Assistant Chief Accountant at Grant Thornton Kenya

Job Description  

Our client in the manufacturing industry is seeking to recruit a highly ambitious candidate to fill in the following position in their Nairobi office:

The Assistant Chief Accountant will be in charge of all accounting activities of both financial and management accounting. Reporting to the Head of Finance, he/she will be responsible for preparing financial and performance reports, assisting departments with annual budgets and reviews, internal controls, and tax studies.

Responsibilities

• Handle full spectrum of financial and cost accounting roles e.g. forecasting, budgeting, etc.
• Responsible for day to day finance and accounts operations;
• Ensure that all accounting records are maintained i.e. ledgers and subsidiary books of accounts;
• Preparation of financial statements and ensure timely closing of accounts;
• The continuous audit of all accounts, records, and transactions;
• Approving all disbursement vouchers;
• Check banking is done daily and correctly;
• Perform cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and working closely with the operations in analyzing margins, variances, and cost analysis;
• Carry out surprise cash counts and ensuring a float file is maintained;
• Check bank reconciliation statements;
• Examine payroll, ensure unclaimed wages and service are banked;
• Prepare/supervise and review the month-end closing vouchers and accounts ensuring all journal vouchers are passed;
• Ensure that closing deadlines are adhered to;
• Ensure the audit file is updated monthly;
• Check all petty cash and cheque payment allocations and ensure they are properly allocated to the right accounts;
• Ensure insurance premiums and cover are renewed and adequate;
• Ensure all taxes are properly accrued and paid;
• Ensure smooth year-end closing with External Auditors which will include a detailed review of all balance sheet accounts in December of every year and any necessary adjustments;
• Adequate reserves and accruals are maintained during the year;
• Perform project cost forecasts/budgets, cost tracking, monitoring, and controls
• Implement the recommendations by both the internal and external audits of the follow-ups and corrections of the weak points raised;
• Ensure the company is adequately protected from a financial perspective;
• Instrumental in facilitating the auditing process and liaising with external auditors;
• Monitor the financial position, financial performance, and cash flows of the company;
• Check the company’s assets and liabilities that could affect its equity in the future.

Qualifications

• University degree in Finance or Accounting;  
• CPA (K) or equivalent;
• Have 5 years of relevant work experience two (2) of which in a similar position preferably in a manufacturing environment;
• Hands-on experience on SAP;
• Ability to lead a team;
• Must be able to meet the demands of an ever-changing business environment;
• Critical mind in identifying and defining clearly the problem, evaluating different ideas or ways of solving the problem from the data gathered;
• Extensive knowledge in fast-paced technologies and accounting programs;
• Excellent mathematical skills, strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Time management and organizational skills;
• Problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as leadership and administrative skills.