Our partner is a long-established conservation organisation based in northern Belize, playing an important national role in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
Its work includes the rehabilitation of threatened wildlife, alongside wider conservation consultancy, biodiversity protection and support for protected areas. The organisation operates from a relatively remote site and has historically managed its finance and administration with very limited resources.
An AfID volunteer completed an initial four-week placement in May and June 2026, helping the organisation move from largely Excel-based financial records onto Xero. This included developing a new chart of accounts, improving cash and fixed asset processes, strengthening multi-currency accounting, preparing two years of auditable financial statements and developing practical finance guidance and checklists.
The organisation is now looking for a second volunteer to build on this work as it prepares for its first formal audit, expected in 2027. The focus will be on ensuring that the new systems are being used consistently, strengthening the supporting documentation and controls around them, and helping the organisation make better use of its financial information for planning and sustainability.
They are seeking a volunteer accountant or finance professional to work closely alongside the founders and wider team. The placement will begin with a review of the current finance system and audit preparedness, helping identify practical priorities and any gaps that should be addressed ahead of the audit.
Key areas of support are likely to include:
- Reviewing overall audit readiness, including Xero records, reconciliations, supporting documentation and audit trail
- Reviewing how Xero has been used since its implementation and strengthening month-end processes
- Improving cash, purchasing, receipt capture and authorisation procedures
- Strengthening financial controls and documentation in a way that is proportionate to the organisation’s size
- Developing clearer annual budgeting and rolling cashflow forecasting processes
- Supporting project and grant-level budgeting
- Helping the organisation better understand the full costs of delivering its programmes
- Improving the organisation and filing of receipts and supporting financial records
- Helping ensure systems and records can support future audit, donor reporting and internal review
- Providing practical guidance and coaching to help embed improvements sustainably
This is a practical capacity-building placement focused on helping a small conservation organisation move from having a functioning accounting system towards stronger financial management, audit readiness and more proactive financial planning.
The placement would suit a collaborative and adaptable volunteer who is comfortable working with a small team in a relatively remote environment and who can combine a detailed review of financial records and controls with practical support, mentoring and implementation.
The organisation is looking for a volunteer from November 2026 onwards, ideally before March 2027. A placement of approximately 3–4 weeks would be preferred.
Basic shared accommodation can be provided free of charge on site, although volunteers may prefer to stay in nearby Sarteneja, where inexpensive guesthouses and homestays are available. Airport transfers and daily transport between Sarteneja and the conservation site can be provided, and meals are available when working on site.
