Assistant Accountant

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is an international agricultural research institute that works to improve food security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research on livestock.

The Assistant Accountant position at ILRI is crucial for maintaining robust financial controls and delivering excellent service to both internal and external stakeholders. The role primarily supports the accounts payable function, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payments, managing supplier records, and reconciling financial accounts. This involves contributing to efficient cash management practices and actively participating in continuous improvement initiatives within the Finance Department to ensure business continuity.

1. Assist with the timely and accurate processing of various payments, including supplier payments, travel advances, staff claims, consultant fees, and payroll deductions.
2. Review supplier invoices and payment requests for completeness, accuracy, policy compliance, appropriate approvals, and correct coding before entry into the ERP system.
3. Ensure all payments are fully supported, authorized, and accompanied by remittance advice.
4. Maintain precise and current accounts payable records for financial reporting and audit purposes.
5. Analyze outstanding supplier commitments and prepare reports for review and follow-up.
6. Reconcile supplier ledger balances and statements monthly, along with other assigned balance sheet accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies promptly.
7. Monitor, reconcile, and clear travel advances, supplier prepayments, and other balance sheet accounts within set timelines.
8. Support the accurate and timely posting of receipts and other financial transactions.
9. Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities by preparing reconciliations and supporting schedules.
10. Uphold strong internal controls and ensure adherence to organizational policies, donor requirements, and statutory regulations.
11. Maintain a centralized invoice tracking register to monitor the entire lifecycle of supplier invoices from receipt to filing.
12. Prepare and circulate periodic reports on supplier payments, outstanding liabilities, and advances under the guidance of the Deputy Finance Manager.
13. Monitor transaction processing timelines and proactively follow up on pending approvals to facilitate timely payments.
14. Provide professional support to staff, suppliers, and consultants regarding payment and accounts payable matters.
15. Liaise with suppliers and internal clients to resolve invoice, payment, and account reconciliation queries efficiently.
16. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of accounts payable processes.
17. Train and support designated backup staff to ensure business continuity.
18. Share knowledge and provide guidance on accounts payable procedures, controls, and best practices.
19. Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
2. Possess professional technical skills such as CPA (II – Intermediate) or an equivalent ACCA qualification.
3. Have a minimum of 1 year of experience in finance or accounting.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of computerized accounting software, preferably the Agresso system.
5. Be proficient in computer skills, including sound knowledge of Microsoft Office.
6. Exhibit business partnering skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
7. Possess excellent oral, written, and analytical skills.
8. Demonstrate critical thinking and business analysis skills.
9. Be capable of working independently with minimal supervision.