Accountant

Kapiti Plains Estate Limited is a public company wholly owned by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). It operates as a state-of-the-art research station and a commercially viable farm, located 60 km southeast of Nairobi, and is also registered as a wildlife conservancy. ILRI is an international organization focused on improving lives and the planet through sustainable livestock solutions, and is a member of the CGIAR global research alliance.

The Accountant for Kapiti Plains Estate Limited will be responsible for comprehensive financial and accounting management. Key duties include processing daily financial transactions, overseeing payroll, managing fixed assets, and controlling inventory. The role ensures strict compliance with Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd's approved financial policies and guidelines. The Accountant will also manage accounts payable and receivable, prepare monthly budget and cash flow reports, reconcile livestock and consumable inventories, handle costing and invoicing for CRO studies, and provide support for year-end closing procedures and audits.

1. Record all daily financial transactions in the OCS system and ensure monthly accounting period closure by the 1st of the subsequent month.
2. Reconcile the current account monthly, ensuring outstanding items are actioned before the end of the following month.
3. Monitor the ranch/conservancy operational budget and cash flow, preparing a monthly CAPEX status report.
4. Accurately record and account for all ranch/conservancy sales and expenditures.
5. Manage and account for the farm’s petty cash, ensuring full compliance with the petty cash management policy.
6. Prepare and process ranch/conservancy payroll and staff benefits in accordance with current statutory taxation and employment law.
7. Maintain detailed employee records.
8. Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date asset information in the asset register, providing guidance on asset replacement and maintenance policies.
9. Prepare monthly reconciliations for livestock and consumables, promptly communicating variances for corrective action.
10. Update and maintain detailed livestock records, including counts and herd transfers.
11. Process and record supplier and customer invoices, payments, and receipts in line with approved controls and policies.
12. Maintain accurate supplier and customer records, ensuring compliance with tax requirements.
13. Reconcile AP and AR accounts, investigate variances, and resolve discrepancies.
14. Monitor aging balances and follow up on outstanding payables and receivables to support cash flow management.
15. Establish effective procurement and stock-control procedures, including for fuel, ensuring accurate recording and reconciliation with physical inventories.
16. Coordinate with the headquarters procurement officer to ensure full compliance with procurement policies and best practices.
17. Review and strengthen internal controls to support efficient and effective operational processes.
18. Prepare and issue invoices for all CRO studies, track corresponding receipts, and ensure accurate posting in the OCS system.
19. Monitor the aging of all CRO study accounts, ensuring timely settlement and preventing outstanding balances from exceeding three months past their due date.
20. Support the ILRI Deputy Finance Manager during end-of-year closing procedures and audits.
21. Ensure proper and secure filing of documents.
22. Provide additional support to unit clients as needed.
23. Carry out other duties as assigned by the Senior Manager/Head – Kapiti.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. Professional technical skills desired: CPA Section 2 or above; full professional certification such as CPA (K), ACCA, or equivalent is an added advantage.
3. At least three (3) years of relevant, progressive work experience, preferably in a research, NGO, or agribusiness setting.
4. Demonstrated experience in payroll administration, fixed asset management, and inventory reconciliation.
5. Proficiency in accounting software, preferably the OCS system, as well as broader financial accounting software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
6. Strong knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Kenyan tax regulations.
7. Computer skills, including sound knowledge of Microsoft Office, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
8. Experience in budget preparation, cash flow forecasting, and variance analysis.
9. Familiarity with donor-funded project accounting and audit requirements.
10. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound professional judgment.
11. Strong organizational skills, with the ability to supervise, prioritize, and meet strict reporting deadlines.
12. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.
13. Effective communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
14. High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
15. Proactive and service-minded, with a results-oriented and professional approach.
16. Analytical and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to generate innovative ideas for continuous improvement.
17. Strong teamwork and multicultural sensitivity, with a commitment to compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement.