Accountant - Kapiti Plains Estate Limited

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