PROJECT Accountant – LODWAR Job.

PROJECT Accountant – LODWAR Job.
VSF-BELGIUM is a recognized developmental International NGO founded in 1995 working with disadvantaged communities to increase their standards of living, improve food security and livelihood sustainability through improved animal health and animal production. In East Africa, our programmes focus on community based animal health services, capacity building of local institutions and governments, conflict mitigation and sustainable natural resource management.

Position Title: PROJECT accountant – LODWAR
Duty Station: Lodwar, Kenya
Duration: One year (renewable)
Deadline For Application: 28/02/2011
Availability: Immediately

ROLE
The Accountant reporting to the Country Programme Manager Kenya manages financial activities for the Turkana based projects and ensures systems and procedures are in line with VSFB policies, donor and legal requirements

CONTEXT
VSF B is looking to recruit a highly motivated individual who is capable of managing a multi disciplinary team and delivering timely project outputs. VSF Belgium has been implementing community based livestock development programmes in Turkana District for close to ten years. The overall objective is to improve livelihoods of vulnerable pastoral communities in the ASAL arrears through enhanced livestock production, increased access to water, marketing systems and peace building initiatives

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
* Ensure compliance to donor regulations and that VSF Belgium financial controls, policies and procedures are applied in all financial transactions.
* To ensure all the financial transactions and payments are conducted professionally recorded accurately and promptly within the budget lines provided.
* Prepare cash forecasts and projections and ensure effective cash flow for implementation of projects.
* Ensure that all accounting records are complete and financial reports as per regulations given are prepared and submitted on time.
* Oversee entry of accounting records in Win books accounting system for the Turkana based projects and submission to Regional office in Nairobi.
* To advise the Country Programme Manager and Project Manager on balances and budget line expenditures for Turkana based projects in order to ensure efficiency in planning field activities.
* Provide support to logistics department on procurement and accounting against appropriate budget lines.
* Travel to field locations for stock taking, assets verification exercises.
* Review expenditures relating to all accounting documents for accuracy and consistency with donor regulations.
* Management of bank accounts, petty cash and disbursement of funds as per VSF belgium and donor regulations
* Coordinate the implementation of internal audits for projects in Turkana.
* Assist with field audits of project teams and accountability for funds and resources received from the office for the field operations.
* Participate and assist with any external audit.
* Follow-up on finance queries with the Regional office in Nairobi and ensure timely response to all finance concerns.
* Support the Country Programme Manager Kenya and Project Manager(s) in Turkana with budget preparation and forecasting.
* Carry out local procurement and liaise with Regional Office Nairobi for any national or international procurement.
* Co-ordination with other members of the VSF Belgium services team in Turkana and Regional Office Nairobi.

Essential or MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education
* University degree in Commerce – Finance or accounting option
* Relevant accounting qualifications – CPA finalist or ACCA

Knowledge and experience
* At least 4 years accounting experience in a busy office.
* Working experience with an INGO will be an added advantage.
* Experience of working in Turkana/ Northern Kenya is an advantage
* Experience and competence in Microsoft packages especially Advanced Excel and Word
* Experience in the use of one or more accounting software packages
* Knowledge of donor rules and regulations i.e. EC, EU
* Experience in accounting in different currencies
* Knowledge and experience with the International Accounting Standards (IAS)

Skills
* Planning
* Accuracy
* Computer literacy with very good MS Excel skills
* Ability to work independently, under pressure and meet strict deadlines
* Fluency in written and spoken English.
* Good interpersonal and communication skills
* Good writing and presentation skills

Attitudes
* Team player
* Attentive to detail
* Flexible
* High integrity and initiative
* Identify him/herself with the mission, vision and values of VSF-B
* Display of intercultural sensitivity
* Respect in dealing with others
* Affinity for NGO work in general

Please send your application letter, CV and list of 3 references by e-mail (reference “PROJECT ACCOUNTANT- LODWAR”) on or before 28/02/2011 to recruitment@vsfb.or.ke

This vacancy is open to Kenyan male and female candidates. Applications from qualified women candidates are encouraged. Internal candidates will be given preference. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. For more information: www.vsf-belgium.org