Accountant

Objectives of the assignment

• The Accountant is a key member of the finance team. S/he will play a pivotal role in assuring adherence to financial policies, activity policies and procedures, regulations, controls, and reporting systems. The Accountant will provide accounting and financial analysis support to the activity office and will ensure submission of financial reports based on internal deadlines. This position will ensure compliance of all accounting and financial reporting functions. Responsible for recording costs and day to day general accounting, accounts receivable/payable, payroll, risk management, managing partner relationships, assuring all backup documentation is audit ready, and troubleshooting accounting issues. The individual is also responsible for cash flow analyses, and the overall financial well-being of the activity.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Prepares vendor and payroll tax forms and ensure these are submitted in a timely manner
• Prepares and submits monthly reconciliation reports for review
• Monitors and reports on partner/vendor payment schedules and obligations
• Assists in preparing information for any contractual financial reporting requirements (if applicable)
• Conducts daily reviews of backup documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and full compliance with DAI’s regulations
• Ensures backup documentation is uploaded to relevant system according to set deadlines
• Ensures that accounting policies and practices are carried out in accordance with the Kenyan Tax Code; activity internal controls are established and implemented in accordance with DAI policies, USAID rules/regulations, and the terms of the contract
• Initiates wire requests for field activity implementation
• Verifies vendor invoices for accuracy
• Verifies accuracy of expenses, and activity accounting codes
• Ensures accurate and timely processing of invoices, advances and reimbursements, checks, and wire transfer payments
• Performs monthly bank reconciliations and routinely monitors bank account balances
• Compiles backup documentation for all activity related transactions, and ensures completeness and appropriate review and approvals are documented, scans and uploads the backup documents in DAI archiving systems
• Responsible for maintaining file management systems for soft and hard copy documentation
• Ensures petty cash is maintained according to maximum petty cash policy, and that all petty cash procedures are followed
• Uses DAI’s Field Accounting system (FAS), cloud software for backup documentation, and DAI’s operations system (TAMIS)
• Communicates with the Finance and Operations Lead and Project Management on troubleshooting technical issues.
• Prepares project expense vouchers (for all offices) ensuring accuracy of expense coding
• Ensures that taxes are paid, tracked, recorded, and reported to Kenyan tax authorities and USAID.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or an equivalent from a recognized university at a minimum
• 6+ years of relevant experience and progressive responsibility in finance and accounting; experience working on USAID-funded activities preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA- K)
• Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls and audit processes (e.g., procurement, local subcontract agreements, etc.)
• Demonstrated report writing skills in English is required
• Computer literate with e-mail and word processing. Excellent knowledge of MS Excel
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks and work as part of a team