Inventory & Cost Accountant at Wisen HR Services

Location: Ngong road, Nairobi

 Our client, a retail and distribution company, is looking for a competent Inventory and Cost Accountant to join their team.

 Job Profile: This position is responsible for accounting and reconciliation of inventory, timely identification and resolution of inventory discrepancies as well as perform physical inventories.

 Responsibilities

Inventory

• Devise ways to optimize inventory control policies
• Enforce compliance with company’s inventory policies and operational guidelines
• Conduct inventory control audits, variance analysis, store returns and physical inventory count reconciliations
• Ensure product stock is adequate for all distribution channels
• Record daily deliveries and shipments to reconcile inventory
• Partner with management to place orders to replenish stock avoiding insufficiencies or excessive surplus
• Collaborate with warehouse employees and other staff to ensure business goals are met
• Report to management on stock levels, issues etc.
• Evaluate performance using key metrics and address issues to improve it
• Develop exit strategies for unsuccessful products

 Data & Financial Analysis

• Reconcile inventory accounts to the general ledger
• Regulary develop inventory analysis reports and analyze variances
• Monitor purchase cost to determine price and desired profit margins
• Diagnose the cause of inventory discrepancies/variances
• Analyze data to anticipate future needs
• Undertake sound financial management to ensure the company is profitable and stays within budget
• Report to senior executives on progress and issues
• Identify customer preferences and forecast consumer trends
• Assist upper management in buying decisions
• Negotiate terms of agreements to achieve the best deal for the company
• Monitor stock levels and make plans for buying within budget
• Create reports on sales and budgets and adjust strategies accordingly
• Make forecasts for product demand to ensure the sustainability of inventory

Stores Management

• Enforce compliance with company’s inventory policies and operational guidelines
• Forge and maintain trust relationships with vendors to promote fair dealing
• Place appropriate orders to ensure product availability that meets consumer demands
• Liaise with marketing teams to determine competitive pricing and promotional activities of a product category

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years experience as a Cost Accountant, Cost Analyst, Inventory Manager or similar role
• Understanding of GAAP in relation to inventory
• Excellent knowledge of data analysis and forecasting methods
• Ability to accurately track inventory and create reports
• Strong business acumen with a strategic orientation
• Knowledge of inventory performance evaluation metrics and principles
• Up to speed with purchasing best practices
• Demonstrable aptitude in effective negotiating
• An analytical mind with strong math skills
• Excellent organizational and planning skills
• Proficient in MS Office; working knowledge of Sage is an advantage
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities
• Reliable and trustworthy