Launch Your Finance Career with Plan International’s Graduate Trainee.

May 17, 2024

11 minutes read

FINANCE GRADUATE TRAINEE OPPORTUNITY — FINANCE GRADUATE INTERN

Launch Your Finance Career with Plan International’s Graduate Trainee. APPLY NOW

🌟 Finance Graduate Intern Opportunity at Plan International 🌟

📍 Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
🏢 Company: Plan International

About Plan International:

Plan International is a globally recognized development and humanitarian organization that has been at the forefront of advancing children’s rights and promoting gender equality for decades. With a presence in over 75 countries, Plan International works tirelessly to ensure that children, especially girls, can learn, lead, decide, and thrive. Our mission is to address the root causes of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and young people, particularly girls, who are disproportionately affected by poverty and discrimination.

In Zimbabwe, our journey began over 31 years ago. Since then, we have been building powerful partnerships and implementing sustainable programs that have a lasting impact on communities. Our initiatives are designed to provide children with the tools they need to achieve their full potential, from early childhood through to adulthood. We believe that by empowering children and young people, we are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

Role Overview:

As a Finance Graduate Intern at Plan International, you will have the opportunity to join a dynamic and dedicated team committed to making a difference in the lives of children and communities. This role is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of various finance functions through a structured and immersive learning experience. Reporting directly to the Accountant, you will gain practical skills and insights into the financial operations of a leading international NGO.

Your journey as a Finance Graduate Intern will encompass a wide range of responsibilities that are crucial to the smooth functioning of our finance department. You will be involved in petty cash management, balance sheet reconciliation, payment processing, VAT claims, and filing. These tasks are essential for maintaining the financial integrity and accountability of our organization, ensuring that our resources are utilized effectively to support our programs and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Prepare Complete Payment Packages and Support Country Payment Requests:
One of your primary responsibilities will be to prepare comprehensive payment packages that include all necessary documentation and approvals. You will also support country payment requests, ensuring that payments are processed accurately and in a timely manner. This involves liaising with various departments to gather required information and resolve any discrepancies that may arise.
Update Store Records with Receipts and Issues; Conduct Periodic Inventory and Asset Verifications:
Maintaining accurate store records is essential for tracking inventory and assets. You will be responsible for updating records with receipts and issues, as well as conducting periodic inventory and asset verifications. This ensures that our resources are properly accounted for and managed efficiently.
Prepare Month-End Reports and Reconcile Balance Sheet Accounts:
At the end of each month, you will prepare detailed reports that provide insights into our financial performance. You will also reconcile balance sheet accounts, identifying and addressing any discrepancies to ensure that our financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
Maintain an Organized and Accessible Filing System for All Finance Documents:
Effective document management is crucial for financial transparency and accountability. You will be responsible for maintaining an organized and accessible filing system for all finance documents, making it easy to retrieve information when needed.
Manage Staff Debtor Accounts:
You will oversee staff debtor accounts, ensuring that all transactions are recorded accurately and that outstanding balances are managed effectively. This involves working closely with staff members to address any issues and provide guidance on financial policies and procedures.
Prepare Intercompany Transactions for the Country:
Intercompany transactions involve financial dealings between different entities within Plan International. You will prepare these transactions, ensuring that they are documented accurately and comply with organizational policies and procedures.
Support Cost Recovery Processes:
Cost recovery is a critical aspect of our financial sustainability. You will support cost recovery processes by identifying and allocating costs to appropriate projects and funding sources. This helps ensure that our programs are adequately funded and can continue to operate effectively.
Uphold Plan International’s Policies, Including Gender Equality, Safeguarding, and the Code of Conduct:
As a Finance Graduate Intern, you will be expected to promote and abide by Plan International’s policies, including those related to gender equality, safeguarding, and the Code of Conduct. These policies are designed to create a safe and inclusive environment for all staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

Finance Graduate Intern Opportunity at Plan International

Entry Qualifications and Experience:

To be considered for the Finance Graduate Intern position, you should meet the following qualifications and experience requirements:

Recent Graduate with a Higher National Diploma in Accounting, Degree in Accounting, CIS, or Equivalent Qualification:
We are looking for recent graduates who have completed a Higher National Diploma in Accounting, a Degree in Accounting, or an equivalent qualification. This educational background provides a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices.
Proficient in MS Office and Relevant Accounting Software:
Proficiency in MS Office tools (such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and relevant accounting software is essential for performing your duties effectively. You should be comfortable using these tools to manage financial data, prepare reports, and communicate with colleagues.
Excellent Interpersonal Skills:
Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for building positive relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders. You should be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to Maintain Confidentiality:
Maintaining confidentiality is a fundamental requirement for this role. You will be handling sensitive financial information, and it is important that you can be trusted to protect this information and adhere to privacy and confidentiality policies.

