Accountant _at Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), Ethiopia

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) is an international non-governmental organization headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and has a Country Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. SAA strives to support smallholder farmers in improving agricultural productivity, income, profitability, and livelihoods, while promoting food and nutrition security. These efforts are guided by SAA’s three strategic pillars: Regenerative Agriculture, Nutrition-sensitive Agriculture, and Market-Oriented Agriculture.

About the position

SAA invites applications from qualified Ethiopian nationals for the position of Accountant, based at its Ethiopia Office in Addis Ababa. Reporting to the Senior Finance Officer (SFO), the Accountant will support the effective financial management of projects by ensuring accurate and timely accounting processes. The role includes maintaining financial records using appropriate accounting systems; ensuring adherence to financial policies and procedures; managing fund disbursements and reporting; processing staff travel advances and retirement settlements; vendor payments; and recording all financial transactions appropriately.

Major duties and responsibilities

• Processes payments for staff travel advances, ensuring advances are liquidated on time and accurately as per the SAA finance policy and procedures
• Prepare payment vouchers in support of payments for project activities and supplier invoices confirming such payments are: under the laid down procedures and policies, accurate, complete, adequately supported by all underlying appropriate documents, correctly coded to appropriate expenses and tracking code and project code.
• Raises journal vouchers for necessary reviews and approvals
• Provides support in compiling and submitting the monthly financial reports package for the respective projects
• Ensure payments are processed timely by SAA finance policy and procedures
• Strictly follow withholding tax/any tax deductions are made as per the government tax proclamation
• Prepare and issue withholding tax receipts to vendors on the spot and document it with the payment
• Properly handle the financial documents
• Assist in providing logistical support to program staff at the Regions Implementation Sites.

Education and work experience

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• At least 4 years of progressive experience in accounting and/or finance roles.
• Proven experience in tax preparation and filing, with strong knowledge of applicable tax regulations
• Familiarity with financial reporting, reconciliations, and assisting in budget preparation under supervision.

Remuneration: As per SAA’s established salary scale

Competencies

• Ability to adhere to SAA and government financial policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
• Proficient in accounting software (e.g. Peachtree and ERP systems such as NetSuite) with advanced expertise in the Microsoft Office Suite—Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook—with particular strength in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with demonstrated teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong commitment to accuracy and quality in all financial tasks.
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize effectively, and consistently meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of financial and organizational information.

Compensation and Work Environment

SAA offers competitive salary and benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer. SAA promotes a multicultural work environment that values gender equity, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.