Job Title : Financial Accountant
Reports to : Financial and Management Accounting Manager
Purpose of the Role:
To ensure accurate recording, reconciliation and reporting of cash receipts, customer collections, supplier payments and general ledger balances, while maintaining the accuracy and integrity of financial information and supporting the implementation of accounting systems, policies and procedures
Job Summary
- Employer: Lesotho Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO)
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Maseru, Lesotho
- Category: Accounting
- Salary: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
- Closing Date: 2026-10-06
Key Responsibilities
- Reconcile daily cash collections and customer receipts to bank statements, billing records and the general ledger.
- Reconcile collections received through banks, mobile money, payment agents and service centres.
- Investigate and resolve unidentified deposits, rejected transactions and reconciliation differences.
- Ensure receipts are accurately allocated to customer accounts.
- Prepare daily and monthly cash collection reports.
- Review payment vouchers and supporting documents, including purchase orders, invoices and goods received notes.
- Verify supplier banking details, approvals, calculations and withholding tax deductions.
- Prepare supplier payments and payment schedules for authorisation.
- Record payments accurately in the accounting system.
- Reconcile supplier statements and resolve outstanding items.
- Maintain an accurate payment register and filing system.
- Prepare monthly reconciliations for bank, cash, receivables, payables, withholding tax and other balance sheet accounts.
- Investigate and clear long-outstanding reconciling items.
- Prepare and post approved journals and corrections.
- Maintain supporting schedules for all assigned general ledger accounts.
- Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.
- Support preparation of monthly financial reports, management schedules and variance analyses.
- Report on cash collections, supplier payments, outstanding liabilities and unreconciled balances.
- Support preparation of financial statements, budgets and cash flow forecasts.
- Provide accurate financial information to management and other departments.
- Maintain audit-ready records and supporting documentation.
- Ensure transactions comply with financial policies, procurement procedures, tax requirements and delegated authority limits.
- Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and confidentiality of financial information.
- Support internal and external audits and respond to audit queries.
- Identify control weaknesses and recommend improvements.
- Assist in preventing duplicate, incorrect or unauthorised payments.
- Liaise with Finance, Billing, Revenue Collection, Procurement, Operations, banks, suppliers, auditors and tax authorities to resolve financial queries and facilitate timely and accurate financial transactions.
Requirements
- General Accounting or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline.
- At least 3 years’ relevant accounting experience, preferably in a utility or high-volume customer environment.
- Experience in bank reconciliation, accounts payable, general ledger accounting and financial reporting.
- Knowledge of IFRS and applicable tax legislation.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience with ERP and accounting systems.
- Strong understanding of treasury, payments and reconciliation processes
Salary
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
How to Apply
About the Company
The Lesotho Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) is a state-owned enterprise established in 1992 to provide potable water supply and sanitation services across Lesotho. Headquartered in Maseru, the company manages water treatment plants, distribution networks, and sewerage systems serving urban centers and peri-urban communities throughout the country. WASCO operates under the Ministry of Water and is regulated by the Lesotho Electricity and Water Authority, with a mandate to ensure sustainable access to clean water while supporting the nation's public health and development goals. The company employs several hundred staff and maintains infrastructure that leverages Lesotho's abundant water resources, including transfers to neighboring South Africa through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a financial accountant role at a parastatal like WASCO in Lesotho?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce from a recognized institution such as the National University of Lesotho. Professional certifications like ACCA, CIMA, or ICAZ are highly valued and often preferred for senior positions. Membership with the Lesotho Institute of Accountants is typically required for practicing accountants.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a financial accountant in Lesotho's public sector?
Daily tasks include preparing financial statements, managing general ledger entries, processing payments and reconciliations, and ensuring compliance with Public Financial Management Act requirements. Accountants also support budget preparation, assist with audit processes, and report to the Accountant General's office when needed. Monthly and quarterly reporting deadlines are common in parastatal environments.
How does workplace culture and hierarchy typically function in Lesotho parastatals like WASCO?
Lesotho workplaces generally respect formal hierarchy, with clear reporting lines and deference to senior management. Punctuality and proper documentation are important, though bureaucratic processes can slow decision-making. Building respectful relationships with colleagues across departments is essential for effective collaboration in the public sector.
What career progression opportunities exist for financial accountants in Lesotho's water and utility sector?
Progression typically moves from Accountant to Senior Accountant, then to Finance Manager or Chief Financial Officer roles. Specializing in public sector financial management, procurement, or donor-funded project accounting can open additional pathways. Some professionals transition to consulting or join the Ministry of Finance for broader policy roles.
What benefits packages are commonly offered to accountants in Lesotho parastatals?
Standard benefits usually include pension contributions through the Public Officers' Defined Contribution Pension Fund, medical aid schemes, and annual leave entitlements as per Lesotho labour law. Some parastatals offer housing allowances, transport benefits, or performance bonuses. Leave typically includes 15-21 working days annually plus public holidays.
How should I apply for accounting positions at WASCO or similar Lesotho employers, and what do they prioritize in candidates?
Applications are typically submitted through official channels with detailed CVs, certified academic transcripts, and professional registration documents. Employers prioritize candidates with public sector experience, knowledge of Lesotho's financial regulations, and strong ethical standing. Demonstrating community ties and commitment to national development can strengthen your application.