Financial Controller at Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development

Job Purpose

• The Financial Controller is responsible for overall financial management of the Programme, ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent accounting in compliance with GoK and IFAD procedures. This role oversees the full financial cycle—from budgeting and fund flow management to reporting and audit facilitation—ensuring that Programme resources are managed efficiently and in accordance with legal and financial obligations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Budget Control

• Provide financial inputs into the preparation of the Annual Work Plans and Budgets (AWP&B).
• Ensure Programme budget is timely captured in GoK systems, including allocation and access to counterpart funding.
• Monitor fund commitments, disbursements, and overall cash flow to support effective implementation.

Financial Management and Compliance

• Ensure all project funds are used according to Financing Agreement conditions, with due regard to efficiency, economy, and purpose.
• Maintain the designated and operational accounts in line with IFAD and GoK financial rules.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Project Implementation Manual (PIM) and Financial Manual, ensuring compliance at both national and county levels.
• Ensure adherence to International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) as adopted in Kenya.

Financial Reporting and Communication

• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure linkage between accounts and financial statements submitted to financiers.
• Provide timely, accurate financial reports to IFAD, GoK, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate financial procedures to implementing partners, counties, and service providers, including fund access mechanisms and reporting requirements.

Disbursement and Fund Flow Management

• Ensure timely preparation and submission of Statements of Expenditure (SOEs).
• Monitor project liquidity, ensure timely disbursement from GoK and IFAD, and facilitate flow of funds to implementing partners.
• Expedite loan disbursement and loan management processes.

 Audit and Supervision Support

• Coordinate project audits by external auditors and ensure submission timelines are met.
• Support joint IFAD/GoK supervision missions on financial aspects and implement audit/supervision recommendations.

Other Duties

• Any other tasks assigned by the National Programme Coordinator to support sound financial management of the Programme.

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Business Administration (Finance option), or related field from a recognized university.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) qualification.
• Must be a member of a recognized professional accounting body and in good standing.

Applicable Professional Experience

• At least seven (7) years of professional experience in financial management, including a minimum of five (5) years in a senior management level managing government and donor-funded projects at the level of a Finance Specialist.
• Demonstrated experience in public sector financial systems and budgeting processes.
• Solid understanding of GoK budgeting and accounting procedures.
• Proven ability to work with accounting software, electronic spreadsheets, and financial reporting tools.

Competencies and Skills

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, with minimal supervision, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent planning, recordkeeping, and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and accounting packages.
• Team player, self-motivated, and results-oriented with high integrity.