Principal Accountant at The Kenya BioVax Institute

Job Purpose:

To coordinate formulation, implementation and review of accounting and internal control system to ensure prudent utilization of resources in the Institute. Lead in maintaining Accounting systems and reports.; and provide financial advice to departments and divisions within the Institute’s overall financial policies and procedures.

Requirements:

• A minimum period of six  (6) years relevant work experience, with at least Two (2)  years in a Supervisory position in the public service or in the private sector;
• Masters degree in any of the following disciplines: - Commerce (Accounts; Management Accounting and Control; Forensic Accounting and Control), Finance, Economics, Business Administration (Finance Option) or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: -Commerce (Accounting/Finance option), Finance, Economics, Business Administration (Accounting/Finance option), Business Management or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results;
• Passed Part III of the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Examination or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Membership to a relevant professional body such as Institute of Public Accountants (ICPAK) Kenya, Association of Chartered certified accountants (ACCA) or equivalent; and
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.

Job Specification

Key Competencies and skills

• Organizational skills including planning, budgeting, monitoring and controlling;
• Ethical, integrity and professionalism;
• Good analytical skills;
• Reporting skills;
• Supervisory skills
• Managerial skills:
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Negotiation and influencing skills;
• High emotional intelligence;
• Team player;
• Accountability;
• Creativity and innovative;
• Interpersonal skills; and
• Result-driven;

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate formulation, review and implement accounting and internal control systems for the Institute;
• Review transaction records for revenue and Payments;
• Coordinate invoicing and Payment activities for the Institute;
• Lead in timely provision of financial information to other stakeholders as required through provision of reports according to the laid down procedures;
• Oversee preparation of monthly expenditure reconciliation and address any discrepancies;
• Prepare periodic financial statements and reports;
• Implement recommendations from internal and external audit findings and responding to audit queries;
• Analyze, reconcile and maintain the general ledger accounts;
• Coordinate the internal and external audit process;
• Oversee preparation of monthly bank reconciliations in a timely manner;
• Plans the work of the team and allocate tasks to team members whilst providing appropriate supervision and guidance where necessary
• Execute only valid payments ensuring there is value for money;
• Undertakes performance appraisals and other staff management responsibilities in accordance with the Institutes relevant policies and procedures;
• Maintain supervision of accounts staff in the department;
• Participate diligently in various committees as shall be appointed or tasked from time to time.
• Oversee prompt submission of all the Institute’s statutory deductions
• Ensuring timely submission of annual financial reports