Senior Accountant at Kenya National Commission for UNESCO

Job Reference Number: KNCU/31/2022

Purpose of the Job 

The Senior accountant is responsible for the prudent management of the Commission’s financial resources and providing accurate and timely financial information for decision support by both management and the Board.

Remuneration Gross

• pay Ksh. 131,769.00 – 164,420.00
• Leave allowance –30% Basic Salary
• Medical Allowance – As per KNATCOM Medical Scheme
• Group Life & Accident Cover - As per KNATCOM Medical Scheme
• Terms Permanent and Pensionable

Job Description

The Senior Accountant is responsible for developing financial system and implementing sound financial policies, systems, procedures and internal controls in compliance with Statutory Regulations and International Accounting Standards and communication of the financial policies, strategies, and plans and ensure their evaluation thereof.

Revenue Collections & Managements

• receipting of cash received;
• posting revenue collected in the cashbook in a timely manner;
• prepare revenue reports to ascertain the total revenue collected;
• mobilize, negotiate and source for funds for the Commission; and
• devise new revenue sources.

Budgeting and Budget Control

• formulate and interpret the budget and finance policies and coordinate the preparation of the annual budget plans, and establishment of proper internal financial controls;
• develop budgeting and financial instruments and submit to the relevant and authorized Offices in good time and provide follow up activities as may be required;
• prepare annual estimates of revenue and expenditure (annual budget) coordination of the budget process;
• authorization of expenditure;
• maintenance of vote book;

Records & Accounting

• maintain a chart of Accounts and classification of accounting transactions;
• ensure compliance with all financial legal and regulatory requirements;
• manage the payment system by ensuring adequate controls in verification examination of payment vouchers and settlements of trade payables as they fall due;
• ensure payments and transfers are done in the most efficient manner without loss to the Commission;
• monitor, guide and advice on appropriate and accurate bookkeeping;

Management of Working Capital

• monitor cash flow and oversee the Commission financial peormance against the budget and operational requirements;
• manage cash flow and forecasting, and control the commitment of funds and expenditure trends, in line with existing regulations;
• prepare weekly cash-flow reports;
• prepare cash-flow forecasts with cash need requests; and
• maintain asset register.

Preparation of the Financial Statements

• process journals to correct errors;
• review bank and cash reconciliations;
• reconcile and close all General Ledger accounts of the Commission monthly; and
• generate financial statements.

Investment

• perform cash use projection;
• identify suitable investment options;
• process funds transfer for investments;
• monitor investments portfolio against cash requirements; and
• generate investment reports to management and the Board.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities will entail:

• Preparing EFT/RTGS files and upload in the bank payment system upon receipt of authorized voucher/imprest warrant within the day of receipt;
• Preparing and maintaining accurate prepayments, accruals and provision schedules;
• Posting journals to recognize bank charges on a monthly basis and submit a summary report to the Chief accountant by 5th of the following month;
• Collecting all dishonoured payments cheques /EFTs/RTGS from the various banks, and reversing in the system and forward for replacement;
• maintaining cheque books and cash book records as well as financial statements and entries to monthly accounts in accordance with accounting regulations;
• preparing monthly tax returns to ensure compliance with periodic tax payments,
• information reporting and other statutory requirements as well providing advice to Management on the effective strategies for minimizing tax liability;
• ensuring the proper maintenance, storage and security of financial and
• accounting documents in order to ensure that they are properly filed, secured and readily accessible for action;
• ensuring Reconciliation of imprest Accounts and preparation of recovery reports fortnightly;
• responsible for all organizational transactions with banks, KRA and other institutions;
• ensuring Month end close of the General Ledger i.e. Transfer to Financial Reporting
• ensuring timely disbursement and payments for goods and services as per contract terms;.
• participating in preparation of Departmental Budget, work plans and procurement plans
• any other duties as may be assigned

Requirements for Appointment

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• minimum Four (4) year relevant working experience;
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Business management (Finance or Accounting option) or other relevant and equivalentqualifications from a recognized institution;
• certified public accountants (CPA K) examination or ACCA affiliate exams.
• proficiency in computer applications;
• shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results; and
• vsupervisory course not shorter than 2 weeks