Senior Accountant at African Management Institute (AMI)

Job Description

AMI is currently seeking a Senior Accountant to be based in Nairobi. As a Senior Accountant, you will play a vital role in handling the finance and accounting functions on a daily basis. Working in a fast-paced environment, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to delivering results. Your primary responsibility will be to support the business across Africa by collaborating with other finance and accounting teams. You will report directly to the Group Finance Manager.

Financial Reporting and Management:

• Supervise Accounts assistants and provide guidance when necessary.
• Assist in preparing monthly performance reports for the company and subsidiaries, including analysis and commentary on performance against budgets and prior year.
• Perform month-end closing activities such as account reconciliation, revenue recognition, expense accounting, Intercompany reconciliations, Account receivable/payable etc.
• Ensure financial records comply with company policies and accounting principles, identifying and addressing any material errors or discrepancies.
• Play a key role in the preparation of year-end and statutory accounts.
• Ensure monthly reconciliations are performed for all bank accounts, credit cards, petty cash, Mpesa etc.
• Maintain proper records and listings of prepayments, accruals, staff advances and other relevant accounting records.
• Ensure supporting documents are accurately maintained on NetSuite ERP.
• Analyze expenses to identify cost-cutting opportunities and drive value for the AMI Group.
• Oversee the fixed asset register and reconciliations, including monthly depreciation.
• Manage Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable processes, including entering daily invoices/bills/journal entries, conducting weekly check runs, and preparing monthly accruals across the group.
• Regularly reconcile key accounts and confirm the accuracy of account postings and other financial records.

Cash Flow Management:

• Prepare bi-weekly cash flow statement reports and effectively control expenditure and cash flow.
• Manage working capital and cash flows to maintain a healthy liquidity position for the business.
• Oversee accounts receivable and payable activities.
• Ensure timely payment of vendor invoices and check requests in accordance with authorization and approval policies, and follow up on any outstanding invoices.
• Review aging reports and proactively communicate with customers regarding overdue balances.
• Manage petty cash payments appropriately across the group.

Compliance:

• Assist in preparing documentation for annual financial audits and act as a key liaison with the external auditor.
• Review and analyze current accounting systems and internal controls, providing suggestions for improvement as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with local VAT, income tax, withholding tax (WHT), and statutory reporting requirements across the group, liaising with tax and other advisors as needed.
• Prepare tax schedules for monthly tax filings, ensure timely tax payments, and maintain proper tax accounting and reconciliations across the group.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline
• Relevant certification (ACCA, CPA) will be preferred
• More than 5 years’ experience as a Senior /Chief accountant
• Strong accounting skills and knowledge of accounting principles/practices
• Proficiency in financial software, specifically Netsuite ERP
• Attention to detail and strong analytical abilities
• Effective communication,
• Leadership skills, problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to work effectively within a team and meet deadlines