Finance Assistant

Chemonics seeks a Finance Assistant for the USAID/Tanzania Lishe (Nutrition) Project. The five-year project aims to strengthen health and food market systems that promote the adoption of optimal nutrition-related behaviors across a range of stakeholders in targeted regions in Tanzania. We are seeking individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world. The Finance Assistant will be based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Finance Assistant’s primary responsibilities are bank reconciliations, filing/scanning, booking transactions for Project Accountant review, and uploading payments to the project’s online banking platform. The Finance Assistant will assist the Project Accountant with a variety of administrative and accounting tasks as directed.

Responsibilities:

• Classifying receipts and disbursements in accordance with Chemonics’ Chart of Accounts, and report project transactions using the project accounting software Abacus.
• Preparing monthly bank reconciliations.
• Calculating and paying required payroll taxes and social insurance to the proper authorities.
• Ensuring that all required documentation for VAT refunds is received by vendors prior to payment of invoices.
• Ensuring that proper documentation per the policy manual is in place for each transaction before issuing payments.
• Reviewing local expense reports for compliance with USAID and Federal Travel Regulations before reimbursement or travel advance reconciliation.
• Monitoring and making necessary efforts to reduce accounts receivable and accounts payable balances.
• Ensuring that the Chemonics’ accounting voucher checklist and procurement documentation checklist are followed before payments are made to vendors and staff in accordance with USAID regulations and Chemonics procurement policies and procedures.
• Maintaining detailed and comprehensive accounting files for all project expenditures including but not limited to procurement, payroll, bank reconciliations, petty cash and other ad hoc reports; ensuring that, at all times, financial records are kept in accordance with Chemonics policy and procedures as set forth in its Field Accounting Manual (including scanning and printing of accounting documents).
• Conducting any other assignments as requested by supervisor.

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Auditing and Finance, or Business Administration
• One year of experience in a bookkeeping/accounting role.
• Knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, theories, practices, and terminology.
• Excellent communication skills, including interpersonal skills, and should communicate satisfactorily in written and oral English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs (i.e. Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and the ability to use various commercially available accounting software programs Strong organizational and work prioritization skills, attention to detail.
• Ability to work with integrity both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a professional and cordial manner with staff, implementing and cooperating partners, and relevant NGOs and government agencies often under demanding/busy circumstances.