Project Accountant

Job Description

The Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), dedicated to wildlife and ecosystem conservation, is seeking an experienced Project Accountant. Based at the Tanzania Country Office (TCO) in Arusha, this role provides financial backstopping to projects in Serengeti, Nyerere National Parks, and Selous Game Reserve, ensuring compliance with donor financial policies for procurement, reporting, and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting or Finance, Business Management/Administration, or a related degree
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA T) qualification
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience
• High level of integrity, demonstrating ethical standards and fairness
• Proactive and takes initiative in identifying necessary tasks
• Excellent planning and organized work patterns, with attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong teamwork skills, cooperating effectively and sharing information
• Flexible and adaptable to changing demands and circumstances
• Aptitude for problem analysis, recognizing critical information and tracing root causes

Responsibilities

• Fully implement FZS Accounting Policy & Procedures, preparing accurate accounts for management, reporting, and auditing
• Collaborate closely with partners to ensure compliance and achievement of desired outputs
• Establish and maintain effective financial management systems, robust controls, and proper filing
• Ensure strict adherence to approved project budgets
• Support the Head of Finance in preparing financial reports for donors and auditors
• Ensure timely preparation of financial reports for management and donors, and confirm cash flow availability for project activities
• Assist project staff in linking Grant Budgets with Grant Work-plans to align activities with approved funding
• Provide regular and timely summaries of fund status to the Project Coordinator and Program Managers
• Support procurement procedures, working with the Procurement Officer to ensure proper approval, filing, and documentation per FZS/donor guidelines
• Prepare financial statements as required by donors, and quarterly/annual statements per project agreements
• Establish and execute procedures to monitor and regulate own tasks and responsibilities
• Offer accounting guidance and support to partners, monitoring imprest retirements
• Collaborate with the Procurement Officer and Storekeepers to establish efficient systems for monitoring and securing project assets
• Daily recording of cash, bank payments, imprest, and expenses into the system
• Undertake other assigned duties by the Programme Manager or Head of Finance