Finance Officer / Accountant

Job Vacancy: Accountant / Finance OfficerOrganisation: Learn To Play (LTP)Location: Gaborone, BotswanaPosition type: Full-timeStart date: As soon as possibleReports to: COOAbout Learn To PlayLearn To Play is a Botswana-based nonprofit creating access to high-quality, play-based early childhood education through playgroups, parenting programmes and the Mindful Way. Our work supports children, educators and parents across 9 districts in Botswana and four countries across the continent. In Botswana, we partner with VDCs and councils to create sustainable cycles of change for early childhood education.Purpose of the RoleWe are seeking a reliable, proactive Accountant / Finance Officer to manage Learn To Play’s financial operations, ensure accurate and compliant accounting, and support budgeting for both programme activities and organisational planning. The role also contributes to strategic finance priorities such as cost-efficiency work, cost-per-child tracking, and grant budget development.Key Responsibilities1) Accounting, Records, and ControlsCapture and accurately code all transactions in the accounting system (Xero) on a daily/weekly basis.Maintain complete, well-organised digital and physical financial records and filing systems.Manage petty cash systems, including replenishments and reconciliations.Maintain accurate creditor (supplier) and debtor ledgers.Keep asset registers and documentation up to date.2) Payments & Procurement FinancePrepare and process supplier payments in line with approvals and payment schedules.Maintain a supplier tracking schedule showing balances, due dates, and payment status.Ensure recurring payments (e.g., service providers, stipends, snack vendors etc.) are paid on time.Flag any cash-flow concerns early to management.Support procurement compliance by verifying documentation and approvals before payment.3) Monthly Close & ReportingPerform monthly bank, petty cash, creditor, and debtor reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.Prepare monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cash-flow) by agreed deadlines.Track restricted vs unrestricted spending and ensure donor compliance.Provide clear variance notes and budget-vs-actual summaries monthly.4) Budgeting & Operational SupportSupport annual organisational budgeting and reforecasting processes.Assist programme teams with budgeting for trainings, playgroup launches, staff community visits, and M&E fieldwork.Provide and manage activity/trip reconciliation templates, ensuring reconciliations are completed shortly after return.Monitor key cost drivers and support cost-effective programme delivery.5) Payroll, Invoicing, and Income TrackingPrepare monthly payroll, payslips, stipend schedules, and statutory deductions.Issue invoices at the start of each term or per agreement, and track collections.Follow up on outstanding debtors and escalate where required.Record and reconcile donor funding, earned income, and cost-sharing contributions.6) Audit, Compliance, and Donor ReportingCoordinate annual audit processes and ensure all schedules are audit-ready.Ensure compliance with relevant Botswana statutory and nonprofit financial requirements.Support donor financial reporting and provide finance inputs for grant reports.Support development of accurate grant budgets and budget narratives.7) Strategic Finance SupportProvide regular insights to leadership on cost trends, risks, and efficiency opportunities.Support cost-efficiency work and implementation of cost-saving levers.Maintain and report on cost-per-child tracking with quarterly reporting.Contribute to improving simple finance dashboards for decision-making.Minimum RequirementsBachelor Degree in Accounting (or equivalent professional qualification).Minimum 3 years’ accounting experience; NGO/nonprofit experience preferred.Strong practical experience with reconciliations, reporting, payroll, and budgeting.Excellent Excel/Google Sheets skills; experience with accounting software essential.High integrity, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines consistently.Desired AttributesProactive and solutions-oriented, comfortable in a lean, fast-moving environment.Experience with Xero accounting software.Clear communicator able to support non-finance colleagues.Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.Interest in contributing to strategic finance improvements in a growing nonprofit.How to applyWe won’t be accepting applications through LinkedIn. Please apply using this link: https://forms.gle/8VUnP3NNeKK8PeYe6