VICTORIA ROSEMARY THOMAS
Arusha
Summary
Dynamic finance and administration leader with extensive experience at the Hellenic Foundation of Tanzania, specializing in budget management and strategic planning. Recognized for enhancing operational efficiency and fostering team collaboration while driving organizational success through effective communication and mentorship. As a seasoned Director of Finance Administration, possesses a robust background in financial planning, budgeting, and operations, adept at contract negotiation and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to deliver strategic solutions to complex business challenges and improve overall process efficiency.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Administration and Finance
Hellenic Foundation of Tanzania T/A St Constantine's International School
Arusha
04.2020 - Current
- Human Resources, Administrative Operations and Policy Administration
- Develop, manage and coordinate the overall function of administrative support systems of the school
- Responsible for overseeing administrative staff and making sure that polices are in place to endure that the administrative functions and day to day operations run smoothly
- Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors, suppliers and follow through execution of the contracts
- Coordinate with the human resource department to oversee human resources policies and practices with respect to recruiting, compensation, benefits, performance evaluations, career development and employee performance feedback
- Assist and consult the Head teacher where the need arises, in the recruitment and termination of staff in adherence to lawful procedures under the employment laws and regulations in place in the United Republic of Tanzania
- Business Strategic Planning, Budgeting and Financial Management
- Develop and manage all aspects of the departmental budget including preparation, submission, maintenance, reporting and audits
- Coordinate with the finance department to manage administrative budgets, plan and report on the disbursements of funds
- Monitor operating expenses and oversee the preparation of detailed reports on expenditure in different departments for the Board
- Participate in departmental strategic planning ensuring that the developed goals align with the Board's goals and contribute towards market growth, revenue enhancement, cost containment whilst maximizing productivity
- Establish and maintain effective internal controls for finance, administration and human resources
- Identify and seize opportunities to improve fiscal and operational performance of the Board
- Endure that the Board is in compliance with all government requirements in all the departments
- Maintain records and abide by and comply with such instructions and requirements as may from time to time be required by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and other statutory bodies in Tanzania
- Act as secretary to the finance committee and in the school advisory board
- Promote a culture of 'service excellence' throughout the Board
- Set a tone of leadership that is people oriented, collaborative in nature and focused on evidence-based decision making
- Build a management culture based on team work, open communication, prudent risk taking, innovation, mentoring and accountability
Finance Manager
The School of St Jude's
Arusha
04.2015 - 04.2020
- Oversee all finance related areas; accounts receivable, accounts payable, capital spending, budgeting, financial reporting and purchasing
- Present monthly financial reports to the Business Manager for presentation to the EAF Board and TSOSJ Board
- Present monthly financial reporting packs for each of the three headmasters
- Present monthly financial reporting packs for each business manager
- Lead the purchasing team into an efficient and effective structure
- Control all inventory for the school, including; food, stationary, maintenance & garage supplies
- Make sure TSOSJ has enough cash to meet their obligations
- When required request more cash from EAF Inc
- Prepare the IAS/IFRS compliant financial report annually
- Complete the annual audit and all other compliance matters
- Check reconciled bank statements and petty cash monthly
- Regular checking of QuickBooks to make sure account code classifications are correct
- Prepare Financial Manual and ensure it is approved
- Prepare the annual capital and operating budget
- Ensure payroll is correctly prepared and salaries paid on time
- Participate and support fellow staff in school mission related activities such as all school Celebration Days and Child Selection logistics
Accountant
Mizani Limited
Arusha
04.2014 - 03.2015
- Company Overview: Finance and Management Consulting Firm
- Prepare all statutory payments and certificates in compliance with the law
- Data Entry
- Preparing and maintaining the fixed assets register
- Operational budgets set up and reviews in the accounting systems
- Running Budgeted Versus Actual reports and preparing donor reports
- End year financial adjustments and reports
- Preparation of monthly bank statements and budgets reconciliations
- Bank reconciliations in Quick Books
- Maintaining proper office documents and ensuring systematic documentation
- Payroll preparations, adjustments and complying with the statutory requirements
- Ledger accounts reconciliations
- Accruals of expenses monthly
- Finance and Management Consulting Firm
Accountant
Multisource Holdings Company
07.2012 - 09.2013
- Posting daily cash and credit sales to Tally accounting package
- Bank reconciliations
- Preparing and crosschecking monthly VAT returns from TRA fiscal tax invoices before the taxes are paid or claims made
