Job opportunity – Accounting and Finance Officer
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Application deadline: 15 September 2026
Expected start date: 1 October 2026
Contract duration: Through 31 March 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funding
Background
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) receives funding to support research, training, and health systems strengthening activities in Tanzania. This includes funding through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Tanzania to provide strategic information and health information systems (HIS) technical assistance to the Ministry of Health, as well as support for health sciences research through the U.S. National Institutes for Health (NIH).
UCSF is recruiting an Accounting and Finance Officer through its affiliated international NGO, Global Programs, to support its Tanzania office in Dar es Salaam.
This is a full-time position reporting to the Finance and Operations Manager. The successful candidate will provide accounting, procurement, payroll, and general administrative support to programs and projects implemented by Global Programs Tanzania. The position will also collaborate with the San Francisco-based Global Programs Operations team on finance and operational matters.
Key duties and responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Finance and Operations Manager, the Accounting and Finance Officer will be responsible for the following:
Accounting and finance
- Maintain and regularly update payment registers to ensure accurate and timely tracking of payments.
- Prepare and route financial documentation through DocuSign for review and approval.
- Maintain and manage office petty cash in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Review and process invoices, payment vouchers, and advance requests, ensuring completeness, accuracy, reasonableness, validity, and compliance with applicable policies.
- Review travel and other advance requests and ensure timely liquidation and closure of outstanding advances.
- Coordinate with Human Resources to support payroll processing and related statutory remittances.
- Enter and maintain accounting transactions and supporting data in the accounting system.
- Review bank account activity and prepare monthly bank reconciliations.
- Support the Finance and Operations Manager in preparing monthly financial statements and other financial reports as required.
- Maintain complete, accurate, and well-organized finance and accounting records and files.
- Liaise with internal and external auditors and provide supporting documentation and information as requested.
- Support the preparation and processing of VAT refund claims.
- Ensure compliance with finance, procurement, and other relevant organizational policies and procedures, and recommend improvements where appropriate.
- Prepare, maintain, and report on quarterly account and balance reconciliations.
- Coordinate payment approvals with authorized account signatories.
- Serve as a key point of contact for finance-related communications with vendors, staff, project teams, financial analysts, auditors, headquarters, and other relevant stakeholders.
Procurement
- Prepare Local Purchase Orders (LPOs), purchase requisitions, bid analyses, and other procurement documentation.
- Verify that all required approvals have been obtained and that procurement activities comply with organizational policies and applicable U.S. Government funding regulations.
- Support and monitor the maintenance of vendor agreements, the asset register, and inventory records for office supplies and equipment.
Operations and administration
- Develop and maintain administrative files, records, and reports for internal and inter-office use as required.
- Provide information and administrative support to staff as needed.
- Assist the Finance and Operations Manager with other duties, special assignments, and operational activities as required.
Qualifications, experience, and skills
Minimum requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field from a recognized institution.
- 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in accounting and finance, preferably within a non-profit organization and/or an organization implementing PEPFAR-funded programs.
- Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and working with financial data sets.
- Working knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to learn and effectively use, accounting and database applications.
- Ability to establish and maintain moderately complex filing systems and financial records.
- Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work professionally and collaboratively in a multicultural and internationally based team environment.
- Fluency in both written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
Desirable skills and attributes
- Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
- High level of attention to detail, accuracy, integrity, and accountability.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, to coordinate effectively with colleagues based overseas.
- Willingness and ability to travel within Tanzania to support project activities.
Application instructions
Applicants must demonstrate how they meet each of the selection criteria outlined under the minimum requirements by providing specific and comprehensive information in their application.
Applications must include
- A current CV, including the names and telephone numbers of at least two referees, one of whom should be the applicant’s current or most recent employer.
- Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates.
- All application documents must be submitted in PDF format.
Applications and supporting documents should be submitted by email to: info.tanzania@ucglobalprograms.org
Applications must be received no later than 15 September 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
