PROGRAM ACCOUNTANT (2 POSITIONS)
Deadline: February 18, 2025
The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a premier research-to-policy institution, generating evidence, strengthening research and related capacity in the African research and development ecosystem, and engaging policy to inform action on health and development. The Center is Africa-based and African-led, with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and a West Africa Regional Office (WARO), in Dakar, Senegal. APHRC seeks to drive change by developing strong African research leadership and promoting evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) across sub-Saharan Africa.
APHRC seeks to recruit Program Accountants to join the Finance team. The position will be based at the Head Office in Nairobi, Kenya.
Duties/ Responsibilities
- Project Expenditure, Forecasting, and Budget Monitoring
- Collaborate with project managers and principal investigators to develop project budgets.
- Assist in forecasting financial requirements for ongoing and upcoming research projects.
- Monitor and analyse budget variances, providing explanations and recommendations as needed.
- Provide training and support to project teams on financial systems.
- Closely monitor the project’s burn rates and assist the program staff in planning and enhancing the burn rates.
- Review expenditure to ensure variances within the budget lines are in line with donor requirements
- Ensuring only the eligible costs are charged and reported to the donor.
- Review project reports to ensure they are aligned with information in the internal system
- Review program reports to ensure they are aligned with financial database expenditure reports
- Review financial reports from partner institutions and to ensure accuracy and compliance with processes and systems
2. Grants, Fundraising, and Partnership Management
- Work closely with researchers to prepare financial components of grant proposals.
- Ensure compliance with funding agency guidelines and regulations.
- Assist in budget development for grant applications and ensure alignment with organizational policies.
- Supporting fundraising in the preparation of budget and budget notes
- Filling in budget details into the donors portal where required
- Preparation and/or review of partners’ budget
- Facilitate inception meetings/workshops. Highlight key contractual terms including burn rate drivers and audit requirements, as applicable. Agree on roles and responsibilities, particularly with program accountants. Share templates and schedules for reporting and invoicing.
- Keep abreast of project progress, reporting, and invoicing timelines. For unforeseen project delays, request for costed extensions, or NCEs where the latter is justified. Update the funder communication database, highlighting areas to flag and recommendations for mitigating them.
- Submit final reports and complete the closeout checklist.
- For new confirmed awards that need sub-awards, conduct due diligence for selected partners. Where budgeted for, use the Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) standard. Facilitate milestone-based Partner Agreements, ensuring they align with Parent Agreements. For consultancies, liaise with HR.
- Follow up on partners’ milestones as per contractual obligations, review for quality and adherence to requirements, and facilitate payments after technical and financial approvals.
3. Financial Donor Reporting and Compliance
- Prepare complete and accurate financial reports for the Finance Manager’s review
- Submission of financial report to grant the donors by due dates
- Submission of donor invoices to the donors by due dates
- Respond to donors’ issues that may arise
- Meet with the funders as and when necessary to discuss the project expenditure
4. Compliance and Audit
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and funding agency requirements.
- Prepare for and participate in audits related to research projects.
- Maintain proper documentation and records to support audit trails.
5. Communication and Collaboration
- Collaborate with project teams, researchers, and other stakeholders to address financial concerns and provide guidance.
- Communicate financial information effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
- Foster a collaborative and supportive environment within the organization.
6. Risk Management
- Identify and assess financial risks associated with research projects.
- Develop strategies to mitigate financial risks and ensure project success.
- Proactively address potential issues and challenges related to project finances
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.
- Must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA III) or Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) equivalent or working towards attaining one.
- At least 3 years’ experience working in an international NGO.
- Proficiency in Navision (MS Dynamics).
- Ability to work independently, set priorities, juggle tasks, and meet strict deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; demonstrated ability to follow assignments through to completion.
Note: This position is open to Kenyan nationals only
How to apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their cover letter and CV through this link by February 18, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and they will be required to have a Police Clearance Certificate.
Special Notice
APHRC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process.
Applicants are not required to make any payments to anyone during any stage of the recruitment process.
