Assistant Accountant

Role Overview

This position sits at the centre of the finance team's payment cycle, turning approved requests into accurate, properly documented disbursements while keeping the supplier ledger clean and current. Day to day you will check invoices and claims against policy before they are posted, reconcile supplier and control accounts, and chase the approvals standing between a valid request and an on-time payment. The work directly protects the organisation's cash position and audit readiness, and it underpins the confidence that staff, suppliers and donors place in the numbers the Finance Department reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Review supplier invoices, staff expense claims, consultant fee notes and other payment requests before posting, confirming that supporting documents are complete, coding and approvals are correct, and organisational and donor requirements are met.
• Process a varied mix of disbursements — supplier payments, travel and project advances, staff claims, consultant fees, payroll-related deductions, insurance premiums, letters of credit, bank guarantees and other approved payments — accurately and on schedule, with remittance advice issued for each one.
• Maintain accurate accounts payable records so that reporting, month-end schedules and audit requests can be answered without scrambling for evidence.
• Reconcile supplier statements and other assigned balance sheet accounts monthly, investigating, resolving and documenting discrepancies rather than letting them carry forward.
• Monitor travel advances, supplier prepayments and similar balances, clearing them within agreed timelines and flagging anything at risk of ageing out.
• Keep a central register tracking each invoice through receipt, approval, processing, payment and filing, and use it to follow up on pending approvals and monitor how long transactions take to move.
• With guidance from the Deputy Finance Manager, prepare and circulate periodic reports on supplier payments, outstanding liabilities and advances, and respond to payment and reconciliation queries from staff, suppliers and consultants.
• Train designated backup colleagues on accounts payable procedures and controls so continuity of cover is maintained, and take on additional duties as directed by the supervisor.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• A professional accounting qualification such as CPA Part II (Intermediate) or an equivalent ACCA stage is preferred.
• At least one year of experience in a finance or accounting role, ideally handling accounts payable, reconciliations or general ledger duties.
• Practical knowledge of a computerised accounting system is required, with experience of Agresso considered a distinct advantage.
• Competent use of Microsoft Office, particularly spreadsheets used for reconciliation and tracking.
• Business partnering ability — the role involves frequent contact with internal departments and external suppliers, so relationship-building and clear communication matter as much as technical accuracy.
• Strong oral, written and analytical skills, with the critical thinking and business analysis mindset to spot an irregularity or a pattern that does not add up.
• Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision, managing a queue of requests and holding to deadlines under pressure.