AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION TRUST (ARET)

Position: Assistant Accountant

Location: Lilongwe, Malawi

The Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET) is Malawi’s premier institution in tobacco research, extension and training services. Established in 1995 and funded primarily by tobacco growers, ARET’s core activities include development and dissemination of tobacco technologies and training of tobacco stakeholders to sustain and improve agricultural productivity while conserving natural resources.

An opportunity has arisen for highly motivated professionals with requisite academic qualifications and technical expertise to fill a vacant position of Assistant Accountant to be based at Kandiya Research station in Lilongwe.

Reporting to: The Management Accountant.

Purpose of the position

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring completeness and accuracy of all bookkeeping transactions. She/he will support the Management Accountant in implementing internal controls and financial reporting.

Duties & Responsibilities

The incumbent will among other duties perform the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Prepare financial statements audit schedules within deadlines.
2. Assist the Management Accountant in the preparation of monthly management accounts.
3. Supervise Accounts staff and ensure all bookkeeping entries are done timely and accurately.
4. Reconcile general ledger and cashbook accounts.
5. Maintain fixed asset register and reconcile with physical assets.
6. Administer and ensure compliance of all tax liabilities including PAYE, FBT and WHT.
7. Reconciliation of accounts receivables and accounts payables.
8. Ensure completeness and accuracy of documents in support of payments.
9. Process month end accounting journals.
10. Support the Management Accountant during the preparation of annual budgets.
11. Monitor the implementation of budgets and prepare variance analysis reports.
12. Provide assistance to departments in interpreting financial reports, accounting procedures, controls and in resolving associated problems.
13. Ensure that farm operations are conducted efficiently and cost-effectively.
14. Keep a daily back up of accounting data.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Bachelor of Accountancy Degree from a recognized University.
2. Must be a member of ICAM.
3. Five years’ practical work experience in a busy accounting office.

Key Competencies

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the latest accounting standards.
2. Attention to detail.
3. Advanced practical experience of Microsoft Excel.

Mode of Application

Applications including a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), signed application letter, photocopies of relevant certificates, names and addresses of three traceable referees should be sent to the following address not later than 10th November 2026.

The Chief Executive Officer

ARET

Private Bag 9

LILONGWE.

Please indicate the position being applied for on the envelope and only shortlisted applicants will be acknowledged.

Women are encouraged to apply.