Branch Accountant

Job Title: Branch Accountant

Company Overview: Hand in Hand Eastern Africa-Tanzania (HIHEA TZ)

Hand in Hand Eastern Africa-Tanzania (HIHEA TZ) is a renowned Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in Tanzania since 2018. As part of the Hand in Hand Global Network, our mission is to empower society, especially women, by establishing sustainable enterprises and creating job opportunities. We work closely with marginalized communities, employing a participatory approach to combat poverty and vulnerability. Through self-help principles, we provide training, skills, and support to uplift individuals living in poverty, particularly women, to build and sustain independent, market-based economic activities. Our efforts lead to increased income, improved education, better healthcare access, enhanced food security, and overall improved livelihoods for the beneficiaries.

Position: Branch Accountant (REF.NO: HIHEATZ BA 02/2023)

As the Branch Accountant, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective financial management at the branch level. Your responsibilities will include processing accounting transactions, preparing branch financial reports, and supporting donor compliance and reporting in accordance with professional standards and organizational policies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Budget Preparation and Analysis
   • Collaborate with the Branch Manager to prepare accurate annual budgets.
   • Monitor and analyze branch budget vs. actual expenses, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions.
2. Expense Management
   • Ensure timely processing of petty cash disbursements, reimbursements, and other relevant expenses.
   • Raise internal requisitions for supplies following HiH EA procurement policy.
   • Manage stationery stocks with regular stock takes and variance analysis.
3. Financial Analysis and Reporting
   • Analyze expenses against approved budgets and liaise with Branch Manager and Project Accountant for any discrepancies.
   • Timely reconciliation and processing of branch liabilities.
   • Maintain accurate accounting records, including clientele, savings, loans, fees, loan payments, revenues, and commissions.
4. Performance Monitoring
   • Monitor branch performance, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to the Branch Manager and staff.
5. Banking and Reconciliation
   • Act as the designated bank agent for accessing HiH EA bank statements.
   • Prepare bank reconciliations and expense posting schedules for reporting to the Project Accountant.
6. Asset Management
   • Undertake asset coding, quarterly verification, and submit a signed list of assets to HQ.
   • Safeguard auditable documents filed at the Branch and maintain proper record-keeping.
7. Credit Evaluation
   • Participate in due diligence and evaluation of customer credit applications as part of the credit committee.
8. Audit Support
   • Provide necessary information and auditable documents to support internal audit processes.
9. Statutory Compliance
   • Deduct and remit statutory deductions, where applicable.
10. Team Management and Capacity Building
    • Supervise, coach, mentor, and appraise the Accounts Assistant at the Branch.
    • Train and build the capacity of Branch staff in accounting and financial management.
11. Ad-hoc Assignments
    • Undertake any other assignments as directed by the Supervisor.

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field; CPA (T) certification will be advantageous.
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in a relevant field.
• Proficiency in computerized accounting and other computer applications.
• High integrity in handling assets, cash, and transactions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical abilities.
• Basic auditing skills.
• Effective communication in English and Kiswahili.
• Good organizational skills.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and CV, citing the Position and Reference Number to careerstz@handinhandea.org. The deadline for applications is 05th August 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Website: http://handinhand-ea.org/

Contact Information: PO Box 7152 Arusha. Tel. +255 27 254 7559

Follow us on Twitter: @HandinHandTZ Hand in Hand Eastern Africa – Tanzania

EXPERT Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

To increase your chances of success in applying for the Branch Accountant position at Hand in Hand Eastern Africa-Tanzania (HIHEA TZ), consider the following tips:

1. Thoroughly Research the Organization: Familiarize yourself with HIHEA TZ’s vision, mission, and core values. Understand the NGO’s projects and the impact it creates in the community.
2. Tailor Your Cover Letter and CV: Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Customize your application for this specific role.
3. Emphasize Financial Management Skills: Showcase your expertise in budgeting, expense management, financial analysis, and reporting. Provide specific examples of how you contributed to effective financial management in your previous roles.
4. Demonstrate Integrity and Accountability: As the Branch Accountant, you’ll handle sensitive financial matters. Emphasize your high level of integrity and ability to maintain accurate records.
5. Highlight Communication and Teamwork Skills: Effective communication and collaboration are essential in this role. Demonstrate how you’ve successfully worked with diverse teams in the past.
6. Be Punctual and Professional: Submit your application before the deadline and ensure all required documents are included. Present yourself professionally during any interview or assessment.
7. Prepare for the Interview: If shortlisted, prepare for the interview by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses.
8. Follow Up After Application: If you don’t hear back within a reasonable time, consider sending a polite follow-up email to express your continued interest in the position.

By following these expert tips and showcasing your qualifications effectively, you’ll enhance your chances of becoming a successful applicant for the Branch Accountant role at HIHEA TZ. Good luck!