Bookkeeper

Background

Natural Extracts Industries Ltd (NEI) is pioneering the sustainable, natural flavour manufacturing industry in Tanzania for global export, starting with vanilla and cacao.  The company works in all areas from cultivation to post-harvest processing, value-add manufacturing and international sales and marketing.  The smallholder outgrower network currently integrates over 10,000 vanilla farmers from Tanzania and Uganda, and through this sourcing model, NEI aims to deliver a long-term socioeconomic impact by doubling annual income per smallholder household. Current products include liquid flavours, such as extracts from vanilla, cocoa and coffee; and solid flavours like vanilla pods, cocoa powder and nibs.  The company is undertaking an aggressive growth path, featuring European and US market entries (including partnerships and potential joint ventures), establishing a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and expanding supply-side volumes.

Job Purpose

The Bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, recording daily transactions in the company’s ERP or accounting system, supporting statutory tax compliance, managing petty cash, and preparing bank payments. The role ensures that all financial transactions are properly documented and aligned with the requirements of the Tanzania Revenue Authority.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Record Keeping
2. Record and maintain daily financial transactions in the company’s ERP or accounting system.
3. Ensure proper documentation and filing of all accounting records and supporting documents.
4. Maintain accurate general ledger entries and assist with account reconciliations.
5. Statutory Compliance
6. Prepare and assist in filing statutory tax returns including VAT, PAYE, Withholding Tax and other applicable taxes through the IDRAS system of the Tanzania Revenue Authority.
7. Ensure tax payments and filings are submitted within statutory deadlines.
8. Maintain proper records for tax audits and compliance checks.
9. Bank Payments and Reconciliations
10. Prepare and set up bank payments in the company’s banking platform for approval.
11. Maintain records of all bank transactions and payment instructions.
12. Perform bank reconciliations regularly and investigate any discrepancies.
13. Petty Cash Management
14. Manage the company petty cash fund, including disbursement and documentation.
15. Ensure all petty cash expenses are supported by proper receipts and approvals.
16. Prepare periodic petty cash reconciliation reports.
17. Financial Support
18. Assist in preparation of monthly financial reports.
19. Support the Finance Manager or Accountant with audit preparation and financial documentation.
20. Ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures.
    

Desired Skills & Experience

1. Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
2. At least 1–3 years of experience in bookkeeping or accounting roles.
3. Knowledge of ERP systems or accounting software (e.g., ERPNext, QuickBooks, Tally, Sage, or similar).
4. Familiarity with tax filing systems and procedures in Tanzania, including experience using IDRAS.
5. Understanding of basic accounting principles and financial reporting.
6. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
7. Good organizational and record-keeping skills.
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial information.
9. Good communication and teamwork skills.