Junior Accountant

Our client is seeking an organized, numerate, and reliable Junior Accountant to support day-to-day financial administration for their Zanzibar operation. The successful candidate will be responsible for routine bookkeeping, supplier and expense processing, financial record maintenance, statutory filing coordination, and general finance administration. The role requires a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, and independence when handling routine transactions, while ensuring unusual, high-value, or legally significant matters are appropriately escalated to the relevant management team.

Responsibilities:

• Process day-to-day financial transactions, including supplier invoices, receipts, payment requests, and other routine accounting documentation.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records and filing systems, both physical and digital, in accordance with established document control standards.
• Manage petty cash, including reconciliation, documentation, and replenishment requests.
• Support monthly bank reconciliations and identify and report any discrepancies for review.
• Assist with payroll inputs for employees, including working hours, leave, allowances, and other relevant information, while coordinating closely with HR.
• Track supplier invoices and ensure payments are processed accurately, on time, and with the required authorisation.
• Support month-end closing activities, including preparation of journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules for review.
• Maintain and update the fixed asset register for office, site, and operational equipment.
• Assist with the preparation of VAT and withholding tax documentation and supporting schedules for relevant transactions.
• Liaise with relevant statutory authorities regarding routine filings, inspections, and administrative requirements under appropriate guidance.
• Support basic procurement activities, including sourcing quotations, preparing purchase requests, and tracking deliveries for office and site requirements.
• Process, verify, and maintain records of expense claims submitted by employees and management.
• Coordinate with finance teams across related entities on cross-entity invoicing, cost allocations, and recharge transactions where required.
• Assist with the collection, preparation, and filing of financial documentation required for audits, statutory inspections, and management reporting.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure financial and company information is handled securely and professionally.
• Provide accurate financial and administrative updates to the remotely based finance management team.
• Identify unusual, high-value, or potentially sensitive financial matters and escalate them appropriately for review and approval.
• Support the effective administration of financial activities to ensure accurate and timely processing of transactions and records.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in bookkeeping, junior accounting, finance administration, or a similar role, with 1–3 years of experience preferred.
• Previous experience working within Tanzania and familiarity with local accounting and financial administration practices is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of Zanzibar's tax and statutory filing environment is an advantage.
• Exposure to accounting software such as QuickBooks, Zoho Books, Sage, or other relevant accounting systems is preferred.
• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles, bookkeeping procedures, reconciliations, supplier payments, expense processing, and financial record keeping.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail, particularly when handling financial and confidential company information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to work confidently with spreadsheets and financial data.
• Ability and willingness to learn new accounting, payroll, and financial management systems.
• Fluent in both English and Swahili, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, follow financial procedures accurately, and exercise sound judgement when handling routine transactions.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple financial and administrative priorities.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with employees, suppliers, management, statutory authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify discrepancies and escalate issues appropriately.
• Professional, reliable, proactive, and detail-oriented approach to financial administration.
• Ability to work effectively under a remote reporting structure while maintaining strong coordination with local management and relevant stakeholders.