Project Accountant

sequa gGmbH is a globally operating non-profit development organisation. Since 1991 sequa has carried out programmes and projects of international cooperation in close collaboration with the German private sector. sequa offers know-how and long-term experience in capacity development for chambers and associations (BMOs), vocational education and training, private sector development and trade promotion. The organisation is based in Bonn, Germany. sequa employs more than 100 persons (2025) and reported a turnover of EUR 56 m in 2024.

We are offering a project-based assignment as

Project Accountant

Location: Addis Ababa / Ethiopia

Assignment Period: Oct 2025 – Sept 2026 up to 100 working days( 2.5 days per week)

Project: SME Support Facility in the GIZ-Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition”

Job Code: ETH-1013- Project Accountant

The Project

Within the GIZ Program Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition”, sequa implements the “SME Support Scheme targeting growth orientated SMEs” project in Ethiopia. With this, sequa aims to facilitate business growth and job creation of Ethiopian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by increasing their competitiveness and productivity so that their products and services will satisfy the demand on local and international markets. A specific focus will be provided for women-owned SMEs, job-creation, and employability training for women.

Benefiting companies receive flexible and demand-oriented funding (management consulting, technical training, financial competence / business plan development, qualification, applied research activities, etc.). A special focus will be on advisory services to improve access to finance. The grant scheme is expected to contribute to SMEs’ change management and business growth.

Scope of the Assignment

The objective of the Project Accountant position is to provide administrative and financial support to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant financial operations within the project. The role supports day-to-day financial transactions, including bookkeeping, expense processing, payment tracking, and documentation, while assisting in maintaining transparent records in line with donor and organizational requirements. By contributing to the smooth execution of financial procedures, the project accountant plays a vital role in supporting project implementation and accountability.

Your Tasks / Responsibilities & Deliverables

Financial Processing and Document Management

• Process payments, advances, and reimbursements in a timely and accurate manner.
• Record transactions in accounting software or financial spreadsheets.
• Maintain petty cash, including daily reconciliation and reporting.
• Ensure all financial documents (invoices, receipts, contracts, payment vouchers) are properly filed and archived both physically and digitally.
• Support the preparation of documentation for internal and external audits.

Support Budget Monitoring and Bank and Cash Management

• Assist in tracking project expenditures against approved budgets.
• Flag inconsistencies or overspending for supervisor review.
• Prepare bank payment instructions and coordinate with the bank for transactions.
• Reconcile bank statements monthly and report discrepancies.
• Check supplier invoices against purchase orders and delivery notes.
• Assist in processing procurement-related payments and maintain vendor records.

Reporting and Compliance and Administrative Support

• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and donor-specific financial reports.
• Ensure compliance with organizational financial policies, donor regulations, and tax requirements.
• Provide logistical and administrative support during trainings, workshops, and field missions (e.g., per diem calculations, participant payments).
• Assist in travel expense verification and claims processing.

Your Qualification / Skills/ Working Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in: Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field
• 1–3 years of relevant work experience in accounting or financial administration.
• Prior experience in a development project, NGO, or donor-funded environment is an asset.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy and pervious GIZ experience
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity.
• Effective written and verbal communication in English; knowledge of Amharic or other local languages is a plus.