Manager - Registration and Licensing at Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)

Job Summary:

• Reporting to the Director – Regulation, Licensing and Compliance, the candidate will will oversee the registration of members and the licensing of firms and practitioners, ensuring full compliance with the Accountants Act, 2008, relevant laws and regulations, and international standards. The role is responsible for ensuring integrity, efficiency, and accuracy in all registration and licensing processes while supporting the strategic growth of the profession.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities (Duties)

• Lead the development and execution of the registration and licensing strategy, policies, and operational plans.
• Oversee the registration of members, issuance of practicing certificates, and licensing of audit firms in line with the Accountants Act, 2008 and relevant laws and regulations.
• Ensure continuous improvement and automation of the registration and licensing systems for enhanced efficiency and user experience.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records and registers of members and licensed firms.
• Implement a compliance monitoring framework to detect and address noncompliance and advise members on corrective measures.
• Act as the primary point of contact for registration and licensing queries and issues from members, firms, and the public.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with universities, regulators, professional bodies, and other stakeholders to support registration processes and membership growth.
• Drive awareness campaigns and member education on the benefits and obligations of registration and licensing.
• Prepare periodic reports on registration, licensing trends, compliance issues, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Person Specifications:

• Be a citizen of Kenya.
• Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
• Possess a Bachelor of Commerce degree or any other business-related degree from a recognized University, a Post-Graduate qualification will be an added advantage.
• Professional qualifications: CPA or equivalent qualifications and a member of ICPAK in good standing.
• Minimum relevant work experience of at least six (years in internal and/or external audit work in a reputable organization. Audit experience with the big and mediumtier audit firms is a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in Regulations and Compliance Checks is a must.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The following key attributes will be required:
• Knowledge
• Should be knowledgeable on all the subsets of the Accountancy profession including pertinent emerging issues within the profession and other related areas.
• Must possess an excellent knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards,
• International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs), Sustainability Reporting Standards, International Auditing Standards (IASs) and other professional standards.
• Knowledge and demonstratable experience in Regulation and Compliance Checks is a must.

Skills and Abilities

• Good communication and negotiation skills with the ability to present and convey complex ideas clearly.
• Be a self-driven team player.
• Be of high moral character, integrity. and impartiality.
• Proven high degree of professional competence.
• Be a results-oriented leader.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to effectively multitask and handle multiple concurrent assignments.