Position Title: Head of Accounting
Reports to: Head of Finance & Operations
Supervises: Accountant
Job Grade: TBA
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Mission of the Unit: The Accounting Operations unit is responsible for organisational budgeting, forecasting, financial accounting and reporting. Key functions are to reconcile bank accounts and manage the balances; reconcile income (ensuring it has been accurately recorded); efficiently pay grants recipients, suppliers and employee expenses (once they have been properly authorised); coordinate budgets; prepare statutory and management reports.
Major function of the role: To coordinate the organizational budget; ensure accurate financial accounting & reporting of financial results; facilitate year-end auditing and manage statutory requirements to achieve operational efficiency and compliance.
- Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Financial Strategy and Planning
- Coordinate the organizational budgeting and forecasting process
- Participate in financial strategy discussions, operating reviews and operating plans
Management Information and Analysis
- Prepare financial statements, reports and analyses to senior management and Board – to aid in decision making and implementing financial decisions;
- Undertake timely and accurate reporting on income and expenditure by cost centre and ensure regular updating of forecasts in the light of changes.
- Analyze financial risks and provide financial advice to the organization for informed strategic decision making;
Financial Operations and Controls
- Produce the statutory accounts, collate and review audit information, co-ordinate the year-end financial process, and liaise with the statutory auditors
- Provide expert financial advice to all departments on areas related to
- finance/accounting including contract negotiations, tax strategies, regulatory compliance and interdivisional transactions;
- Review and monitor all aspects of the Balance Sheet and ensure all Balance Sheet items are reconciled on a regular basis
- Ensure organizational compliance with regulatory requirements; manage the
relationship with external stakeholders especially tax authorities and financial institutions
- Ensure that cash reserves and foreign currency exposure are managed in accordance with the organisational policy and that appropriate cash flow forecasts are prepared on a regular basis
- Ensure regular and timely bank reconciliation
- Review all outgoing payments. Ensure verification of payment vouchers, petty cash vouchers and suppliers’ invoices in compliance with donor and organizational rules & regulations
- Prepare and maintain updated ledgers and inventories of supplies and non-expendable property for programmes.
Processes and Systems
- Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, systems and internal controls
Leadership and People Management
· Provide leadership, supervision, staff development and performance management for the Accounting Operations unit, ensuring that transactions are processed in a timely and accurate manner
· Liaise with People & Culture team in carrying out staff development needs assessments and recommend actions to address needs.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor degree in Business field such as accounting, finance, strategic management etc.;
- CPA (K) / ACCA and a member of a professional body in good standing;
Key Skills/ Competencies
- Budgeting skills and Resource mobilization skills;
- Leadership and people management skills.
- Sound up to date knowledge of statutory accounting standards
- Knowledge of donor compliance requirements
- Interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels (written and verbal);
- Knowledge of Financial and ERP systems;
- Ability to optimize operations, improve systems, reduce costs and improve service quality
- Knowledge of treasury function and the management of currency risk
Experience:
- 5 years of experience in driving finance and/or operations functions
- Significant experience of preparing financial accounts
- Experience in financial budgeting and management reporting
Working Relationships
Internal: Interacts with the Chief Executive Officer, Head of functions, Technical leads, Programme managers and All WWF Kenya staff.
External: Interacts with International-Africa Staff, WWF Network, Government Ministries and department, Civil Society Organizations, Service Providers and Suppliers, Regulatory Bodies and Other Conservation Agencies.
This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.
How to apply?
Kindly apply with your CV and cover letter as one file with the Job Title of Position Applied for on the subject line to the HR & Administration Manager, WWF-Kenya: [email protected] to be received not later than 31st May 2020. We will not accept applications without a CV and covering letter.
Work permit restrictions may apply.
Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
WWF Kenya is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to having a diverse workforce.