Patricia Sitaraya
Junior Accountant
Arua
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate knowledgeable in various accounting programs and possessing solid computer skills. Experience in successfully managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Hardworking with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level finance position. Willingness and a quick learning ability to find creative solutions to challenging situations to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Accounts Assistant
Water Mission Uganda
Arua City
06.2021 - 04.2024
- Posted payments and accountabilities including petty cash in ERP accounting software
- Reviewed documentation for staff accountability and vendor payments as per available checklist and best practices and followed up on outstanding accountabilities every week
- Contributed to positive work environment through effective teamwork, communication, and collaboration within accounting department
- Followed up with over 50 staff to submit timesheets and review them for accuracy and approval before posting into system and submitting hard copies to H/Q by 27th of every month.
- Managed Petty Cash functions for field office as per Finance and Operations manual that is payouts, reconciliations, follow-up on accountabilities, and cash counts
- Participated in financial verification and audits for both internal and external audits by collecting and availing all needed documents
- Liaised and effectively worked with supply chain department to coordinate procurements and deliverables.
- Reduced errors in data entry by implementing system of double-checking and cross-referencing information
- Improved cash flow management by monitoring accounts receivable and following up on overdue invoices
- Collaborated with colleagues to complete special projects and ad hoc analyses as needed
- Facilitated smooth audits by maintaining accurate records and providing prompt responses to auditor requests
- Developed proficiency in multiple accounting software applications, increasing efficiency in daily tasks and overall productivity
- Supported accounting team with month-end closing procedures, ensuring timely completion and accurate reporting
- Provided excellent customer service while handling various billing inquiries from clients, fostering strong client relationships
- Maintained organized filing system for easy access to financial documents, improving overall efficiency
- Contributed to budget planning processes by providing detailed expense analysis and forecasting information
Finance and Administration Officer
West Nile Rainbow Initiative
Arua City
10.2019 - 04.2021
- Carried out administrative duties of running daily activities for organization
- Liaised with technical team regarding activity concept notes preparation and data interpretation for decision-making
- Managed staff performance, coaching & developing the capacity of staff and creating policy awareness among the stakeholders
- Acted as advisor for head of office on all budgetary and financial matters
- Management of employee conflict resolution
- Coordinated and ensured payroll preparation
- Coordinated training sessions and other organizational special events
- Coordinated all necessary Human Resource projects like collection of employee feedback.
- Spearheaded efforts to obtain external funding sources such as grants or loans, boosting capital availability for key projects
- Optimized resource allocation through effective budget management, resulting in reduced operational costs
- Negotiated favorable terms with vendors, securing cost savings without sacrificing quality or service levels
- Ensured compliance with relevant tax laws through diligent research and timely filings
Finance and Administration Officer
The Jane Goodall Institute
Entebbe, 113
07.2013 - 11.2017
- Financial management of company accounts including budget monitoring, and cash-flow management
- Preparation of regular financial reports on monthly, quarterly and annual basis
- Ensured compliance with company human resource policies and labor regulations to maintain staff personal files and coordinate staff appraisal processes
- Prepared payroll, staff salary deposits, taxes and other statutory liabilities
- Participated in advising top management on financial matters
- Participated in internal and external audits
- Supported logistics department by overseeing fleet of vehicles, maintenance and arrangement of field travels, and procurement of goods and services for office and field activities
- Worked hand in hand with junior staff to ensure proper management of office assets and premises
- Maintained appropriate filing system for all financial documents
Finance and Administration Officer
Arbeiter Samariter Bund - ASB
06.2012 - 06.2013
- Managed daily financial management for field office, preparation of funds for cash-based labor-intensive project activities
- Tracked daily administrative roles for junior staff and provided guidance
- Liaised with logistics department to assist with bidding and procurement processes at field office level
- Maintained appropriate filing systems for easy tracking of expenses and other documentations
- Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts
- Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings
- Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations
- Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations
- Increased cash flow management efficiency, optimizing accounts receivable and payable procedures
- Supported development of comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to communicate corporate performance to executive leadership
- Optimized resource allocation through effective budget management, resulting in reduced operational costs
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration, Accounting Option
Makerere University Business School
Kampala 08.2008 - 05.2011
Uganda Advanced Certificate in Education - Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education
Makerere High School - Migadde
Bombo 01.2006 - 12.2007
Uganda Certificate of Education - Uganda Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level)
Mvara Secondary School
Arua City 01.2002 - 12.2005
Skills
Report Generation
Expense Control
Ledger and journal entries
Expense Tracking
Audit Support
Variance Analysis
Bank Reconciliation
Administrative Support
Knowledge Skills Abilities
- Skills in dealing with human resources and how to simultaneously blend character with the organization's vision, mission, and goals.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills including report writing.
- Understanding of the issues, concerns, and interests of others without patronizing
- Commitment, enthusiasm, sincerity, and Honesty.
- Good leadership, motivational and organizational skills
- Excellent listening skills and confidence in talking to people both in groups and on a one-to-one basis.
- Strong computer literacy with full knowledge of office applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and NetSuite ERP accounting system
- Research especially data collection, Entry, and analysis.
- Networking (building and nurturing movements)
- Being self-oriented and capable of working with all categories of people
- Cross-teamwork in all departments where need be which has enhanced success in organizations.
- Working for longer hours with minimum supervision and ensuring the target is achieved on time.
- Being a quick learner with enthusiasm for new challenges.
- Passionate about innovative & technological ways of approaching the needs of the persons we serve.
References
- Acidri Innocent, Coordinator, West Nile Rainbow Initiative, westnilerain@gmail.com, +256 781 599254
- Juliet Irene Naula, Project Accountant, Water Mission Uganda, jnaula@watermission.org, +256 782 726324
- Josephine Munduru, GESI Manager, Climate Smart Jobs Swisscontact, jmunduruu@gmail.com, +256 771 673631
Timeline
Accounts Assistant
Water Mission Uganda
06.2021 - 04.2024
Finance and Administration Officer
West Nile Rainbow Initiative
10.2019 - 04.2021
Finance and Administration Officer
The Jane Goodall Institute
07.2013 - 11.2017
Finance and Administration Officer
Arbeiter Samariter Bund - ASB
06.2012 - 06.2013
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration, Accounting Option
Makerere University Business School
08.2008 - 05.2011
Uganda Advanced Certificate in Education - Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education
Makerere High School - Migadde
01.2006 - 12.2007
Uganda Certificate of Education - Uganda Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level)
Mvara Secondary School
01.2002 - 12.2005