ACCOUNTANT WANTED (Customs Clearing & Freight Forwarding Industry) We are seeking an experienced, hands-on and self-driven Accountant with proven experience in customs clearing, freight forwarding or logistics. The candidate must have a strong understanding of the accounting and financial processes tied to customs-clearing operations – including Bills of Entry (BOEs), BOE registers, customs duty transactions, client accounts, customs prepayments, invoicing, reconciliations and statutory compliance. And should be able to start immediately
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Accounting & Finance
- Closing Date: 2026-09-08
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date Bills of Entry (BOE) registers.
- Review and reconcile BOEs against client files, invoices, customs payments and accounting records.
- Maintain proper financial records for individual customs-clearing transactions, tracking each BOE from processing through clearance, invoicing and final accounting.
- Reconcile customs duty payments, customs prepayments and client-funded transactions, ensuring payments are correctly allocated to the relevant client and consignment.
- Maintain supporting documentation and a clear audit trail for all BOE transactions.
- Identify and promptly resolve unreconciled BOEs, outstanding customs payments, unallocated deposits and other discrepancies.
- Work closely with clearing, operations and documentation teams to ensure financial records agree with operational records.
- Apply practical experience with Zimbabwean customs and exporter/importer systems, including ZIMRA platforms and electronic customs-processing systems.
- Ensure completed clearing jobs are invoiced accurately and on time.
- Prepare and maintain accurate books of account, including journals, general ledgers and supporting schedules.
- Manage the full accounting cycle, ensuring transactions are recorded accurately and promptly.
- Manage accounts receivable and accounts payable, including customer invoicing and supplier payments.
- Perform bank, cash, customer, supplier and other balance-sheet reconciliations.
- Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, P&L statements, balance sheets, cash-flow reports and supporting schedules.
- Analyse revenue, expenses, margins and financial performance.
- Maintain accurate debtor and creditor ageing schedules, and actively follow up outstanding customer accounts.
- Assist management with budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow planning.
- Maintain sound accounting controls, with proper supporting documentation for all transactions.
- Prepare and submit applicable tax returns, including VAT, PAYE, withholding taxes and other statutory filings.
- Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain proper tax and statutory records.
- Liaise with tax authorities, auditors, banks and other regulatory bodies as required.
- Proactively identify and resolve accounting, tax or compliance issues.
- Maintain strong financial controls over BOE registers, customs duty payments, customs/prepayment accounts, client accounts, debtors and creditors, bank accounts, cash transactions, revenue and invoicing, supplier payments, statutory obligations, and supporting documentation and audit trails.
- All accounts and control schedules must be reconciled regularly, with discrepancies investigated promptly.
- Work closely with management and operational teams, providing timely financial information for decision-making.
- Prepare ad hoc reports and financial analyses as requested.
- Help improve accounting procedures, internal controls and reporting systems.
- Maintain organised accounting records and supporting documentation.
- Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and meet deadlines without needing constant follow-up.
Requirements
- A degree in Accounting, Finance or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- A professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CA, CIMA, CIS or equivalent) strongly preferred.
- At least 4-5 years of practical accounting experience, ideally in customs clearing, freight forwarding, logistics or a closely related industry.
- Demonstrable experience with Bills of Entry and BOE registers, and practical knowledge of customs-clearing accounting and reconciliation processes.
- Strong knowledge of tax compliance, statutory reporting and financial controls.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience with recognised accounting software.
- Ability to prepare accounts and management reports with minimal supervision.
- Experienced, hands-on and highly organised, with strong attention to detail.
- Able to work independently and proactively, rather than waiting for instructions.
- Comfortable taking ownership and responsibility.
- Skilled at identifying and resolving reconciliation differences.
- Able to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
- Trustworthy, with the ability to handle confidential financial information.
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become an Accountant in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or completion of a professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CA (Zimbabwe) through ICAZ, or CIS. A relevant diploma combined with strong experience may also be accepted for junior roles. Professional membership with a recognised body like ICAZ is highly valued and often required for senior positions.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Accountant?
Common duties include preparing financial statements, processing invoices and payments, bank and ledger reconciliations, managing payroll, and ensuring compliance with ZIMRA tax requirements. Accountants also assist with budgeting, audits, and management reporting. The exact mix depends on whether the role is in industry, public practice, or the public sector.
What do employers in Zimbabwe look for when hiring Accountants?
Employers typically look for solid technical skills, proficiency in accounting software such as Pastel, Sage, or QuickBooks, and advanced Excel knowledge. Attention to detail, integrity, and familiarity with Zimbabwean tax laws and IFRS are essential. Prior experience in a similar industry and a clean professional track record are strong advantages.
What benefits can Accountants expect from employers in Zimbabwe?
Typical benefits include annual leave, medical aid contributions, and pension fund contributions as required by local labour law. Some employers also offer performance bonuses, transport allowances, or support for professional development and exam fees. Benefits vary by employer, industry, and level of seniority.
What career progression can an Accountant expect in Zimbabwe?
A common path moves from Accounts Clerk or Junior Accountant to Accountant, then Senior Accountant, Financial Accountant, Finance Manager, and eventually Finance Director or CFO. Obtaining full professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or CA significantly accelerates advancement. Gaining audit exposure and management experience also opens doors to broader finance leadership roles.
How should I apply for an Accountant position in Zimbabwe?
Prepare a concise CV highlighting your qualifications, professional memberships, accounting software skills, and relevant experience, along with certified copies of certificates. Apply through company career pages, reputable job portals, recruitment agencies, and professional networks. Tailor your cover letter to each employer and be ready for technical interviews covering taxation, reporting standards, and practical scenarios.