Detailed-oriented Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Finance professional with 10+ years of experience managing diverse financial functions such as forecasting, budgeting, auditing, and reporting. Well-versed in global accounting standards such as the international Public Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the International Accounting Standards (IAS), various Funders Regulations (such as GLOBAL FUND, CDC, GIZ, BMBF, NIH, NIHR). Highly skilled in reviewing, analyzing, and preparing quarterly and annual financial statements for medium sized and large-scale public sector and nonprofit organizations. Vast experience in grants management and project management. Excellent analytical, organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Center Accountant
National Institute For Medical Research - MRC
04.2015 - Current
Lead and participate in the preparation of budgets and forecasts of more than TZS 7 Billion annual fiscal budget for executive management to meet internal and regulatory accounting deadlines
Oversee Center’s financial accounting, financial analysis, accounts payable, payroll, and travel expense reimbursement, contributing to successful fiscal budget objectives
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders by providing technical accounting review and analysis to various organization’s projects and initiatives such as the Government of Tanzania health research projects, Global Fund projects, CDC, NIHR, NIH and BMBF funded projects.
Conduct technical and analytical reviews of donor-funded projects with high accuracy resulting in clean audit reports from national Controller and Auditor General (CAG), donors and compliance with regulatory standards
Improve accounting systems and processes by supervising the implementation of internal controls, payment processes and reporting, to meet organization’s quarterly and annual financial goals and maximize operational success
Successfully execute accounting systems, handling quarter-end and year-end financial operations by managing and reporting projects financial status, institution financial performance and position and fixed assets and other related reports
Work closely with auditors such as the internal Auditors, External Auditors (Controller and Auditor General, funders’ external auditors) by analyzing end-of-year financial audit information and make recommendations to track errors and add inputs to maintain financial data accuracy, ensure effective implementation of auditor’s recommendation
Participate in strategic plan development of the Institute.
Reduced expenses by negotiating with vendors for better pricing and terms on services and supplies.
Enhanced financial decision-making capabilities by providing timely, accurate information to management through regular performance reports.
Supported department objectives by participating in cross-functional projects with other departments as needed.
Assisted in the development of financial forecasts based on historical trends and current market conditions.
Maintained accurate records of fixed assets, including acquisition costs, depreciation schedules, and current values.
Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed book of accounts.
Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
Collaborated with external auditors during the annual audit process to provide necessary documentation and address any concerns or findings promptly.
Internal Auditor
National Institute for Medical Research
08.2010 - 04.2015
Produced and reviewed audit reports for submission to the Management and Controller and Auditor General (CAG) and advised on audit recommendations and internal controls
Performed internal audits of financial and departmental operations, developing risk assessments and conducting processes for compliance with documented processes
Evaluated company's policies to determine how well standards adhered to global accounting standards such as IPSAS and public sector best practices
Planned annual audits, evaluating Internal control mechanisms at headquarters and Centres
Participated in preparing and reviewing annual audit plans
Participated in Annual Strategic Plan development of the Institute.
Enhanced internal control systems by conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing effective audit recommendations.
Improved operational efficiency by identifying and addressing financial discrepancies through meticulous examination of financial records.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and execute comprehensive audit plans, ensuring alignment with Institution objectives.
Evaluated compliance with regulatory requirements, mitigating potential risks and protecting organizational reputation.
Provided valuable insights to management by presenting clear and concise audit findings, contributing to informed decision-making processes.
Developed strong working relationships with external auditors, facilitating efficient communication during annual audits.
Supported management in developing action plans to address identified issues, promoting timely resolution of audit findings.
Applied critical thinking skills to analyze complex problems, resulting in practical solutions that drove improvements.
Cultivated professional growth through participation in industry conferences, seminars, and training opportunities.
Documented recommendations to improve internal controls.
Prepared and distributed risk and audit reports to appropriate personnel.
Marketing and Trade Associate
Tanzania Cigarette Company
09.2008 - 06.2010
Managed and motivated team of over 100 vendors contributing to smooth distribution processes in target markets
Processed customer inquiries, resulting in higher sales and customer retention, meeting set targets, and maintaining customer satisfaction
Measured marketing program effectiveness via regular monitoring of key performance factors (KPIs), contributing to impactful input to executive leadership decision-making
Promoted and maintained company image in day-to-day activities by ensuring the company products, adverts and individual staff conduct are visible and align with the Company’s policies, regulations and country’s laws.
Developed strong client relationships through timely and thorough follow-up on inquiries and concerns.
Increased customer satisfaction by resolving complex issues and providing exceptional service at all times.
Worked varied hours to meet seasonal and business needs.
Greeted customers and offered assistance for increased customer satisfaction.
Prioritized tasks to meet tight deadlines, pitching in to assist others with project duties.
Managed customer relations through communication and helpful interactions.
Identified customer needs and wants to enhance customer experiences and boost sales.
Utilized customer feedback to improve product offerings.
Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
Junior Accountant
GAPCO (T) LTD
06.2008 - 08.2008
Reduced errors in financial reporting through meticulous review and analysis of documents.
Collaborated with senior accountants to perform month-end closing procedures, ensuring timely financial reporting.
Developed strong relationships with vendors through effective communication, leading to better payment terms negotiation opportunities.
Contributed to the success of a system migration project by assisting in data conversion tasks, ensuring a seamless transition for the accounting team.
Prepared bank reconciliations on a monthly basis to identify potential discrepancies between company records and bank statements.
Enhanced internal controls through the implementation of policies designed to safeguard company assets from potential fraud or theft risks.
Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to maintain financial accuracy and compliance.
Internal Audit Intern
Tanzania Commission for AIDS
07.2006 - 12.2006
Increased accuracy in financial reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements through meticulous audits.
Enhanced audit efficiency by conducting thorough risk assessments and internal control evaluations.
Assisted in identifying areas of improvement by reviewing financial statements and operational procedures.
Supported senior auditors in executing comprehensive audit programs, covering a wide range of business functions and operations.
Contributed to timely completion of audit engagements, meeting strict deadlines without compromising on quality standards.
Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
Intern at Jovanovic-Talisman Lab, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope National Medical CenterIntern at Jovanovic-Talisman Lab, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope National Medical Center
Research Assistant (Intern) at National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR)Research Assistant (Intern) at National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR)