Group Accounts Assistant at Home Universal

Department: Finance and Accounts

Reports To: Head of Accounts

Role Overview

The Group Accounts Assistant plays a critical role in supporting the Finance Department by ensuring accurate bookkeeping, effective financial reporting, reconciliations, and timely support in collections, payments, and statutory compliance. The role requires strong accounting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work across multiple subsidiaries within the Homes Universal group.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and update day-to-day financial records, including posting of all income, expenses, and journal entries.
• Prepare and review bank reconciliations, petty cash reports, and intercompany reconciliations.
• Support preparation of management accounts, financial statements, and periodic reports.
• Process supplier invoices, payments, and staff reimbursements in line with company policy.
• Ensure timely collection follow-up and proper allocation of customer receipts.
• Assist in the preparation and filing of statutory returns (PAYE, VAT, NHIF, NSSF, Withholding Tax, etc.).
• Monitor accounts receivable and accounts payable and escalate anomalies to the Head of Accounts.
• Liaise with auditors, tax advisors, and other stakeholders during audits and reviews.
• Maintain proper filing systems for financial documents for audit trail and compliance.
• Support budget preparation and expenditure tracking for each subsidiary.
• Supervise and guide junior accounts clerks, ensuring adherence to procedures.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration from a recognized institution.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) – Minimum CPA II; CPA (K) or ACCA Level II is an added advantage.

Professional Training

• Practical training in IFRS/IAS standards and Kenyan tax compliance.
• Training in financial software such as QuickBooks, Sage, or SAP.
• Ongoing CPD in finance, compliance, and reporting best practices.

Experience Requirements

• 5  or more years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a diversified group or consortium.
• Demonstrated experience in bank reconciliations, ledger management, statutory compliance, and collections support.
• Experience working with auditors and tax authorities.
• Background in handling intercompany transactions across subsidiaries will be an added advantage.

Skills and Expertise

• Strong numerical and analytical ability with attention to detail.
• Excellent knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure and handle multiple priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with subsidiaries, suppliers, and clients.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Overall Capabilities

• Capable of independently handling accounts functions with minimal supervision.
• Skilled in coordinating between multiple subsidiaries to ensure smooth financial operations.
• Adept at identifying discrepancies and recommending corrective measures.
• Team player with ability to mentor and supervise junior staff.
• Strong organizational and reporting abilities to support decision-making by senior management.