Design without Borders Africa (DwB) is a product and service design company with offices in Kampala, Uganda, where we have served clients in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, Burundi, Mozambique, Benin, Malawi, India and Guatemala. DwB believes in the power of the human-centred design approach to save lives, improve living conditions and lift communities out of poverty. Our designers have specialised training and skill-sets to help address complex challenges through co-design and collaboration with users and stakeholders, as we co-create solutions that are useful and meaningful for the contexts in which they operate. Our approach is implemented through 3 core areas of service; Product and Service design, Design Training, and Research & Development (R&D). For the past 15 years, DwB has worked successfully with many leaders in the fields of Public and Private sector development, Humanitarian response and Sustainable Development using this highly participatory process to create innovative solutions.

DwB believes in an integrated human-centred approach that leverages ethnographic research methods from social and behavioural sciences to deliver best outcomes. This involves integrating rigorous data-based analytical approaches with creative, empathetic and participatory methods to create better solutions, more actionable plans and sustained engagement that are championed by the end users.

To ensure the smooth, efficient, and timely delivery of its services, DwB is looking to grow its team by inviting a communication designer, a design marketing officer, an accounts assistant, and a monitoring and evaluation officer.

Relevant study background: Bachelors/Masters in relevant subject
Location: Kampala
Duration: 6-12 months with possibility of extension, full-time position
Start: 4th March 2024
Preferred work experience: 2-3 years 
Deadline for application: 10th January 2024 at 5pm

Design without Borders Africa (DwB) is looking for an organised, critical and trustworthy individual with legal working status in Uganda, experience in accounting, bookkeeping, and financial reporting with a willingness to get immersed into the practice of human centred design.

The Accounts assistant will contribute to the day-to-day implementation of the company’s accounting and finance systems, policies and procedures. He/ she will participate in project budget preparation and review alongside ensuring compliance with accounting and financial legal requirements. He/she will also participate in the management of the financial bookkeeping - ensuring  financial efficiency through maintaining records of expenditures and profit. The financial assistant will report directly to the Finance Manager.

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, commerce or similar from a recognised institution.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) at level 1 or 2 is an advantage.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience in the accounting or finance field.
• Proper understanding of office administration and management functions.
• Exceptional ability to prepare financial reports, project budgets and record maintenance.
• Proficient in application of Quickbooks accounting software.
• An analytical mindset with problem-solving skills and organisational skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

The role will include the following roles and responsibilities:

• Reporting to the Finance Manager  or other project managers as required.
• Reviewing budgets, including staffing, work plans, and fee structures.
• Providing project managers and clients with timely financial reports and budgets, as well as project forecasts.
• Proper management of project expenses, and maintenance of relevant records such as updating the ledgers, support receipts, LPOs, invoices and other relevant documentation.
• Maintaining complete and proper records of revenue, accountability, expenditure, assets and liabilities and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information.
• Monitoring receivable income and supporting project managers with collections and follow-ups
• Issuing invoices and purchase orders, as well as paying consultants, subcontractors, vendors, and supplier bills.
• Ensuring proper financial data entry and analysis by checking for accuracy, completeness and coding before transactions are entered into the accounting system
• Assist with preparing financial reports and coordination of the audit process with both internal and external auditors.
• Manage payments to project team, service providers, and preparation of reimbursables to staff on project programmes.
• Handle monthly reconciliations for petty cash.
• Reconciliation of client accounts and follow up on payments and effective handling of receivables.
• Ensuring all relevant documentation is on file.
• Any other tasks as assigned by the Finance Manager.