- Preparing debtors statements of overdue invoices and follow up payments from them for outstanding invoices weekly, physical visits at least monthly
- Updating relevant ledgers on the accounting system as business continues
- Prepare weekly reports and submit them to the managing director
- Coordinate all accounting and matters affecting finance in the company
- I also did purchasing work, which included communication with suppliers, local and international, for quotations to be received in time, prepare pro-forma invoices, upon receipt of purchase order, and supervision
Internship
Tanzania Breweries Limited
Mwanza
10.2011 - 03.2012
- I conducted my undergraduate field internship at Tanzania Limited Company Mwanza plant for a period of six months
- I was in the accounts and finance department that involved the production accounting, credit controlling, operations accounting and purchasing
- Here I was exposed to the real working environment and acquired massive knowledge including accuracy and speed
Education
Master of Science - Finance and Investment
Coventry University
United Kingdom11.2014
Certified Public Accountant -
National Board of Accountants & Auditors
Tanzania05.2013
Advanced Diploma - Accountancy
Institute of Accountancy Arusha
Arusha, Tanzania07.2012
Certificate - Accounting and Finance
Institute of Accountancy Arusha
Arusha, Tanzania07.2009
Certificate - Computer Applications
Strathmore University
Nairobi, Kenya05.2008
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
The Kenya High School
Nairobi, Kenya01.2007
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Tarang'anya Girls Boarding School
Nyanza, Kenya01.2003
Skills
- Budget Development and management
- Financial reporting
- Performance evaluation
- Human resources management
- Strategic planning
- Policy administration
- Operational standards development & Management
- Contract negotiation
- Regulatory compliance
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Data analysis
- Mentorship and coaching
- Workforce planning
- Employee relations
- Facilities management
- Organizational leadership
- Administrative management strategies
- Team oversight
- Problem-solving aptitude
Affiliations
- GLAMI - Girls Livelihood & Mentorship Initiative, Board Member & Treasurer
- Blessings SACCOS Limited, Board Member & Treasurer, 2018 - 2024
- National Board of Accountants and Auditors, Associate Member {ACPA 3564}
- Institute of Accountancy Arusha Student Organization (IAASO), 2009-2012
Accomplishments
- Overall Best Master's Student - MSc Finance and Investment - Class of 2014
- Best Female Masters Student - Msc Finance and Investment - Class of 2014
- Overall Best Student, Advanced Diploma Programmes - Class of 2012
- Outstanding academic performance in the 3rd year of the Advanced Diploma in Accountancy
- Outstanding performance in the Certificate in Accounting and Finance program, Class of 2009
- Career talks to youth in financial literacy - School of St Jude, GLAMI, St. Constantine's
Skills And Qualities
- Strong organizational and Multitasking abilities
- Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Proficient in using accounting software and ERPs
- Team Player and a positive and adaptable attitude
- Remarkable leadership qualities and mentor
Personal Information
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: Tanzanian
- Marital Status: Married
Languages
- English
- Swahili
References
- Mr. Michael Murray, Deputy Principal/Headteacher, St Constantine's International School, P. O. Box 221, Arusha, Tanzania, +255 685 142 934, Michaelmurray@scis.sc.tz
- Ms. Gemma Sisia, Founding Director, The School of St Jude, P. O. Box 11875, Arusha, Tanzania, +255 626 249 125, Gemma.s@schoolofstjude.co.tz
- Mr. Franco Boner, Managing Director, Mizani Limited, P. O. Box 8035, Arusha, Tanzania, +255 782 323 764, Franco@mizani-ltd.com
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading Books, Journals
- Traveling
- Swimming
- Engaging in Community Projects
Extra Training And Seminars
- COBIS Conference for Bursars, Business Managers and HR Staff, London, UK, 01/01/25
- Certificate in Directorship (CiDir), Mwanza, Tanzania, 01/01/22
- Safer Recruitment in Education - NSPCC Learning, 01/01/22
- Advanced Training in QuickBooks Premier Accountant, UK, 01/01/20
- IFRS Training & Tax Updates - PwC, 01/01/15
- Three (3) minimum Accounting Seminars and Conferences every year, National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA)
- ATE - Association of Tanzania Employers, Attend regular trainings and seminars
Ambition
Apply creativity, innovativeness, motivation and maximum utilization of collaborative ideas, knowledge and experience to nurture growth of professionalism and prosperity in everything I set out to do.
Timeline
Director of Administration and Finance
Hellenic Foundation of Tanzania T/A St Constantine's International School
04.2020 - Current
Finance Manager
The School of St Jude's
04.2015 - 04.2020
Accountant
Mizani Limited
04.2014 - 03.2015
Accountant
Multisource Holdings Company
07.2012 - 09.2013
Internship
Tanzania Breweries Limited
10.2011 - 03.2012
Master of Science - Finance and Investment
Coventry University
Certified Public Accountant -
National Board of Accountants & Auditors
Advanced Diploma - Accountancy
Institute of Accountancy Arusha
Certificate - Accounting and Finance
Institute of Accountancy Arusha
Certificate - Computer Applications
Strathmore University
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
The Kenya High School
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Tarang'anya Girls Boarding School
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