Plan International’s Values in Practice:

At Plan International, our values guide everything we do. We are committed to creating a culture that reflects our core values and fosters a positive and inclusive working environment.

🌟 We are Open and Accountable:

Promote Transparency and Integrity:
We believe in promoting a culture of openness and transparency. This means being honest and transparent in our dealings with sponsors, donors, and beneficiaries. We strive to build trust by being accountable for our actions and decisions.
Hold Ourselves and Others Accountable:
We hold ourselves and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity. This involves setting clear expectations, monitoring performance, and taking responsibility for our actions.
Learn from Mistakes and Ensure a Safe Environment for All:
We recognize that mistakes are a part of learning and growth. We are open about our mistakes and keen to learn from them to improve our practices. We are also committed to ensuring that Plan International is a safe organization for all children, girls, and young people.

🌟 We Strive for Lasting Impact:

Set High Expectations and Drive Continuous Improvement:
We set high expectations for ourselves and our colleagues. We are dedicated to driving continuous improvement by seeking new ideas, embracing challenges, and being open to change.
Focus Resources to Maximize Long-Term Impact:
We focus our resources strategically to drive change and maximize long-term impact. This involves being responsive to changing priorities or crises and ensuring that our efforts are evidence-based and effective.
Evaluate Effectiveness:
We are committed to evaluating the effectiveness of our programs and initiatives. This helps us understand what works, what doesn’t, and how we can improve our impact on the lives of children and communities.

🌟 We Work Well Together:

Seek Constructive Outcomes and Build Supportive Relationships:
We seek constructive outcomes by listening to others, being willing to compromise when appropriate, and building supportive relationships across Plan International. Collaboration is key to achieving our shared goals.
Develop Trusting Partnerships with Funders, Partners, and Communities:
We develop trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners, and communities. These partnerships are essential for the success of our programs and initiatives.
Collaborate to Build a Better World for Girls and All Children:
We engage and work well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children. This involves collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and community organizations.

🌟 We are Inclusive and Empowering:

Empower Staff to Reach Their Full Potential:
We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential. We provide opportunities for professional growth and encourage our team members to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
Respect and Appreciate Differences:
We respect all people, appreciate differences, and challenge inequality in our programs and our workplace. We believe that diversity strengthens our organization and enhances our ability to achieve our mission.
Support Children and Young People to Increase Their Confidence and Change Their Lives:
We support children, girls, and young people to increase their confidence and change their own lives. By empowering them with the skills and knowledge they need, we help them become agents of change in their communities.

The Broader Impact of Plan International’s Work:

Plan International’s impact extends beyond the immediate outcomes of our programs. Our work contributes to broader social, economic, and environmental goals, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. By focusing on children’s rights and gender equality, we are addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today.

1. Advancing Education and Learning Opportunities:
Education is a cornerstone of our work. We believe that every child has the right to a quality education that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life. Our programs support access to education, particularly for girls, who are often marginalized in educational settings. By investing in education, we are creating opportunities for children to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential.

2. Promoting Health and Well-Being:
Health and well-being are critical components of a child’s development. Our health programs focus on improving maternal and child health, preventing and responding to health emergencies, and promoting healthy behaviors. We work to ensure that children and their families have access to essential health services and information, enabling them to lead healthy lives.

3. Supporting Economic Empowerment:
Economic empowerment is vital for creating sustainable communities. Our programs support youth employment, entrepreneurship, and vocational training, helping young people gain the skills and resources they need to secure decent work and build a better future. We also work with communities to develop sustainable livelihoods and improve economic resilience.

