Accountant at Grameen Foundation USA

Accountant at Grameen Foundation USA
Description:
Location: Nairobi,
Status: Full-Time, Project Based (End date December 31, 2012)
Grameen Foundation USA is seeking an Accountant to support our operations in our Nairobi Office. Through microfinance and technology, our mission is to enable the poor, especially the poorest, to create a world withoutpoverty. Keys to success in this role will be the ability to manage our bookkeeping and payroll functions, comply with organizational policies, government and accounting regulations, manage multiple projects simultaneously and operate in an entrepreneurial, start-up atmosphere.
Job Summary: The Accountant will take the lead responsibility for all aspects of bookkeeping and payroll for the Grameen Foundation USA – Kenya Branch Office. Key duties include processing payables and expense reports, maintaining books of accounts, processing payroll, and interfacing with government regulators, auditors and Head Office Finance staff.

Reporting and relationships: The Accountant reports directly to the Africa Regional CEO with dotted line reporting to the Director, International Finance and Reporting.
Availability: The Accountant will be expected to work a standard workweek of 40 hours plus additional hours as necessary to complete the tasks assigned.
Essential Job Functions
    * Maintain the Office’s Books of Accounts and record the Office’s transactions in accordance with Kenya Accounting Standards and the established accounting policies and procedures of Grameen Foundation USA (GF-USA)
    * Prepare and submit the monthly reports/schedules to the head office, including monthly funding requests, bank reconciliation statements, trial balance and financial statements
    * Maintain all necessary records and documentation of transactions
    * Establish and maintain effective accounting policies and internal controls in coordination with head office
    * Prepare all necessary returns/reports for income tax withheld and any registration or permit renewals
    * Assist the external auditors in the year-end audit of the financial statements by preparing schedules or accounting reports needed
    * Prepare payroll computation, including all required withholdings and payroll and deductions register, and enter corresponding journal entries
    * Prepare pay slips and remittances for statutory contributions for payment to respective government agencies
    * Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports and file with appropriate government agencies
    * Coordinate with external tax firm on taxation of expatriate employees
    * Assist Office Manager on procurement efforts for office
    * Perform other duties as assigned
      Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    * Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission
    * Knowledge of the principles and practices of not-for-profit accounting and Kenyan regulations
    * Familiarity with Kenyan government tax, payroll, benefits, reporting and other compliance requirements
    * Proficiency in MS Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ability to work with standard accounting packages; advanced MS Excel user preferred
    * Outstanding communication skills (written and oral) in English; ability to communicate in a diplomatic, friendly, yet effective manner with senior management, staff, government authorities and external partners
    * Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced, energetic, highly creative and entrepreneurial environment
      Education and Experience
    * Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Business Administration
    * Certified Public Accountant II or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) certified preferred
    * Minimum of 5 years experience in accounting, preferably in a nonprofit or international NGO setting
      Physical and Environmental Conditions
      This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort. This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

      Additional Comment
      The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
      Interested candidates should send a resume with a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested and what you will bring to the position. Resumes will be accepted through December 31, 2010 and should be sent via email to jobs@grameenfoundation.org. Please put “ACC – Kenya” in the subject line. No Calls Please.