Senior Finance Officer at Healthy Learners

Job Description

ABOUT HEALTHY LEARNERS
Healthy Learners is an award-winning non-profit organisation working to improve the health and learning of children across Zambia—and soon, beyond. In partnership with the Government of Zambia, we bring healthcare directly into schools so that children stay healthy, stay in class, and reach their full potential. Our model is government-owned and government-led, fully embedded in national priorities, systems, and structures.Today, we operate in over 720 public schools across all ten provinces, reaching more than 1.1 million learners through Zambia’s first integrated School Health Program. Our approach combines school-based service delivery with technical assistance to government at every level—strengthening planning, supervision, data use, and local capacity to deliver.As we complete our national scale-up, we’re focused on deepening program quality, strengthening delivery systems, and laying the foundation for long-term government leadership. We’re looking for a dynamic operational leader to help drive this next chapter, someone ready to manage complexity at scale and help a proven model achieve lasting impact.
Healthy Learners is the proud recipient of the Skoll Award for Social Innovation, the Duke F.M. Kirby Prize, and the Lipman Family Prize from the University of Pennsylvania. These awards reflect not just our success to date, but the strength of the opportunity ahead. If this mission resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.

ABOUT YOU
You exemplify the qualities of being Humble, Hungry, and Smart in your leadership:

Humble (Continuous Learning & Inclusion): You actively seek, encourage, and facilitate feedback sharing, fostering an environment of continuous learning. You adapt and grow continuously, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Hungry (Efficiency, Excellence, and Innovation): Your relentless drive for efficiency and excellence is evident in your approach to both everyday tasks and complex challenges. When obstacles arise, you don’t merely seek answers; you develop solutions and establish structures to address future obstacles proactively. Your hunger for innovation permeates the organisation, where you eagerly explore new and best practices, ensuring our people’s operations remain modern and highly effective.

Smart (Emotional Intelligence & Psychological Safety): Your exceptional emotional intelligence is your superpower, allowing you to create psychological safety within the organization. Through your ability to build trust, encourage risk-taking, and nurture courageous conversations, you promote an environment where individuals can thrive and collaborate effectively.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The role of Senior Finance Officer is to support the finance unit in the day-to-day running of all financial matters of the head office. S/he will provide timely, efficient and effective finance support tasks including the receipt and disbursement of funds, maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial reports and supporting the implementation of Healthy Learners shined financial policies.

This position will report to the Senior Finance Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support the Senior Finance Manager (at HQ) to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures throughout Healthy Learners.
Review payment schedules for training, meetings and other activities taking place in the Healthy Learners; ensure accuracy and completeness of all documentation.
Review funding requests and invoices for accuracy with completeness.
Review and verify vendor legitimacy prior to payment request; ensure that all selected vendors meet our organizational requirements and have physical locations where they can be traced.
Process payments for approved requests within the Organisation.
Counter check receipts and other financial documentation for accuracy and completeness; report any discrepancies to the Senior Finance Manager.
Compile, review and submit petty cash retirements and staff retirements.
Deposit all cash receipts from retirements and other receipts in the organization’s bank account.
Manage the financial filing system by ensuring that all necessary support documents are attached for Audit purposes.
Assist the Senior Finance Manager to prepare variance reports on major project activities.
Assist the Senior Finance Manager with the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, by posting Journal entries, transactions generated from mobile money platform and Payment Vouchers in QuickBooks on a daily basis and conduct bank reconciliation of all the Organisation bank accounts on a monthly basis.
Management of staff salaries, payslips and submitting the Statutory obligation-PAYE, NAPSA, NHIS, personal Levy, Compensation Authority.
Tracking accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Work as the organization’s bank agent and deliver cash transfer letters to the bank.
Assist the Senior Finance Manager by ensuring that the mobile money transactions are reconciled daily.
Perform any other roles as may be assigned from time to time.

SPECIFIC SKILLS

Comprehensive cash management skills to handle, disburse and record all transactions. ▪ High level of integrity and ability to work as part of a professional team
Ability to multi –task, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Meticulous high-level attention to detail, Action-oriented and flexible.
Good written and verbal communication skills
Working knowledge of finance platforms i.e. QuickBooks, pastel, sage etc.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills and solid proficiency in other common office applications, like Adobe/Word/Outlook and google apps.
High level of integrity, humility, positive attitude.
Ability to work as part of a professional team. Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and management skills and ability to work with minimum supervision Passion for Healthy Learners mission and vision

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Degree in accounting from a recognized institution.
A degree in finance or ACCA, CIMA, and any finance-related qualifications from a recognized university is an added advantage.
Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience.
Must be a registered member and paid-up member of ZICA.
NGO experience is an added advantage.

WHAT WE OFFER

Opportunity for Impact: Play a pivotal role in implementing a program that improves health outcomes for millions of schoolchildren, shaping the future of communities across Africa.
Competitive Compensation: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package that reflects your expertise and commitment.
Professional Growth: Access ongoing training, leadership opportunities, and engage in innovative projects that challenge and inspire you.
Supportive Culture: Join a passionate, dedicated team that values collaboration and mutual support, fostering an environment where all contributions are recognized.
Networking Opportunities: Collaborate with international organizations and enhance your network and influence the public health sector.