Senior Accountant - 8 Posts at Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA)

(REF. KEMSA/HRA/SACC/HR/12/2024)

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The purpose of the Senior Accountant position is to oversee and manage the organization’s financial accounting functions, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reports. This role is responsible for supervising accounting staff, preparing complex financial statements, conducting in-depth analysis, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal controls. The Senior Accountant plays a key role in budgeting, forecasting, and providing strategic insights to management for decisionmaking

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

The jobholder will have the following principal accountabilities:

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management

• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of accurate financial records and ensure timely submission of statutory returns.
• Ensure compliance with public sector financial regulations, IPSAS, and the organization's policies.
• Monitor the implementation of financial policies and guidelines to enhance internal control and financial accountability.
• Provide cost and tax insights to support pricing strategies, procurement decisions, and resource allocation.
• Contribute to financial models for donor-funded projects and sustainability planning.
• Evaluate the tax and cost implications of business expansion or restructuring initiatives.

Budgeting Cost Analysis, Inventory Costing and Valuation

• Coordinate the preparation of departmental and organizational budgets.
• Monitor and control budget performance, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide guidance on budget preparation to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and government priorities.
• Analyze the cost structure of goods and services to ensure optimal resource allocation and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with other departments to prepare cost budgets and forecasts aligned with organizational objectives.
• Provide recommendations to improve cost efficiency and reduce wastage.
• Develop and maintain accurate costing models for inventory, including pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
• Ensure proper valuation of inventory in line with IPSAS and organizational policies.
• Analyze inventory holding costs and recommend measures to optimize stock levels.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure timely submission of financial reports to the National Treasury, the Office of the Auditor-General, and other relevant authorities.
• Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard organizational assets.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, statutory obligations, and other relevant legal requirements.
• Facilitate internal and external audits and implement recommendations to strengthen financial systems.
• Implement and monitor internal controls to mitigate tax and cost accounting risks.
• Ensure compliance with public sector regulations, including those from the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
• Conduct regular reviews to identify and address any gaps in the accounting processes.

Cash Flow and Treasury Management

• Monitor cash flow and manage the organization's liquidity to meet operational needs.
• Supervise bank reconciliations, fund transfers, and management of bank accounts.
• Ensure timely disbursement of funds in line with approved budgets.

Tax Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws, including VAT, withholding tax, PAYE, and corporate income tax.
• Prepare and file accurate and timely tax returns with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
• Maintain up-to-date records of tax payments and deductions to ensure audit readiness.
• Provide guidance on tax-efficient strategies to minimize tax liability within legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Advise management on the tax implications of key business decisions, contracts, and  policies.
• Monitor changes in tax legislation and assess their impact on the organization.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with the National Treasury, external auditors, and other stakeholders on financial matters under the guidance of the Finance Manager
• Provide financial advisory support to departmental heads and management.
• Represent the organization in financial forums and meetings as assigned.
• Collaborate with KRA and other regulatory authorities to resolve tax-related issues and ensure smooth compliance.

Requirements for Appointment

• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: - Commerce (Accounting/Finance option), Business Finance & Banking, Economics, or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Relevant work experience of four (4) years’, two (2) of which should have been at the grade of Finance Officer I/Accountant I, or in a comparable position
• Must be a Certified Public Accountant, CPA(K) or equivalent qualification
• Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) or relevant body in good standing
• Experience in tax and cost accounting will be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in computer applications

DESIRED PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
Applicants will be required to have the following attributes:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Flexibility
• Team player
• Good time management skills
• Effective communication