Senior Accounting Officer

About the Department

The Operations Department manages DNDi's corporate infrastructure globally across eight locations through its Business Development, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems and Technology, Legal Affairs, and Project Management Office teams. The Department plays a central role in DNDi's compliance and performance. 

About the Office

DNDi's West and Central Africa (WACA) regional office in Kinshasa plays a key role in supporting R&D activities across the region. The office is led by the Regional Director and supports the implementation of DNDi's mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries.

Overview

The Senior Accounting Officer plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity, accuracy, and compliance of accounting operations at the DNDi WACA office. This position leads the day-to-day accounting processes, ensures timely and accurate account reconciliations, supports statutory and donor audit readiness, and contributes to the integration of the DRC finance function within DNDi's continental and global accounting framework. 

 

Position Type: Fixed Term, full time

Responsibilities

Accounting & Reconciliation (60%)

• Perform and manage key account reconciliations on a monthly basis, including bank reconciliations (Ecobank, Rawbank, Equity-BCDC), vendor reconciliations, partner balances, employee advances, consultant accounts, and other open balances. Ensure all reconciliations are completed, reviewed, and properly documented.
• Make and validate accounting entries in Business Central, respecting project codes, accounting codes, donor codes, and DNDi's global accounting guidelines. Check the consistency and quality of data entered in the system.
• Manage accruals, prepaids, and provisions, including holiday accruals, pension accruals, and other year-end adjustments in line with instructions from the Head of Accounting.
• Process payroll-related accounting entries, including allocation of salaries and benefits to the relevant projects based on staff timesheets and Tagetik budget allocations. Ensure compliance with local DRC payroll regulations.
• Support the implementation and use of Payment Journals in Business Central, working with Geneva Finance to optimise payment workflows across DRC banking institutions.

Monthly, Mid-year & Year-end Closing (15%)

• Support monthly, mid-year, and year-end closing activities in coordination with the Head of Accounting and the Accounting Hub. Ensure closing deadlines are respected and documentation is complete.
• Prepare and maintain the closing checklist for the DRC entity, including fixed asset depreciation, balance sheet reconciliations, and bank confirmations.
• Ensure compliance with the DRC's new accounting framework ("référentiel comptable") and prepare all required reports and filings for local authorities. Manage the relationship with the auditors in charge.

Audit Support & Internal Controls (15%)

• Support statutory, donor, and internal audits by preparing required documentation, responding to auditor queries, and ensuring audit readiness at all times. Coordinate with local auditors and DRC authorities as needed.
• Apply and reinforce internal control procedures as defined in DNDi's Internal Control Matrix (ICM), including the consistency check of accounting entries and the segregation of duties.
• Maintain proper accounting archives, ensuring all financial documentation is properly filed, organised, and accessible for audit purposes.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Liaise regularly with Geneva Finance and the Accounting Hub (India) on accounting-related queries, closing activities, reconciliation issues, and global finance initiatives.
• Contribute to the future integration of the DRC accounting team with the Nairobi (East Africa) team as part of DNDi's continental finance strategy.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, including the optimisation of Business Central workflows, digitalisation of payment processes, and development of accounting guidelines for the local team.
• Provide coaching and knowledge transfer to junior finance team members (e.g., Finance Assistant) to build local capacity and ensure business continuity.
• Provide financial oversight and advisory support to project teams and WACA management to ensure that expenditures are effectively planned, monitored, and controlled within approved budget limits. Offer timely guidance on financial implications of operational decisions and recommend corrective actions when budget variances are identified.

 The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other responsibilities appropriate to your grade. This job description may be subject to review.

 

Reporting line & Interactions

• Senior Accounting Officer reports to the Head of Accounting, Geneva.
• Administrative line: Head of Regional Operations, West and Central Africa.
• Works with the DRC Finance team (Finance Assistant, HR & Administration Manager).
• Collaborates with Geneva Finance, the Accounting Hub (India), and the East Africa (Nairobi) finance team.
• Liaises with local banking institutions, auditors, and DRC regulatory authorities.
• Interacts with the Regional Head of Operations and budget managers on financial matters. 

Experience and Education

• First university degree (Bachelor level) in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Post-graduate diploma or professional certification is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in accounting or finance, ideally in an international or non-profit organization.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix structure.
• Experience working in a multi-entity, multi-currency environment is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in account reconciliations, vendor management, and financial closing processes. 

Skills and competencies

Critical Skills

• Strong foundational skills in accounting and financial operations.
• Ability to take directions, work independently, and complete tasks within deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work across multiple locations and in a matrix structure.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data quality.

 

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Experience with Business Central (Microsoft Dynamics) — required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, reconciliation templates).
• Experience with internal control systems and audit processes.
• Knowledge of DRC local tax, payroll, and regulatory requirements.

Other requirements

• Fluency in French (essential — primary working language in DRC).
• Good command of English (required for interaction with Geneva and global teams).
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Suite.

DEI Statement

DNDi is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive organisation. Our success and global reach are dependent upon our ability to encourage diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in at DNDi and across the sector, especially women, and including, but not limited to, black and minority ethnic candidates, and those with other protected characteristic.