Accountant - Kenya Primary Literacy Program (KPLP)

Position Description 

The Accountant will assist the Finance and Administration Manager in performing project accounting tasks. S/he will be responsible for preparing timely and accurate financial reports and assisting in the preparation of financial spreadsheets, cash flow forecasts, data entry, corresponding with vendors, as appropriate, and ensuring the project is compliant with USAID financial regulations. This position reports to the Finance and Administration Manager.  

Essential Functions will include, but are not limited to:  

• Supports the Finance and Administration Manager in conducting day-to-day finance operations, including enforcement of EDC and USAID policies, procedures and systems. 
• Supports the Finance and Administration Manager in the preparation of project monthly financial reports and tracking of spending against the approved budget. 
• Manages the process of clearing bills, advance reconciliation, payments, and vouchers, including a review and certification of supporting documentation to ensure it is compliant with local tax laws, as well as USAID and EDC policies. 
• Records project transactions in QuickBooks, utilizing the correct charge codes and monitoring alignment to budgeted activities. 
• Prepares the bank reconciliation of each account prior to the monthly close. 
• Prepares weekly cash flow needs for review by the Finance and Administration Manager and approval by Chief of Party and follow up with U.S. Home Office for wiring. 
• Monitors and reports on vendor payment schedules and obligations. 
• Monitors employee advance aging and ensures timely liquidation. 
• Works closely with the EDC US Home Office to ensure timely reconciliation of monthly expense reports and responds to any inquiries, as necessary. 
• Assists in the preparation of monthly financial spreadsheets, cash flow forecasts in accordance with appropriate procedures. 
• Provides necessary information to payroll service provider to ensure salaries are being processed in accordance with requirements. 
• Prepares and submits required DA-1 form and associated supporting documentation on a monthly basis as part of seeking approval for VAT refunds. Follows up with individual vendors for tax refunds once requests have been approved.  
• Previews all back-up documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and full compliance with EDC policies and procedures. Ensures all supporting financial documentation is scanned and digitally archived on a monthly basis per EDC file retention policies. 
• Ensures the safeguarding of checks and other office documents such as vehicle licenses, contracts, and leases in conjunction with HR / Office Manager. 
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism and ethics when dealing with documentation and related information on sensitive and confidential matters, as well as with EDC colleagues. 
• Conducts checks on compliance with USAID’s Anti-Terrorist Certification (“ATC”) regulations.  
• Other duties as required. 

Qualifications

The candidate for the position of Accountant shall have at a minimum the following qualifications: 

Education: 

• Secondary education required; additional technical or collegiate education desirable 

Skills and Experience: 

• 4 to 5 years of direct relevant experience in accounting required; 
• Experience supporting large USAID or other international donor-funded projects required;   
• Proficiency working with QuickBooks accounting system required;  
• Proficiency in MS Excel and MS Word; 
• Knowledge of Kenyan labor and tax laws, specifically regarding VAT refunds; 
• Detail-oriented and organized;  
• Must be able to work within a cross cultural setting, negotiate diplomatically, and function well under pressure;  
• Ability to work independently, as well as within a team in difficult work environment; 
• Certified Public Accountant.