Junior Accountant

Job Description

Panagora Group is a social enterprise dedicated to providing high-quality, high-impact international health, development, and learning consulting. We are a dynamic woman- and employee-owned small business partner focused on market-based and integrated local solutions that strengthen country capacity and independence; and on learning, communications, and technology solutions to accelerate and heighten impact. As a small business, we are able to implement novel and innovative approaches using highly participatory approaches to mobilize community, civil society, and government energy in defining and owning solutions, and to promote inclusive development that benefits all groups.

Background

The Technical Support Services (TSS) Activity helps USAID/Southern Africa and Regional Health Office (RHO) to address technical priorities and develop creative, innovative solutions to strategically allocate resources, strengthen connections with partners, and replicate best practices and effective program models. Through the TSS contract, Panagora augments capacity by providing technical, operational, and administrative support to USAID's largest health portfolio and to USAID health offices throughout the region. TSS deploys advisors in response to USAID requests for priority work with government stakeholders, implementing partners, and/or other entities. TSS supports Health Office staff and teams to integrate creative solutions into routine work. TSS also provides international and local expertise for surge support, as needed, for USAID Program Cycle requirements, planning, development, outreach, communications, and Health Office human resource functions.

Position Overview

The Junior Accountant will play a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting the Activity Office in Pretoria, and ensuring compliance with Panagora's policies, USAID, the United States Government, and the Government of South Africa.

Responsibilities

The Junior Accountant will be responsible for the following:

• Entering expenses into Panagora's financial accounting system (Costpoint).
• Assisting in the timely payment of invoices, ensuring alignment with supporting documentation, such as price quotes, purchase requests, purchase orders, timesheets, and contractual documents, following Panagora's policies and procedures.
• Allocating expenses accurately to different project codes.
• Assisting in the preparation of relevant travel advances, processing travel claims, and collaborating with activity staff and consultants to resolve accounting-related issues.
• Providing support in the preparation of monthly bank reconciliations for ZAR, USD bank accounts, and fleet card accounts, as well as VAT and withholding reconciliation statements.
• Assisting in monthly vendor reconciliations for all Panagora vendors.
• Supporting the preparation of monthly and mid-monthly payroll for staff and consultants, including related 3rd party deductions such as Pay As You Earn, Unemployment Insurance Fund, Skills Development Levy, Medical Aid, Provident/Pensions Fund, and advances.
• Ensuring accurate capture and completion of all transactions in the financial accounting system through the reconciliation process.
• Participating in the reconciliation of fleet cards, toll fees, SANRAL, and creating payment vouchers and Costpoint vouchering.
• Loading approved payment documentation for payment processing.
• Assisting in the preparation of year-end schedules and reconciliations.
• Collaborating in the submission of bi-monthly VAT returns with SARS.
• Supporting the preparation of annual financial statements.
• Assisting in audit preparations and providing timely responses to audit requests.
• Supporting the travel and logistics team as needed.

In addition to the responsibilities mentioned above, the Junior Accountant may be assigned additional duties to support overall TSS objectives. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional development and growth within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in financial management and/or accounting
• Attention to detail with accuracy and reliability as critical drivers of success
• Knowledge of U.S. Government financial and procurement regulations and compliance is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with accounting software (e.g., Quickbooks, Costpoint, VIP payroll)
• Ability to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative solutions to problems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration tools (SharePoint, Google Workspace, Monday.com, and Slack)
• Must be an outstanding communicator and have established skills in accuracy, organization, and working with a diverse team

No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted. Please include a cover letter and resume. Only applicants who include the required application components will be considered.

Panagora Group is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

*Note: Panagora does not offer visa sponsorship.