Application Guide

How to Apply for Finance / Accounting / Operations Assistant (Namibia | Remote | English)

at Openenergytransition

🏢 About Openenergytransition

Open Energy Transition (OET) is a remote-first, mission-driven non-profit advancing the global energy transition through open-source tools and data solutions. With a team of 50+ highly skilled professionals worldwide, OET fosters a culture of trust, autonomy, and collaborative professionalism, making it an ideal place for those passionate about climate impact and open-source innovation.

About This Role

This role supports the Head of People and Head of Finance in day-to-day accounting, bookkeeping, and administrative operations. You'll ensure smooth financial workflows, manage accounts payable/receivable, and assist with operational tasks, directly contributing to OET's mission of making energy planning more accessible and transparent.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking Slack and email for urgent requests from the Head of People or Finance. You'll spend time processing invoices, reconciling bank statements, and updating expense reports. Throughout the day, you'll collaborate with team members across time zones via scheduled calls or async updates, ensuring financial records are accurate and operations run smoothly.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Openenergytransition Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of experience as a Finance Assistant, Bookkeeper, or Administrative Assistant, with strong proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero) and Excel.
  • Is fluent in English (German is a bonus) and comfortable working fully remotely with a distributed team across time zones.
  • Demonstrates high autonomy, ownership, and proactive communication, thriving in a fast-paced, trust-based environment.
  • Is detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about the energy transition or open-source principles.

📝 Tips for Applying to Openenergytransition

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific bookkeeping and accounting achievements (e.g., improved reconciliation times, managed AP/AR for a remote team).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your experience with remote work tools (e.g., Slack, Notion, Google Workspace) and how you stay organized without direct supervision.

3

Showcase any familiarity with non-profit accounting or grant tracking, as this is a non-profit role.

4

If you speak German, highlight it prominently, even though it's a bonus, as it may set you apart.

5

Research OET's open-source projects (e.g., PyPSA) and mention how your work supports their mission in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your alignment with OET's mission: advancing energy transition via open-source tools.", 'Demonstrate your ability to work autonomously in a remote setting, with examples of managing your own workflow.', "Highlight specific accounting/operations skills (e.g., reconciliations, invoicing, expense tracking) and tools you've used.", 'Express enthusiasm for a non-profit environment and your commitment to transparency and efficiency.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Familiarize yourself with OET's key open-source projects, especially PyPSA (Python for Power System Analysis).
  • → Read about the global energy transition and how open-source tools can democratize energy planning.
  • → Understand OET's organizational structure and values (remote-first, trust, autonomy).
  • → Review the job description's reporting line and think about how you'd support both the Head of People and Head of Finance.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you prioritize tasks when supporting two managers (Head of People and Head of Finance)?
2 Describe your experience with remote collaboration tools and how you maintain communication in a distributed team.
3 Walk us through your process for month-end close or reconciling accounts.
4 How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in repetitive tasks like data entry?
5 Why are you interested in the energy transition and open-source approaches?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning the energy transition or open-source mission.
  • Overlooking the remote-first culture: failing to demonstrate self-discipline and proactive communication skills.
  • Not highlighting relevant experience with non-profit accounting or grant tracking if you have it.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Openenergytransition!

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