GIZ Job Advert: Accounting Specialist – ( In Charge of Invoice Checking, Record Management & Business Partner Creation )

Salary Band 4 – Accounting Specialist – ( In Charge of Invoice Checking, Record Management & Business Partner Creation )

Reports to:Head of Finance

Duty Station: Freetown, Sierra Leone

About GIZ

As a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work, we are dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world. We work with businesses, civil society actors and research institutions, fostering successful interaction between development policy and other policy fields and areas of activity. In Sierra Leone, the GIZ has been working since 1963 in the following areas: Employment promotion and agriculture, strengthening the health care system, resource governance and sustainable energy access.

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic. We embrace diversity and believe that inclusivity in the workplace is essential to our success and are committed to creating a work environment where all employees are valued and respected. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Accountant is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely recording of financial transactions in SAP S/4HANA in accordance with GIZ regulations, applicable accounting standards, donor requirements and internal control principles.

The Accounting specialist is responsible for ensuring the accurate, complete, compliant, and timely processing of invoices and business partner master data in SAP S/4HANA. The position supports GIZ financial and administrative operations by verifying invoices against supporting documents, contractual and procurement requirements, and applicable GIZ policies, while ensuring that suppliers, service providers, consultants, and other business partners are correctly created and maintained in SAP S/4HANA.

The role contributes to strong financial controls, accurate accounting, timely payments, and reliable master data management.

Main Responsibilities

1. Invoice Checking & Verification

Receive and review invoices submitted by suppliers, consultants, service providers, and other business partners.
Verify invoices for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with GIZ procedures and contractual requirements.
Check invoices against purchase orders, contracts, service confirmations, delivery notes, goods receipts, and other relevant supporting documents.
Verify supplier information, invoice numbers, dates, amounts, currencies, tax information, and payment details.

Check mathematical calculations, VAT/tax treatment, deductions, and applicable withholding taxes.
Ensure that invoices are charged to the correct cost center, WBS element, internal order, fund, grant, or other relevant SAP coding.
Identify duplicate, incorrect, incomplete, or unsupported invoices and follow up with the responsible colleagues or suppliers.
Ensure that invoices meet applicable GIZ internal control and approval requirements before processing.
Enter or process invoice-related information in SAP S/4HANA in accordance with established procedures.
Monitor invoices through the workflow and follow up on pending approvals to support timely payment.
Maintain appropriate documentation and audit trails for processed invoices. 2. SAP S/4HANA Accounting Processes

Process invoices and business partner-related transactions using relevant SAP S/4HANA applications.
Apply correct organizational, accounting, tax, and payment-related information when processing transactions.
Monitor workflow status and resolve or escalate transactions that are blocked or rejected.
Investigate discrepancies between invoices, purchase orders, goods/service receipts, contracts, and SAP records.
Support reconciliation and correction of invoice and master data errors.
Generate and review relevant SAP reports for invoice processing and business partner data.
Support testing and implementation of changes to SAP S/4HANA processes where required. 3. Business Partner Creation

Create new suppliers, consultants, service providers, customers, and other business partners in SAP S/4HANA Business Partner (BP).
Review business partner requests and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Verify that required information, including legal name, address, tax identification, bank details, contact information, and payment terms, has been provided.
Conduct appropriate checks to prevent duplicate business partner records.
Maintain and update existing business partner master data in accordance with authorized requests.
Ensure that master data changes are supported by appropriate documentation and authorization.
Coordinate with procurement, finance, administration, projects, and other relevant units regarding business partner creation and changes.
Monitor master data quality and identify inconsistencies requiring correction.
Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive supplier and business partner information. 4. Compliance and Internal Controls

Ensure compliance with GIZ financial regulations, donor requirements and statutory provisions.
Maintain complete, accurate and well-organized accounting documentation.
Support the implementation and maintenance of internal control procedures.

• Ensure strict adherence to the segregation of duties principle.

5. Process Improvement

Contribute to the continuous improvement of accounting procedures and workflows.
Support the implementation of new accounting processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Participate in testing and optimisation of SAP S/4HANA financial processes.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and compliance. 6. Team Cooperation
- Serve as a point of contact for colleagues regarding invoice verification and business partner creation.
- Communicate professionally with suppliers and service providers regarding invoice discrepancies and missing documentation.
- Work closely with procurement, finance, accounting, administration, and project teams.
- Provide guidance to colleagues on invoice requirements and SAP S/4HANA business partner procedures.
- Follow up proactively on outstanding issues to prevent delays in payment and service delivery.
- Ensure smooth cooperation and efficient financial workflows while respecting the segregation of duties.
- Perform any other duty assigned by their supervisor Required Qualifications Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
Masters or Professional accounting qualification is considered an advantage. Professional Experience

Minimum of three to five years of relevant accounting experience.
Experience with SAP, preferably SAP S/4HANA, is highly desirable.
Experience working in donor-funded or international organisations is an advantage. Technical Skills

Sound knowledge of accounting principles and financial regulations.
Good understanding of SAP S/4HANA accounting processes.
Strong reconciliation and analytical skills.
Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications. Key Competencies

High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Integrity and confidentiality.
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
Commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.

Key Working Relationships

Head of Finance and Administration
Head of Finance
Finance Manager
Finance Team
Procurement Unit
Project Staff
Internal and External Auditors APPLICATIONDETAILS
Suitable candidates are invited to apply not later than 20.10.2026 with this ref: Accountant Specialist. Applications Include: Cover Letter
CV (Including work experience and references) Copies of Certificates To be submitted to the email address recruitmentsl@giz.de. Only applicants shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. GIZ is an equal-opportunity employer, and therefore women are strongly encouraged to apply.