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The Lesotho Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) invites applications from suitably qualified local candidates for the following position:
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 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
To apply, please visit: wasco.co.ls
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 or certifications do I need to become a Financial Accountant at WASCO or similar organizations 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 CA(Lesotho) from LIA significantly improve your prospects. WASCO and other parastatals often prefer candidates who are registered with the Lesotho Institute of Accountants.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Financial Accountant in Lesotho's public utility sector?
You will prepare monthly financial statements, manage accounts payable and receivable, and ensure compliance with Public Financial Management Act requirements. Reconciliation of bank statements and preparation of reports for the Auditor-General are common tasks. You may also assist with budget preparation and monitoring for water infrastructure projects.
How does workplace culture and hierarchy work at Lesotho parastatals like WASCO?
Lesotho workplaces maintain respect for seniority and clear reporting lines, with decisions often requiring consultation with line managers. Punctuality and formal dress codes are expected, though some flexibility exists depending on department culture. Building relationships through proper Sesotho greetings and showing deference to elders and superiors remains important.
What career progression opportunities exist for Financial Accountants in Lesotho?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Accountant, Finance Manager, or Chief Financial Officer roles within WASCO or other state-owned enterprises. Some accountants transition to the Ministry of Finance, central bank, or international NGOs operating in Maseru. Pursuing further professional qualifications and specializing in public sector financial management opens additional doors.
What benefits typically come with full-time accounting positions at Lesotho parastatals?
Standard benefits usually include annual leave of 18-24 days, medical aid contributions, and pension schemes such as those administered by the Public Officers' Defined Contribution Pension Fund. Some employers provide housing allowances or subsidies, particularly for positions based in Maseru. The specific package varies by employer and is typically negotiated during the appointment process.
How should I apply for Financial Accountant positions at WASCO, and what do Lesotho employers prioritize in candidates?
Monitor the Public Eye newspaper, WASCO's website, and the Public Service Commission job portal for advertised vacancies. Submit a detailed CV with certified copies of qualifications, LIA registration proof, and references from previous supervisors. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrated integrity, knowledge of Lesotho's public financial regulations, and practical experience with accounting software like Pastel or SAP.