Breaking Barriers: CPA Edna Bundala’s Journey to Financial Excellence
By Zamda George, CMU
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we continue our series featuring inspiring women at the University of Dar es Salaam. Today, we shine a spotlight on CPA Edna Joseph Bundala, a remarkable woman in finance.
Edna’s story, marked by resilience, determination and a commitment to excellence, began in the Mtwara region, where she attended Shangani Primary School before moving on to Sabasaba Secondary School and later Uhuru Secondary School in Shinyanga.
She developed an early interest in business subjects while studying at Shinyanga Commercial Institute (SHYCOM), where she pursued Economics, Commerce and Accounts (ECA). This choice was deeply influenced by her father, who worked in the banking sector and instilled in her a love for numbers.
"My father always encouraged me. He would teach me bookkeeping and commerce and leave me cases to balance. It was both his influence and my passion that drove me toward business subjects,” she recalls.
For her higher education, she pursued an Advanced Diploma in Accounting at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA).
Her father’s support did not end there. He was adamant that she should attain a Certificate of Public Accountancy (CPA) before marriage, a dream she eventually fulfilled, albeit with her father having passed on.
“It always haunted me not having one because it was his wish. So, in the early years of my marriage, I pursued a CPA, and I am sure he is super proud now,” she says.
Overcoming challenges and building a career
Edna’s professional journey took her through numerous firms, starting at ZK Advertising and later at Global Electric. Her transition to the public sector happened in 2017 when she joined the University of Dar es Salaam as an Assistant Accountant in the Directorate of Finance.
She quickly took on leadership roles, overseeing the Bank Reconciliation Unit and later the General Ledger Section, which manages bank reconciliations and final accounts for auditing.
Her resilience and expertise have played a critical role in ensuring financial integrity at the University. “At first, I was hesitant about working in the public sector, but I have grown to love the impact we make here.”
Contributions to Financial Innovation at UDSM
Edna’s impact at the University of Dar es Salaam extends beyond her job description. Recognizing the inefficiencies in manual reconciliation, she collaborated with system developers to integrate automated reconciliation features into their financial system.
"Before this, we were handling 204 bank accounts manually. The new system streamlined our work, reducing manual work and increasing efficiency,” she explains.
She also introduced the practice of binding financial records into hardcover books to ensure the preservation of critical financial data. "Even if the system crashes, we have all historical records intact.”
Additionally, as the focal point for financial auditing, she has played a crucial role in ensuring compliance and financial transparency at the University.
Role models and inspirations; Looking ahead
Edna credits her father as her biggest role model, followed closely by her former boss, CPA Wilfred Luyangi, who challenged her and nurtured her professional growth.
“CPA Luyangi would always assign me the toughest accounting tasks, and when I asked, ‘Why me?’ he would respond, ‘Why not you?’ He taught me to take on challenges head-on,” she recalls.
Her current superior, CPA Juma Silayo, has also been instrumental in her journey. Their long-standing professional relationship has contributed to their department’s success, including earning a clean audited certificate for their financial management.
While Edna has mastered various financial operations, she aspires to further specialize by pursuing a master’s degree in finance. "Being in the General Ledger Section allows me to see every financial transaction. To master my craft, I need to deepen my expertise through further studies.”
She also actively participates in short-term training sessions under the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA) to stay updated on new financial regulations.
Balancing career and family; Love for style
Being a woman in finance comes with its share of challenges, but Edna remains steadfast in her ambition. "I always strive to succeed in everything I do. Seeing successful people in finance motivates me to push harder.”
Her husband, also an accountant, has been a strong pillar of support. "He understands the demands of the job, so he has always encouraged me, even when it meant sacrificing time together for my CPA studies.”
As a mother, she hopes at least one of her children will follow in her financial footsteps, though she acknowledges the growing push for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers for girls.
“My firstborn has already chosen science, despite my efforts to teach her bookkeeping and commerce just as my father taught me. But I support her aspirations wholeheartedly,” says Ms. Bundala.
Despite her busy schedule, Edna finds time to indulge in her love for fashion and hairstyling. "I am not into beauty products, but I love my hair. I enjoy styling it in different ways—it is my personal signature.”
An inspiration to women in Finance
Edna Bundala’s journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and purpose. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring women in finance, proving that with dedication, resilience and a strong support system, breaking barriers is possible.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, we honor CPA Edna Bundala and all the incredible women shaping industries and making an impact in their respective fields. Their journeys inspire the next generation to dream bigger and strive harder for excellence.