Principal Accountant

The Principal Accountant role is critical for coordinating all matters relating to the efficient, effective, and sustainable engagement, mobilization, and utilization of the Placement Service's financial resources. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold the highest standards of financial control and management.

Key Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks

Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Coordinate preparation of budgets, procurement plans, and work plans for the Placement Service.
• Coordinate timely submission of statutory deductions.
• Provide input in the formulation, implementation, and review of departmental annual work plans, budgets, and procurement and asset disposal plans in line with the Service’s performance targets and strategic plan.
• Provide technical input to ensure continuous improvement of business processes and controls in the Division and develop mechanisms for corporate consultations.
• Supervise execution of risk management policy and strategies that ensure the Division has a robust system and processes of accountability, risk management, internal controls, business continuity, and succession management.
• Contribute to a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and good citizenship.
• Supervise implementation of a robust performance management system through monitoring on the delivery of the annual performance contract and the strategic plan.
• Oversee implementation of principles of Corporate Governance, relevant national policies, guidelines, and directives.
• Conduct supervision, coaching, and mentoring staff to ensure an effective and motivated team.

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Maintain up-to-date books of accounts.
• Prepare responses to audit queries.
• Prepare quarterly and annual financial statements for the Placement Service.
• Prepare and ensure approval of bank reconciliation statements.
• Interpret regulations of the Placement Service pertaining to financial control and management.
• Provide accurate, timely, and reliable financial information.
• Submit annual financial statements of accounts.
• Interpret financial policies for sound accounting principles, practices, control, and management of statutory deductions.
• Implement and adhere to the Customer Service Charter to meet customer requirements.
• Review developed reports.
• Implement good governance, quality, and risk management policies and strategies of the Placement Service.

Job Competencies and Qualifications

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Business Management, Business Administration (Accounting or Finance option) or other relevant and equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution.

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies

• Certified Public Accountants (CPA)-K.
• Membership in good standing of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency certificate in computer application.
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Previous relevant work experience required

• Served for a cumulative period of nine (9) years’ with relevant work experience, three (3) of which must have been in the grade of Senior Accountant or in a comparable position.