Project Accountant at Swisscontact

JOB DESCRIPTION

Swisscontact Kenya is seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated Project Accountant to join our team in our Nairobi office. The role entails supporting the Finance Manager in ensuring the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of all financial transactions related to the organization's projects. The incumbent will manage project financial activities, ensure compliance with internal controls, and support seamless financial operations in alignment with the Country Manual and donor requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Accounting 

• Manage day-to-day financial activities, including processing invoices and expenditures.
• Work with project coordinators and the operations team to forecast cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity.
• Prepare and review monthly transaction listings for completeness and accuracy, posting necessary adjustments as required.
• Ensure all financial transactions are well-documented, properly authorized, and securely filed.
• Verify expenditures and payments to vendors, ensuring compliance with approved procurement plans and purchase orders.
• Collect, review, and reconcile supplier statements with the organization’s ledger accounts.
• Provide financial analysis to support project staff in decision-making.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly financial reports for donors, head office, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain robust internal controls and recommend process improvements where necessary.
• Manage petty cash operations in line with organizational policies.
• Prepare payment vouchers and record all transactions in Abacus for accurate financial tracking and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations and timely processing of statutory deductions.
• Support budget planning, monitoring, and control activities.
• Facilitate internal and external audits, ensuring timely resolution of audit findings.
• Review and verify procurement processes for fixed assets, supplies, and services in accordance with Swisscontact procedures.
• Perform any other duties assigned by management.

Other 

• Ensure strict adherence to donor procedures, financial guidelines, and contractual obligations.
• Comply with all provisions outlined in the Swisscontact Country Manual.
• Ensure all financial practices comply with local laws and accounting standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity in the handling of all financial information

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent may occasionally be asked to take on duties outside the scope of the above job description.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of bachelor’s or higher degree in Business related course, Accounting, Finance or Economics.
• CPA K qualification or ACCA equivalent
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in not-for-profit sector. Experience in the development sector will be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in electronic accounting systems and advanced Knowledge in Excel is a must. 
• Ability to work in a team, under tight deadlines and in a dynamic work environment.
• Excellent communication skills with a high level of written & spoken English; Spoken Swahili.