Junior Accountant - Zanzibar

About the role

A client of Shugulika Africa Limited is looking for an organised, numerate and reliable Junior Accountant to support day-to-day financial administration for its Zanzibar operation. The role covers routine bookkeeping, supplier and expense processing, financial record maintenance, statutory filing coordination and general finance administration, with accurate, confidential and independent handling of routine transactions.

Key responsibilities

• Process day-to-day financial transactions such as supplier invoices, receipts, payment requests and other accounting documents.
• Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems, physical and digital, following document control standards.
• Manage petty cash, including reconciliation, documentation and replenishment requests.
• Support monthly bank reconciliations and report discrepancies.
• Assist with payroll inputs (working hours, leave, allowances) in close coordination with HR.
• Track supplier invoices and ensure payments are processed accurately and on time.
• Support month-end closing, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Maintain and update the fixed asset register for office, site and operational equipment.
• Assist with VAT and withholding tax documentation and schedules.
• Liaise with statutory authorities on routine filings, inspections and administrative requirements.
• Support basic procurement: sourcing quotations, purchase requests and delivery tracking.
• Process and maintain records of employee and management expense claims.
• Coordinate with finance teams across related entities on cross-entity invoicing, cost allocations and recharges.
• Help collect, prepare and file documents needed for audits, statutory inspections and management reporting.
• Escalate unusual, high-value or sensitive matters to management and provide accurate updates to the remote finance management team.

Required profile

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in bookkeeping, junior accounting or finance administration; 1-3 years preferred.
• Previous experience in Tanzania and familiarity with local accounting practices highly desirable; knowledge of Zanzibar's tax and statutory filing environment is an advantage.
• Fluent in English and Swahili, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, follow procedures accurately and work under a remote reporting structure.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles, bookkeeping, reconciliations, supplier payments and expense processing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and confidence with spreadsheets and financial data.
• Exposure to accounting software such as QuickBooks, Zoho Books or Sage is preferred.
• Good analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills, with attention to detail and confidentiality.