The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality, and challenge discrimination while enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. We also promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) operates an agile workforce, and to facilitate this, employees may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as reasonably required.
Job Title: Finance Assistant
Main Purpose of the Job
The Finance Assistant will work as part of the Corporate Services Finance team to deliver a full range of financial, budgeting, and accountancy services in line with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) policies and Generally Accepted Accounting Standards. The role requires precision, professionalism, and commitment to ensuring compliance with internal and external financial regulations.
Roles and Responsibilities
1. Invoicing and Payment Processing (60%)
- In consultation with the Senior Finance Officer, deliver staff salary payments (payroll), support documentation, and assist with payroll computation.
- Raise supplier invoices for payment in liaison with the Global Transaction Processing Centre (GTPC) based in the Philippines.
- Raise credit and debit memos for payment processing.
- Follow up on refunds of purchase advances and travel advances to ensure timely reconciliation.
- Check invoices on hold and liaise with relevant teams to resolve issues to facilitate payment.
- Review submitted invoices to ensure compliance with procurement (P2P) guidelines before processing.
- Consolidate supporting documents for weekly mobile wallet payments for review by the Head of Finance.
- Follow through on payment processes to ensure timely disbursement of mobile wallet payments.
- Oversee the raising of invoices for staff debts, manual invoices, and the preparation of journals to correct mischarges.
2. Reconciliation (10%)
- Assist Partners Across Government (PAGs) in resolving queries related to financial transactions, such as charging codes.
- Ensure transactions available for reconciliations are processed and uploaded on SharePoint in a timely manner.
- Work with GTPC to resolve outstanding queries within set timelines to maintain accurate financial records.
3. Cover for the Senior Finance Officer (10%)
- Maintain the Non-Personal Account (NPA) cash book and ensure adherence to cash policies and controls.
- Ensure timely preparation of payroll for quality control checks by the Head of Finance before submission to the Hub and GTPC Manila.
- Ensure correct filing and reporting of monthly statutory deductions.
4. Other Responsibilities (20%)
- Maintain an up-to-date accounts filing system and ensure proper record-keeping.
- Ensure compliance with FCDO accounting procedures and correct charging for other government departments.
- Support in the review and clean-up of aging account records.
- Assist in maintaining the accuracy and completeness of the fixed assets register through collaboration with relevant teams to monitor asset movements.
- Ensure proper communication with the Fixed Assets team in London regarding asset updates.
- Perform other duties assigned by the Head of Finance or their designee.
Resources Managed
- The British High Commission Nairobi’s cash box.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) or Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) registered with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Advanced Excel training will be an added advantage).
Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Finance or Accounting option).
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a finance office team.
- Membership in a recognised accounting body in good standing.
- Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and initiative.
- Good teamwork and collaboration skills.
Required Behaviours
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
