Inventory and Cost Accountant at BasiGo

About BasiGo

BasiGo is an early stage e-mobility start-up looking to revolutionize the public transportation sector by providing matatu owners with a cost effective electric alternative to diesel. We are seeking an exceptional detail-oriented, personable, Accounting professional to join our team as our Inventory and Cost Accountant. The Inventory and Cost Accountant will report to the Senior Accounting Manager.

You might like this job if: 

• You’re passionate about working with and supporting high performing teams to do their best work.
• You enjoy the challenge of working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• You’re an ambitious and self-driven multi-tasker, proactively finding solutions to problems that don't exist yet and support a growing start-up’s needs
• You love Nairobi, and want to help clean up the city’s air

Inventory and Cost Accountant Position Summary and Responsibilities

Inventory Management and Accounting

• In collaboration with the Admin team, develop the framework and processes to ensure accurate recording of all inventory movements, including receipts, issues, transfers, and returns.
• Optimize inventory workflows to ensure regular stock reconciliations between physical inventory and system records.
• Oversee periodic and ad hoc inventory counts; investigate, report, and resolve any variances.
• Prepare regular inventory reports for management, including analysis and recommendations.
• Recommend and implement internal controls to enhance inventory accuracy, workflow efficiency, and costing integrity.

 Cost Accounting and Analysis

• Track and analyze costs associated with e-bus assembly and after-sales service operations, including materials, labor, and overhead.
• Monitor labor costs across assembly and service activities, and ensure proper allocation to cost centers. For after-sales service, distinguish between billable and non-billable labor and apply appropriate mark-ups where applicable.
• Support the month-end and year-end close processes, especially related to inventory and cost accounting journal entries.
• Process and post accounting transactions as needed, including journal entries.
• Prepare and update Bills of Materials (BOMs) and assist in the accurate and timely creation of manufacturing orders.
• Produce monthly Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) reports and inventory valuation schedules.

Operational Finance Support

• Prepare inventory-related reports and documentation for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the stores, facilities, and admin teams to monitor inventory KPIs and drive continuous improvement in inventory accuracy and cost efficiency.
• Provide detailed cost analysis to support pricing, budgeting, and procurement decisions.
• Assist in the development and implementation of inventory and cost accounting policies and procedures.
• Participate in ad hoc finance projects and support process improvement initiatives.

Compliance and Internal Controls

• Ensure adherence to inventory control procedures, accounting policies, and statutory financial reporting standards.
• Support the Senior Accounting Manager during statutory and internal audits.
• Assist the finance team in implementing new financial systems, process improvements, and ERP enhancements related to inventory and cost accounting.

Our ideal candidate would have:

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA/ACCA certification preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in inventory and cost accounting, ideally within manufacturing, assembly, or the automotive sector.
• Solid knowledge of standard costing, inventory valuation methods (e.g., FIFO, weighted average), variance analysis, and cost allocation principles including labor and overhead.
• Experience with CKD (completely knocked down) assembly and automotive parts inventory is a strong advantage.
• Proficient in ERP and inventory management systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite), including preparation of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing order costing.

Skills & Attitude

•  Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
•  Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
•  Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.