KE - Sr Finance Assistant (N) at Church World Service

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Job Description

Reports To: Accountant

Division: Immigration & Refugee Program+ (IRP+)

Department: Administration, Finance

Job Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Grade Level: Grade 4, Senior Assistant, National

Introduction: Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.

Primary Purpose

This position is responsible for the daily expenditure, management and maintenance of the RSC Africa financial records, in accordance with the guidelines of DOS/PRM and RSC Africa policies and procedures. The position also acts as a back up/assistant to the Accountant (Payable/Travel & Payroll) and works closely with the Senior Accountants, Human Resources staff, General Services staff and other staff in the Administration and Operations Departments.

Essential Duties

• Follow sound accounting procedures and practices in conformity with payment documents SOPs, GAAP, IAS and OMB circulars to ensure accuracy and transparency on the use of US Government’s funds.
• Assist in preparation of bank reconciliations on monthly basis and do a follow-up of outstanding checks to ensure they are cleared in time. Reverse long outstanding checks so that they do not keep on appearing on the reconciliation.
• Assist the Accountant to prepare and disburse accounts payable for approved purchases and contracts according to procedures and policies in place.
• Undertake all duties as may be assigned by supervisor in order to improve on internal controls and financial operations for the overall achievement of RSC Africa’s goals and objectives
• Conduct monthly GL Reconciliation and Journal.
• Process TAs for staff travelling on circuit rides. Ensuring travel cards are loaded with travel advances for staff.
• Manage office petty cash by ensuring cash book is well updated, replenishments are done in time, and weekly and/or monthly cash counts are done and confirmed by supervisor/manager.
• Support in ensuring cash received is banked and banking slips are attached in the correct documents.
• Process payments for interpreters, child minders and other short casual contract.
• Assist in ensuring that trip (Travel) Expense Reports (TER) are reviewed and duly signed by the relevant staff supervisors and filed appropriately, cash balances are banked, and cash owed to staff are processed.
• Ensure external audit planning and execution is done on time and work on response of audit observation and findings (Management letter).
• Archiving: all finance documents should be filed in sequence based on document numbers either manually or digitally to ensure we have a proper data management system and as well, in preparation for future audits.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Education

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting, Finance or other Business Degree or two (2) years of experience in finance & Accounting in lieu of a degree required or
• CPA/ACCA/CIMA finalist with minimum 2 years of relevant experience
• Advanced MS skills to include (advanced Excel)

Experience

• 3 years of paid work experience is required.
• 2 years directly related specialized experience performing the essential duties in finance is required.
• Experience in the Non-Governmental sector preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of Excel spreadsheets and Sage 300 or similar accounting software required.
• Knowledge of fund and accrual accounting principles is required.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting, Finance or other Business Degree or CPA(K)
• Computer Literacy is required

Abilities

• Manage large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities.
• Maintain the integrity of official records;
• Analyse and solve complex problems and make sound decisions;
• Work with minimal supervision
• Maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
• Work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa;
• Actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

Important Requirements

• Strong English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.

Special Requirements

• COVID Vaccination is strongly recommended for all successful candidates
• The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for RSC Africa.
• This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya
• This position requires use of laptops at all time, competence in Microsoft office packages is required.
• This position may require travel in sub-Saharan Africa on short notice and under sometimes difficult conditions to meet demands of a dynamic operational program
• Background check which includes references and an educational and criminal check is required before the start of employment for International applicants.
• A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel.
• Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying heavy loads.
• Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to excessive noise, marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases, harsh weather climates, long work hours, bumpy roads, extended travel, excessive sun exposure, and non-ventilated spaces.
• Full time
• All employees should be prepared to work from the CWS office within their location of hire. Remote work arrangements may vary depending on location and the governing rulings regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.