Finance Officer Needed

Gatsby has been operating in Kenya since the 1990s. We aim to work with public and private stakeholders to promote growth in key Kenyan sectors that offer opportunities to add value, create jobs and raise incomes. Gatsby Africa Kenya Branch’s portfolio covers a sector development program in commercial forestry, plus support to Kenya Markets Trust and Msingi – our partners who are also dedicated to sector transformation.

In 2016, Gatsby established the Kenya Commercial Forestry Program (KCFP) to analyze the opportunities within Kenyan commercial forestry, test innovative models, bring in international learning and support stakeholders to kick start growth. KCFP is working with public and private partners and introducing innovative technologies and models to transform the sector, protect the environment and benefit millions of Kenyan citizens.

Kenya Markets Trust (KMT) is a Kenyan not-for-profit organization that specializes in market transformation. KMT works to stimulate inclusive and resilient growth that will lead to a step-change in the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans. KMT takes a long-term approach, staying true to its mission while adapting to the forces – such as climate change and emerging technologies – that are shaping the markets it operates within. Since 2012, KMT has created more than 230,000 new jobs and £165m additional income for Kenyans. The current portfolio comprises work in agricultural inputs, water and livestock.

Msingi is a forward-thinking East African organization focused on catalyzing competitive industries of the future. Taking a regional approach to sector development, Msingi works across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. It is currently working in aquaculture and textiles & apparel sectors.

Msingi aims to generate new jobs and boost incomes while fostering inclusive opportunities for future generations to improve their livelihoods. Msingi blends market facilitation tools with the ability to directly finance pioneering, strategically-important entrepreneurs.

Purpose of the Role:
The Finance Officer position will support the financial accounting and reporting for the Branch. The position will also support implementation of effective internal controls for the Branch to safeguard Gatsby’s financial processes.

Key Responsibilities:
1) Financial Accounting and Reporting:
• Management of relationships with the branch bankers: Citi Group and I & M.
• Preparation of all bank reconciliations.
• Preparing and processing financial documentation for payment ensuring the relevant authorizations are followed.
• Preparation and consolidation of all branch-based budgets.
• Support branch financial systems development.
• Support branch annual external audit and development of annual financial statements.
• Ensuring all transactions are promptly and correctly captured and posted to Gatsby’s accounts, in compliance with Gatsby’s Chart of Accounts and financial policies.
• Preparing bank and vendor reconciliations monthly.
• Maintaining and reconciling all staff advance accounts.
• Assisting in the preparation of the monthly finance reports on a timely basis as required (monthly, quarterly, annual).
• Maintaining an asset register and establishment of asset management procedures, including the timely recording of all additions, disposals and other changes to all property and equipment.
• Ensuring that all accounting and corporate documentation is filed in accordance with Kenyan and internal organizational policy.
• Ensuring adherence to Gatsby Africa’s financial policies and procedures.
• Acting as the focal point in handling finance related issues and queries for staff in liaison with the UK Finance Team.
2) Cash flow management:
• Oversight of the office petty cash, ensuring that it is reconciled every month.
• Preparing and submitting on a timely basis the branch monthly wire transfer requests for the following month’s expenditure.
• Cash collection from the bank for staff travelling.
3) Payroll:
• Review of monthly payroll calculations prepared by Deloitte.
4) Fixed Assets Management
• Tagging of all GA fixed assets.
• Control over the movement of GA assets.
• Management of the security of all assets.
• Maintenance of a comprehensive asset register.
• Carrying out periodic asset verification exercises Management of the disposal of assets.
• Ensuring adequate insurance cover over all branch assets.
5) Tax Administration
• Management of GA’s VAT withholding obligations, including payment to KRA.
• Management of GA’s Withholding Tax obligations, including accounting to KRA and service
providers.
• Preparation and submission of GAKB’s tax returns

Person Specification:
Competencies
− Ability to plan workflow, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines in demanding and sometimes high-pressure environments.
− Ability to work well within a team and develop strong and effective working relationships internally and externally.
− Excellent communication both written and oral with an ability to communicate clearly, accurately, sensitively, and with an outgoing personality.
− Demonstrates a strong level of financial management knowledge and skills with high attention to detail to achieve highest work quality.
− Rigorous attention to detail – committed to achieving the highest quality in all aspects of the role.
Personal attributes
− Empathizes with GA’s mission and values.
− A commitment to work within the principles and practices of the Gatsby Approach.
− A self-starter with a proactive approach.
− Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and external factors.
− Shows an understanding and appreciation of what it takes to deliver across different cultures.
− Integrity and professionalism, setting and demonstrating the highest ethical and moral standards and a strong sense of personal accountability.
Knowledge, experience & qualifications
− A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting or a related subject is an added advantage; a CPA (K) or ACCA qualification is a must.
− At least 5 years’ professional experience in a finance role in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
− Computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Word,
− Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in use of Excel for reporting is key Experience in using modern accounting software packages.

Application
This role is only open to Kenyan nationals and we particularly encourage and welcome applications from female candidates.
Before applying, please check that you can answer yes to all the following questions:
• Are you a Kenyan national?
• Do you have experience in financial accounting and reporting in a demanding fast paced organization?
If you cannot answer yes to these questions, please do not apply, as we will be unable to progress your application.
If you can answer yes to the above questions, please forward your application titled ‘Finance Officer Application’ to Maryanne.Kamoche@gatsbyafrica.org.uk
You will need to submit;
• an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae/Resume (of no more than 2-3 pages),
• a supporting statement
Your supporting statement should be no more than 1 pages long. It should explain why you are interested in this role and Gatsby Africa, and how your skills and experience make you a good fit – referring to the Person Specification in this pack.
Deadline
Closing date for applications: 16th June 2021 at midnight (EAT).