Proven leadership abilities with a strong focus on team development and capacity building.
• In-depth understanding of risk management and internal control frameworks.
• High level of integrity, detail-oriented approach, and commitment to African Parks’ conservation mission