Job Description
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT – GRADE NRV 4
The position is responsible for the prudent management of financial resources and the
reporting thereof within the existing legal framework. It is also responsible for
formulating, monitoring, implementing and continuously reviewing of the internal
financial controls and systems to safeguard the property and assets of the Agency.
a) Job Specification
The officer at this level will be reporting to Manager, Finance and Accounts.
Duties and responsibilities at this level will entail: -
i. Coordinating implementation of financial regulations, policies, strategies and
plans.
ii. Coordinating preparation of annual budgets in liaison with Research, Planning
and Strategy Division;
iii. Ensuring effective and efficient use of financial resources.
iv. Ensuring maintenance of proper books of accounts and other financial records.
v. Ensuring maintenance of accurate and complete financial records of the Agency
and regularly review the financial system.
vi. Ensuring compliance with applicable financial statutory obligations and circulars.
vii. Authorizing payment vouchers in accordance with laid down rules and principles
and determining aggregate expenditure;
viii. Ensuring financial systems are fully implemented to serve the objectives and
goals of the organization.
ix. Ensuring proper custody of all Agency assets, controlling and monitoring of the
location and movement of equipment.
x. Coordinating the formulation of effective and appropriate Financial Framework
for attainment of the Agency’s objectives;
xi. Ensuring preparation and submitting of financial statutory reports
xii. Coordinating the preparation of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework
(MTEF).
xiii. Coordinating development of supplementary financial regulations and procedures
to enhance internal controls established through Treasury regulations and
procedures;
xiv. Ensuring timely, accurate preparation of expenditure reports from departments
and sections;
xv. Preparing Divisional Board Papers
xvi. Coordinating budget implementation, monitoring and review.
xvii. Coordinating preparation of the financial reports, financial statements and
submission to relevant institutions.
xviii. Managing Agency’s accounts payable and receivables as outlined in the Financial
Procedures Manual
xix. Managing Agency’s accounts payable and receivables as outlined in the Financial
Procedures Manual;
xx. Managing accounting information, which includes coordination and rationalization
of estimates, annual appropriation and fund accounts, cash flow control and cost
analysis;
xxi. Coordinating the staff training and development in the division
xxii. Setting targets for the accounts staff and evaluating achievements.
xxiii. Coordinating staff appraisal and performance management
xxiv. Coordinating performance contract implementation for the division
xxv. Organizing and coordinating responses to internal and external audit queries;
xxvi. Interpreting financial policies, regulations, and procedures for sound accounting
principles, practices and control and management of corporate tax, vat and other
statutory deductions.
b) Person Specifications
For appointment to this grade, an officer must have/be:
i. A minimum period of eight (8) years relevant work experience three (3) of which
should be in supervisory position;
ii. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Business Management
(accounting option), Commerce (Finance or Accounting Option), or other relevant
qualifications from a recognized institution;
iii. Master’s Degree in Business Administration or Business Management (accounting
option), Commerce (Finance or Accounting Option) or other relevant qualifications
from a recognized institution;
iv. Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized
institution;
v. Passed the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Part III Examination or equivalent
from recognized institution;
vi. Registered with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and
in good standing;
vii. Proficient in the usage of recognized computer accounting software and common
office applications.
viii. Fulfill the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution
c) Key Competencies and Skills
i. Strong mentoring and coaching skills
ii. Stakeholder engagement skills
iii. Strong analytical and innovative skills
iv. Good interpersonal skills
v. Strong verbal and written communication skills