Director, Finance, Accounts & Debt Management at Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service

Job Purpose

To provide strategic leadership in matters relating to finance, accounts and debt management for sustainable resource mobilisation, utilisation and internal controls. efficient, effective and sustainable engagement, mobilization and utilization of the Placement Service financial resources; putting in place sound financial management systems; development and implementation of financial policies and procedures, formulation of financial strategies, budgeting and budgetary controls, financial reporting and advising the Management on financial matters.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks
Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee development and implementation of financial regulations, policies, strategies and plans;
• Spearhead preparation of budget proposals and cash flow projections;
• Oversee Placement Service budget implementation and cost controls; 
• Guide revenue and treasury management and reporting;
• Oversee maintenance of proper books of accounts and other financial records;
• Lead in development, implementation and review of Debt Management Policy;
• Manage and maintain assets register;
• Guide development and implementation of internal financial control systems;
• Lead in preparation of financial reports, financial statements and submission to relevant institutions;
• Enforce compliance with applicable financial statutory obligation and circulars;
• Spearhead responses to Audit queries raised during internal and external audits;
• Spearhead development, implementation and review of Directorate annual Work Plans and budgets in line with the Service’s performance targets and strategic plan;
• Provide strategic leadership in execution of financial risk management and strategies that ensure the Directorate has a robust system and processes of accountability, internal controls, business continuity;
• Provide strategic leadership to ensure continuous improvement of business processes and controls in the directorate and develop mechanisms for corporate consultations, increase public participation and involvement in Placement service’s policies and programs; and
•  Provide strategic leadership in supervision, coaching, Mentoring of the Directorate staff to ensure an effective and motived team.

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Ensure effective and efficient management of financial resources;
• Coordinate the Budget Implementation Committee meetings periodically;
• Facilitate the monitoring of budget implementation and review;
• Provide regular, thorough, and prompt communication to the Directorate on key technical, financial, and administrative matters;
• Appraise the direct reports;
• Spearhead the preparation and submission of periodic reports;
• Coordinate implementation and adherence of the Customer Service Charter in relation to finance matters to meet customer requirements;
• Review prepared directorate’s board papers and presenting them to the relevant board committee;
• Oversee identification and analysis of emerging needs and trends in the Directorate and recommending on necessary actions;
• Articulate issues related to the Directorate and represent it in various meetings and/or forums;
• Monitor the utilization of Directorate’s assets/resources and ensure timely maintenance of all assets in the Directorate;
• Review research proposals, monitor implementation and review reports for projects geared towards achievements of the organization’s corporate strategic objectives.
• Maintain a register of aged debtors and collection timelines; and Chair Directorate meetings.

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills).
Academic qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration preferably (Finance or Accounts option) or equivalent qualifications from a recognized University or institution;
• Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Business Management, Business Administration (Accounting or Finance option) or other relevant and equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution

Professional Qualifications / Membership to Professional Bodies

• Certified Public Accountants (CPA-K)
• Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Membership in good standing of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)
• Practising certificate where applicable;
• Proficiency certificate in computer application; and
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Previous relevant work experience required

• Served for a cumulative period of fifteen (15) years relevant work experience five (5) of which must have been in management position