Project Accountant (PA)

Zanzibar Muslim Women Aids Support Organization (ZAMWASO)

Reporting to: Program Manager

Location: Unguja, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Contract Duration: 12 months (Renewable)

Position Summary

The Project Accountant plays a crucial role in the implementation of the USAID Kizazi Hodari (Brave Generation) Southern Zone project. Working under the direction of the Project Manager and the close monitoring of the ZAMWASO Executive Director, and in collaboration with project technical staff, this position provides essential financial support and guidance. The Project Accountant is responsible for planning, designing, and coordinating the implementation of sound accounting, financial management, control systems, and procedures for all operational areas. This role ensures the maintenance of accurate, up-to-date financial and accounting records for the effective and smooth running of the USAID Kizazi Hodari (Brave Generation) Southern Zone Project implementation and decision-making.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Manager in coordinating and supervising all financial functions of the organization's programs and projects. This includes timely preparation and submission of all program financial and accounting reports and documents (cash books, payment vouchers, bank reconciliation statements, budget compliance reports, etc.) in compliance with donor reporting requirements.
• Ensure all expenses are within the assigned project budget and verify the completeness of all required supporting documentation for all payment vouchers.
• Prepare payments and bank transfers and conduct bank transactions.
• Produce periodic financial reports and other financial documents for ZAMWASO program management, in accordance with ZAMWASO and/or donor policies and procedures.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly and annual (fiscal year) closure of accounts, including bank reconciliation, and submit reports to the program manager as per prescribed deadlines.
• Prepare staff payroll administration, including fringe benefit computations.
• Assist the Grant Officer/Program Officer in reviewing budget proposals from grantees and subcontractors.
• Ensure proper and complete documentation and filing (physical and digital via QuickBooks and OneDrive) for easy retrieval of all accounting-related documents.
• Cross-check financial statements and data accuracy.
• Advise management on the formulation, review, and implementation of financial policies to enhance financial viability, effective cost management, and optimized resource mobilization and utilization.
• Implement existing internal financial controls and advise management on additional controls if needed.
• Proactively develop and implement sound accounting and financial management systems and procedures based on standard accounting principles.
• Coordinate all project finances in the preparation, implementation, and control of the annual and any supplementary budgets.
• Ensure compliance with the organization's procurement policies and guidelines.
• Maintain an up-to-date register of organizational assets and stores, ensuring proper accountability and custody of organizational property.
• Ensure that internal and external auditor recommendations and issues are implemented or addressed promptly.
• Cooperate with external auditors to ensure timely submission of draft accounts for audit.
• Provide proposals and recommendations for workflow improvements.

Minimum Required Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Master's degree in the above fields is a plus.

Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as needed.
• Strong negotiation and collaboration skills.
• Excellent knowledge and experience with QuickBooks.
• Working knowledge of tax laws and strong financial analysis skills.
• Strong organizational and stress management skills.
• Ability to handle a high volume of work.

Experience:

• At least two years of experience in a finance or accounting position with an organization in public health or OVC programming.
• Experience implementing program and donor regulations, systems, and procedures.
• Experience with an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) approach in development and social work is a plus.

How to Apply

Send your motivational letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae with the position title in the subject line to recruit@zamwaso.or.tz before December 13, 2024, at 4:00 PM.