Payables Coordinator – Africa at Nature Conservancy | May 2024

Africa

Any of the TNC Offices in Angola, South Africa, Gabon, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges to create a world where people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which include a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want better insight into TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “You’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people”.

Since establishing the Africa Program in 2007, The Nature Conservancy’s vision in Africa is to work towards fostering a sustainable future for people and nature, partnering with indigenous communities across 55 million acres on the continent. Our efforts are firmly rooted in people, leveraging scientific and technical expertise as we collaborate with governments and organizations to conserve and enhance Africa’s shared resources in the nine countries we operate.

TNC’s work in Africa transcends three key pillars: securing ownership rights to lands and resources for indigenous people, strengthening leadership and resource management, and helping communities value nature through a holistic appreciation of its benefits while increasing revenue streams for conservation efforts and socio-economic development. Together with our partners, we are witnessing critical milestones in integrated land and fisheries management, ocean and source water protection, energy development, and sustainable food production working together and strengthening our resolve in tackling global challenges such as climate change, habitat and biodiversity loss that stands to adversely impact the nearly 1.4 billion people that share Africa.

The Payables Coordinator will support TNC Africa operations in the following functions: timely review and approval of invoices & expense reports in concur, review & approval of travel cash advance requests and timely liquidation. The position ensures compliance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in Operational financial management. The role reports to the Operations Manager-Africa Region and works closely with the operations, Human Resources, and Finance Team. The position will be based at either of the TNC Africa offices in Angola, Gabon, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, or Zambia.

The Payables Coordinator will work as part of a team within a business unit, coordinating tasks related to one or more functional activities. The payables Coordinator will be responsible for the following.

• Ensure timely review & approval of Invoice payments & expense reports in concur as per TNC policies, procurement procedures, compliance, accounting codes and supporting documents.
• Ensure timely classification of paid expense reports and generation of reports on trends to inform decision-making.
• Monitoring employees’ timely liquidation of Cash advances & ensuring compliance with TNC cash advance policy. 
• Approve cash advance requests in concur ensuring all requests are well-supported and in compliance with TNC policies.
• Liaise with supervisors for timely approval of official expenses
• Provide effective supervision of Operations Officers and excellent service provision across the business unit
• Conduct capacity building of all staff to ensure all are competently using the financial systems for timely payments and reconciliation.
• Be willing to travel, work overtime, and work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field and four years of related experience or equivalent.
• Professional Accounting Qualification CPAK/ ACCA or equivalent
• Supervisory experience
• Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems (ERPs).
• Experience negotiating agreements.
• Experience supervising staff, interns, and/or volunteers.
• Experience working with a wide range of people, such as the Board of Directors, Donors, Volunteers, and/or all levels of staff.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Over 7 years’ experience working in accounting or finance and processing financial payments in an International NGO
• Experience supporting financial operations for multiple countries across Africa
• Experience in Supply Chain and procurement
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
• Ability to manage and implement complex processes and diverse activities.
• Ability to work in partnership with others in a collaborative role.
• Advanced knowledge of current and evolving technology utilized by the program.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive and write creatively for various audiences.
• Proficiency in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated a high level of integrity and trust.
• Strong organization, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. 

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.