Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting & Payroll:
- Record all daily financial transactions in the OCS system and ensure the accounting period is closed by the 1st of the subsequent month.
- Reconcile the current account monthly and ensure any outstanding items are actioned before the end of the following month.
- Monitor the ranch/conservancy operational budget and cash flow and prepare a monthly CAPEX status report.
- Record and account for all ranch/conservancy sales and expenditure.
- Manage and account for the farm's petty cash and ensure the petty cash management policy is fully followed.
- Prepare and process the ranch/conservancy payroll and staff benefits to comply with current statutory taxation and employment law.
- Maintain detailed employee records.
Fixed Assets & Inventory:
- Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date asset information in the asset register and provide guidance on asset replacement and maintenance policies.
- Prepare monthly reconciliations for livestock and consumables and promptly communicate any variances for appropriate corrective action.
- Update and maintain detailed livestock records, including livestock counts and herd transfers.
AP/AR Management:
- Process and record supplier and customer invoices, payments, and receipts in line with approved controls and policies.
- Maintain accurate supplier and customer records and ensure compliance with tax requirements.
- Reconcile AP and AR accounts, investigate variances, and resolve discrepancies.
- Monitor aging balances and follow up on outstanding payables and receivables to support cash flow management.
Operations Management:
- Establish effective procurement and stock-control procedures, including for fuel, to ensure accurate recording and reconciliation with physical inventories.
- Coordinate with the headquarters procurement officer to ensure full compliance with procurement policies and best practices.
- Review and strengthen internal controls to support efficient and effective operational processes.
CRO Costing:
- Prepare and issue invoices for all CRO studies, track corresponding receipts, and ensure accurate posting in the OCS system.
- Monitor the aging of all CRO study accounts and ensure timely settlement, preventing any outstanding balances from exceeding three months past their due date.
Others:
- Support the ILRI Deputy Finance Manager during end-of-year closing procedures and audits.
- Ensure proper and secure filing of documents is in place.
- Provide additional support on demand to the clients of the unit.
- Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Manager/Head – Kapiti.
Requirements
Essential
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional technical skills desired: CPA Section 2 or above; full professional certification such as CPA (K), ACCA, or equivalent is an added advantage.
- At least three (3) years of relevant, progressive work experience; preferably in a research, NGO, or agribusiness setting.
- Demonstrated experience in payroll administration, fixed asset management, and inventory reconciliation.
Technical Competencies
- Proficiency in accounting software, preferably the OCS system, as well as broader financial accounting software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
- Strong knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Kenyan tax regulations.
- Computer skills, including sound knowledge of Microsoft Office, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
- Experience in budget preparation, cash flow forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Familiarity with donor-funded project accounting and audit requirements.
Leadership & Management Competencies
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound professional judgement.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to supervise, prioritise, and meet strict reporting deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Attributes
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
- Proactive and service-minded, with a results-oriented and professional approach.
- Analytical and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to generate innovative ideas for continuous improvement.
- Strong teamwork and multicultural sensitivity, with a commitment to compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Location: Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd — Machakos, Kenya