4. Enhancing Child Protection and Safeguarding:
Child protection is at the heart of our work. We are committed to creating safe environments for children, free from violence, abuse, and exploitation. Our safeguarding policies and practices ensure that all children we work with are protected and that any concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.

5. Fostering Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment:
Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development. Our programs focus on empowering girls and women, challenging discriminatory norms and practices, and promoting gender equality in all aspects of life. By supporting girls’ education, economic opportunities, and leadership, we are helping to create a more just and equitable world.

6. Building Resilient Communities:
Resilience is essential for communities to withstand and recover from crises and disasters. Our programs support disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and community resilience. We work with communities to build their capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies, ensuring that children and their families are protected and can rebuild their lives.

The Role of Finance in Supporting Plan International’s Mission:

As a Finance Graduate Intern, you will play a crucial role in supporting Plan International’s mission. The finance function is integral to the success of our programs and initiatives, ensuring that resources are managed effectively and transparently. Here are some key ways in which your role will contribute to our mission:

1. Ensuring Financial Accountability and Transparency:
Financial accountability and transparency are essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of our donors, partners, and beneficiaries. As a Finance Graduate Intern, you will help ensure that our financial processes are robust and that all transactions are accurately documented and reported.

2. Supporting Effective Resource Allocation:
Effective resource allocation is critical for maximizing the impact of our programs. By preparing accurate payment packages, updating store records, and conducting inventory verifications, you will help ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and used for their intended purposes.

3. Enhancing Financial Reporting and Analysis:
Accurate financial reporting and analysis are key to informed decision-making. Your work in preparing month-end reports and reconciling balance sheet accounts will provide valuable insights into our financial performance and help identify areas for improvement.

4. Strengthening Internal Controls and Compliance:
Strong internal controls and compliance are necessary for safeguarding our assets and ensuring that we adhere to organizational policies and regulatory requirements. By maintaining an organized filing system, managing staff debtor accounts, and preparing intercompany transactions, you will help strengthen our internal controls and compliance framework.

5. Supporting Strategic Planning and Budgeting:
Strategic planning and budgeting are essential for achieving our long-term goals. Your support in cost recovery processes and financial analysis will contribute to the development of strategic plans and budgets that align with our mission and objectives.

6. Promoting a Culture of Continuous Improvement:
A culture of continuous improvement is vital for achieving excellence in our work. By upholding Plan International’s values and promoting best practices in finance, you will help foster a culture of continuous improvement that drives our organization forward.

Career Development and Growth Opportunities:

Joining Plan International as a Finance Graduate Intern offers numerous opportunities for career development and growth. Here are some ways in which this role can help you advance your career:

1. Gain Practical Experience in Finance:
This internship provides hands-on experience in various finance functions, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting. You will gain practical skills and insights that are valuable for a career in finance.

2. Develop Professional Skills:
In addition to technical skills, you will develop important professional skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are essential for success in any career.

3. Build a Professional Network:
Working at Plan International gives you the opportunity to build a professional network with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders. This network can be valuable for future career opportunities and professional development.

4. Contribute to Meaningful Work:
By joining Plan International, you will be part of a team that is making a real difference in the lives of children and communities. This sense of purpose and fulfillment can be a significant motivator and source of inspiration in your career.

5. Access Training and Development Opportunities:
Plan International offers various training and development opportunities to help you grow in your role. These may include workshops, seminars, online courses, and mentoring programs.

6. Explore Career Paths within the Organization:
Plan International is a large organization with diverse roles and career paths. As a Finance Graduate Intern, you will have the opportunity to explore different career paths within the organization and identify areas of interest for your future career.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference and meet the qualifications and experience requirements, we encourage you to apply for the Finance Graduate Intern position. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications.

Application Deadline: [Insert Deadline]

Contact Information:
For any inquiries or further information about the role, please contact [Insert Contact Information].

Conclusion:

Joining Plan International as a Finance Graduate Intern is a unique opportunity to develop your finance skills while contributing to a noble cause. You will gain valuable experience, work with a dedicated team, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and communities in Zimbabwe and beyond. We look forward to welcoming you to our team and working together to achieve our mission of advancing children’s rights and promoting gender equality.

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