JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title Financial Accountant
Location Nairobi
Supervisor Finance and Administration Manager
Contract Period 3 months
Date Required Immediately
1. Job Summary:
The Financial Accountant is responsible for managing the day-to-day finance activities and maintaining accurate financial records for Practical Action Eastern Africa Office. S/He will ensure that all financial activities are carried out in line with Practical Action’s financial procedures and will work under supervision of the Finance & Administration Manager.
2. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
i. Reporting
a) Ensure timely preparation of all financial statements for the regional office and present key financial results to the management and other key stakeholders.
b) Provide the necessary financial information/Accounting reports to the Finance and Administration Manager and other senior staff for donor reports and budget monitoring.
c) Assist in the preparation of periodic cash-flow statements and produce appropriate reports.
d) Ensure completeness and timely submission of monthly accounts to the UK office.
ii. Projects and Capacity building
a) Assist in facilitating the process of financial management training for both financial and non-financial staff internally as well as for field offices and partners if required.
b) Provide the support to the field finance staff as required.
iii. Accounting
a) Coordinate key internal processes and reviews including group and statutory audit of the organization, financial transactions and budgeting.
b)
c) Maintain accurate and up to date financial records in respect to all regional office financial transactions.
d) Develop and implement the system of financial management and monitoring of the field offices, partners and bank accounts.
e) Process the regional office monthly payroll, ensure that all relevant statutory deductions are effected and forwarded to relevant authorities by the due dates and compile annual returns and forward the same to the relevant authorities within the stipulated timelines.
f) Ensure sufficient cash in the office and the varied bank accounts, oversee daily office expenditure and ensure all claims and payments follow the laid down requirements and procedures before getting them approved and settled.
g) Carry out daily reconciliation on financial transactions, capture and record any issues arising and update the Accounting system accordingly.
h) Design appropriate report formats for system use as needed, periodically update the accounting codes and carry out daily data entry into the Accounting system
i) Trouble-shoot the SUN System/Vision, Excel or any other appropriate accounting system and liaises with the Info Tech and external system support vendors
iv. People Management
a) Support the field office Coordinators in the supervision of the field accountants and work very closely with the Nairobi based finance staff to ensure flow of information within the finance unit.
3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(a) Academic Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (accounting option) or related field
Post graduate degree in relevant discipline will be an added advantage.
(b) Specialised Training/Professional Qualifications
CPA (K) or equivalent.
(c) Other Competencies/Abilities/Skills Required
Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili
Able to work with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines
Attention to detail
Knowledge of Computer accounting packages with particular emphasis on Excel, Word and SUN Accounting System
Strong analytical skills
Very high integrity
Auditing skills
Planning and organizing.
Ability to work under pressure
(d) Relevant Job Experience
At least five (5) years relevant working experience preferably with an NGO and has full organizational financial budgeting, implementation and accounting responsibility up to final accounts.
Nancy Kang'ethe
HR and Admin Officer
Practical Action - Eastern Africa
P.O. Box 39493 - 00623 Nairobi, Kenya
AAYMCA Building, Along State House Crescent, Off State House Avenue
Tel: +254 (0) 20 2713540 / 2719313 / 2719413.
Fax: +254 (0) 20 2710083
Email: nancy.kangethe@practicalaction.or.ke