Debora Tennant
Accountant (Entry-Level)
*************@*****.*** • 415-***-****
LinkedIn • Mission Viejo, California 92692
Dedicated and detail-oriented professional with hands-on experience in financial tracking, budget management, and documentation. Skilled in conducting account reconciliations, preparing accurate financial statements, and ensuring payroll accuracy in line with regulatory standards. Adept at supporting audit processes and maintaining compliance with donor guidelines. Ability to enhance financial transparency and manage expenses for both domestic and international projects. Collaborative team member with a strong commitment to improving efficiency and financial reporting accuracy to support strategic decision-making. Areas of Expertise
• Accounts Payable/Receivable
• Payroll & Staff Compensation
• Budgeting & Financial Tracking
• Bookkeeping/Accounts Reconciliation
• Audit Preparation/Compliance
• Financial Reporting/Documentation
• Project Accounting/Cost Allocation
• Debt Management & Risk Mitigation
• Financial Analysis/Variance Reporting
Professional Experience
Tanzania Mines & Construction Workers Union, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Finance Administration Officer
2020 – 2022
Directed and monitored departmental/project-specific budgets, tracking financial activities to maintain adherence to allocated funds. Reconciled bank statements and project accounts. Compiled comprehensive financial reports, including budget forecasts and expenditure variances to ensure compliance with organizational and international donor standards. Upheld financial regulatory compliance, aligning with policies and international donor requirements. Administered payroll operations, guaranteeing the accurate and timely disbursement of staff remuneration in accordance with labor laws and donor guidelines. Guided finance and administrative personnel. Offered financial direction to department heads and project teams to ensure consistency with internal and global funding protocols. Identified and mitigated financial risks, particularly in international project contexts.
● Resolved longstanding debts and implementation of salary increases without accruing new debts by managing union finances.
● Halved debts that had remained unpaid for over 15 years, demonstrating effective debt management and negotiation skills.
● Raised staff salaries, reflecting a commitment to improving employee compensation and financial well-being.
● Enhanced financial performance by assessing financial data and assisting in management of strategic decision-making.
● Conducted a debt-free general assembly, marking a significant financial turnaround for the union. Tanzania Mines & Construction Workers Union, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Chief Accountant
2018 – 2020
Managed comprehensive accounting operations, including accounts payable, receivables, payroll, and project accounting for both international and domestic ventures. Prepared and presented detailed financial statements and project reports to international stakeholders. Led the development of organizational and project-specific budgets to ensure financial consistency. Conducted audits required by international donors, maintaining complete and compliant project documentation. Supervised accounting staff to uphold internal and international accounting standards. Ensured adherence to tax regulations and contributed to financial strategy development, including risk assessment for international projects and long-term financial planning.
● Implemented an accounting software that streamlined financial reporting and restored confidence among international affiliates.
● Enhanced financial transparency/stakeholder relations by consistently delivering accurate and detailed project financial reports.
● Played a pivotal role in budget formulation, aligning organizational financial goals with those of international partners. Page 2 3
● Maintained impeccable compliance during rigorous audits, reinforcing the organization's reputation for financial integrity.
● Fostered a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the accounting team. Tanzania Mines & Construction Workers Union, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Accountant
2017 – 2018
Monitored expenditures against budget allocations, identifying and reporting discrepancies. Executed regular account reconciliations to guarantee accuracy and integrity of financial data. Managed financial records for all projects and processed invoices/payments, maintaining a consistent flow of financial activities. Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports with precision. Collaborated with audit teams, providing required documentation and clarifications to facilitate internal and external audits. Analyzed financial data to support strategic decision-making and enhance fiscal performance, adhering to internal policies and international project standards. Oversaw project financial tracking, delivering detailed reports to project coordinators. Ensured accurate allocation of project costs and proper expense coding to meet donor specifications and project objectives.
● Restored confidence in international affiliates by effectively managing funds and maintaining transparent financial practices.
● Enhanced financial reporting accuracy, resulting in improved project management and donor relations.
● Streamlined financial processes, increasing efficiency and reducing turnaround time for financial transactions.
● Contributed to the successful completion of audits by providing comprehensive support and clear financial documentation.
● Implemented robust financial analysis techniques, aiding in informed decision-making and financial strategy development. Compassion International Tanzania, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Project Accountant
2014 – 2017
Conducted variance analyses to evaluate project financial performance against budgetary benchmarks. Engaged with vendors and suppliers to resolve billing issues and maintain account balance accuracy. Contributed to strategic financial discussions in management meetings, focusing on the financial health of ongoing projects. Analyzed and verified monthly financial reports for precision in project accounting. Compiled and reviewed weekly/monthly financial reports. Formulated and executed financial strategies in collaboration with project teams to optimize financial management of projects. Prepared quarterly financial statements and monitored contract compliance, including reviews of subcontracts, purchase orders, and change orders, to align with organizational policies.
● Developed and secured funding for a significant project budget in collaboration with the project director.
● Ensured strict compliance with financial reporting and GAAP principles, contributing to the integrity of financial statements.
● Facilitated effective communication channels with stakeholders, improving transparency and financial oversight of projects.
● Implemented robust financial control measures that enhanced the accuracy of project-related financial records.
● Maintained financial documentation, supporting audit readiness and operational efficiency. Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Accounting, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Certified Public Accountant in Tanzania Certification, National Board of Accountants & Auditors, Tanzania Volunteer Experience (2022 – Present)
Part-time Remote Office Assistant at EBM Scholars LLC: Provided administrative support remotely, managing communications, organizing documents, and assisting with daily operational tasks. Part-time Resident Assistant in Elderly Communities: Assisted residents with daily activities, ensured their comfort and safety, and supported the community’s care standards and procedures. Technical Proficiencies
Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint Accounting Software: QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP and Zoho Books Page 3 3
Languages
English, Advanced Swahili, Native