Senior Finance Officer

Church World Service (CWS) Kenya is a non-governmental organization founded in 1936, operating in Nairobi, Kenya. It focuses on humanitarian aid and development programs globally.

The Senior Finance Officer at Church World Service (CWS) Kenya is tasked with overseeing the daily financial operations, including expenditure management and maintaining accurate financial records. This role ensures adherence to CWS Africa's policies and procedures, working collaboratively with various internal departments such as finance, human resources, and general services to support overall administration and operations.

1. Ensure adherence to sound accounting procedures, GAAP, IFRS, and OMB circulars for accurate and transparent use of US Government funds.
2. Oversee timely external audit planning and execution, and respond to audit observations.
3. Collaborate with the finance team to ensure accurate payment processes and policy compliance.
4. Manage payments to suppliers, interpreters, and child minders according to KPIs.
5. Review and monitor accounts schedule aging reports, following up on outstanding items.
6. Track company credit card spending and manage credit account payments.
7. Conduct monthly, quarterly, and annual account analyses for payment accuracy.
8. Accurately record and post supplier invoices into the ERP system.
9. Reconcile accounts and VAT ledgers to ensure all bills and payments are properly accounted for.
10. Verify accurate matching of purchase orders, goods received notes, and invoices.
11. Communicate with vendors regarding billing and payments, maintaining positive relationships.
12. Monitor prepayments and follow up for subsequent invoices.
13. Ensure all payments are adequately documented, approved by budget holders, and comply with the Segregation of Duties matrix.
14. Collaborate with departments on accounting audits.
15. Assist in document retrieval for audits and accurately enter payment transactions into ERP.
16. Inform staff of bank remittance advice and address queries.
17. Support preparation and filing of Withholding Tax and VAT, and follow up on VAT withholding certificates.
18. Ensure digital and SharePoint archiving of finance documents in sequence for easy retrieval.
19. Supervise and mentor Finance Officers.
20. Coordinate disbursements and manage Shilling and Dollar petty cash funds.
21. Coordinate cashflow forecasting with procurement and program teams.
22. Foster positive relationships with CWS Africa staff and partners.
23. Provide general support to other country offices.
24. Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor to enhance internal controls and financial operations.

1. A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 3 years in an INGO or donor-funded setting.
2. Prior experience in the non-governmental sector is preferred.
3. Proficiency in Excel spreadsheets and accounting software like Dynamic 365 Business Central.
4. Strong understanding of fund and accrual accounting principles.
5. Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
6. Demonstrated strong organizational and time management abilities.
7. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
8. A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
9. Professional accounting qualification such as CPA(K), ACCA, or CIMA.
10. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
11. Ability to manage a diverse workload under pressure and competing priorities.
12. Capacity to maintain the integrity of official records.
13. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for sound decision-making.
14. Capability to work with minimal supervision, independently, and contribute to overall operations.
15. High-performance standards with meticulous attention to detail.
16. Active participation in CWS project implementation.
17. Effective verbal and written communication.
18. Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting CWS's Racial Justice Platform.
19. Awareness and responsiveness to child safeguarding and PSEAH risks, adhering to relevant policies and procedures.
20. Willingness to undergo a background check, including references, educational, and criminal checks.
21. Must be prepared to work from the CWS office in Nairobi, Kenya.