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 and Responsibilities
1. 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 analyze 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.
- Ensure only eligible costs are charged and reported to the donor.
- Review project reports to ensure they align with information in the internal system.
- Review program reports to ensure they align with financial database expenditure reports.
- Review financial reports from partner institutions 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.
- Support fundraising in the preparation of budget and budget notes.
- Fill in budget details into donors’ portals where required.
- Prepare and/or review partners’ budgets.
- Facilitate inception meetings/workshops, highlighting key contractual terms, including burn rate drivers and audit requirements.
- Keep track of project progress, reporting, and invoicing timelines.
- Request costed extensions or no-cost extensions (NCEs) for project delays when justified.
- Submit final reports and complete the closeout checklist.
- Conduct due diligence for selected sub-award partners and ensure milestone-based agreements align with parent agreements.
- Follow up on partners’ milestones, review for quality and adherence to requirements, and facilitate payments after approvals.
3. Financial Donor Reporting and Compliance
- Prepare complete and accurate financial reports for the Finance Manager’s review.
- Submit financial reports and donor invoices by the due dates.
- Respond to donor inquiries as they arise.
- Meet with funders when necessary to discuss project expenditures.
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 a 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.
Job Title: Program Accountant (2 Positions)
Deadline: February 18, 2025
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 committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are made based on 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.
