Programme Accountant NGO Jobs Kenya.

Programme Accountant NGO Jobs Kenya.
Organization Horn Relief, www.hornrelief.org
Position Title Programme Accountant
Position Location Horn Relief Nairobi with frequent travel to Project Sites
Duration 1 year (renewable)
Starting date Immediate


Vacancy contact Please send applications to vacancies@hornrelief.org – Horn Relief will only respond to short-listed applicants.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
Horn Relief is an African led international organization that was established in 1991 in response to Somalia’s devastating humanitarian crisis and civil war. Since then, Horn Relief has grown from a small grassroots organization to one that is able to advocate for and leverage much-needed resources to its partner
communities, and to build the capacity of up-coming grassroots groups in Somalia.

Horn Relief has worked with Somali communities in four main areas to form a holistic approach to community development: natural resource management, human health, animal health, and leadership development. In addition to these on-going areas of concern, Horn Relief has also implemented a range of emergency programs in the last several years, including cash-based programs, construction and rehabilitation of water facilities, and provision of water trucking.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Programme Accountant will be a full-time member of the Horn Relief staff, working with the teams in Nairobi and the field. The main responsibilities will be overseeing all aspects of the finance activities of the Projects including preparation of monthly and quarterly forecasts, processing of payments, reporting on expenses and ensuring proper documentation and filing for all projects is observed.

The Project Accountant will be in charge of ensuring compliance with all Horn Relief and donor financial policies and guidelines at the field level.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial management
* Provide Accounting support to all HR projects and management while ensuring compliance with internal controls, donor regulations and budget restrictions
* Record accounting transactions including coding of payment vouchers before making payment, and ensure an efficient, proper and transparent financial filing system of all documents relating to finance are maintained (e.g., monthly payment of bills, contracts, rent and local salaries.)
* Prepares and examines accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports and ensure accuracy, completeness and conformance to reporting and procedural standards
* Assist in developing, monitoring and analyzing budgets, including preparation of periodic budget monitoring reports that compare budgeted costs to actual costs.
* Plan for cash flow requirements for Horn Relief’s projects and submit updated cash forecast and monthly cash requests to the Finance Manager on a timely basis.
* Ensure timely transfer of all field fund request and timely liquidation of any outstanding advances and transfers
* Process and make payments as provided in the approved budget
* Ensure no processing of monthly payroll without the necessary timesheets and confirm accuracy of all timesheets before processing of payroll.
* Ensure timely recovery of all advances including travel and mid-month advances and provide monthly update of any outstanding advances to the Finance Manager
* Assist with facilitation of internal and external audit procedures as required.

Compliance and enforcement
* Ensuring compliance and enforcement of internal policies, donor regulations and budget restrictions on all projects.
* Ensure proper procurement procedures are adhered to at all times, including maintaining of vendor contracts, lease agreements, and any other service contracts as may be required.
* Ensure that proper authorization is obtained for all disbursements. Assess accuracy and completeness of documentation and conformity with reporting and procedural standards.

Capacity building
* Assist in the identification and assessment of any capacity gaps in the finance department.
* Assist in the planning and implementation of capacity building activities for Horn Relief finance staff
* Assist in the orientation of new staff (Finance and non-finance staff)
* Assist in the identification of best practices within and outside of Horn Relief and help in the documentation and implementation of such practices
* Help in assessing any system gaps and bottlenecks to improve the system

QUALIFICATIONS
* Commitment to Horn Relief’s mission and vision.
* Vast experience and knowledge in handling multi donor projects (USAID,EC,DFID and UN Agencies)
* Certification in Accounting and Finance (ACCA, CPA or CFA).
* University Degree in Business or Public Administration desirable.
* At least 3 years of relevant finance experience at the national or international level.
* Strong Knowledge and experience of institutional donor funding requirements, particularly European commission, UN agencies, DFID and USAID.
* Ability to train staff on Donor rules and regulations
* Ability to multi-task and effectively handle stressful situations.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Somali.
* Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a team.
* Proficiency in computer applications such as MS Office and Accounting software packages.
* Ability to travel to the field (Somalia and North Eastern Kenya) and work in an isolated area in conditions of limited comfort.

APPLICATION PROCESS
The selection committee will review all applications on an on-going basis. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Horn Relief is an equal opportunity employer.

Each application package should include the following:
* One page cover letter.
* Resume (including detailed work experience, education/degrees);
* References (minimum of three, with complete contact information);

Applications not including all of the above requirements will not be reviewed.

All applications should be sent to Horn Relief at vacancies@hornrelief.org with the subject line: “Programme Accountant”.


Application deadline Monday, 31st January,2011