ACCOUNTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

ACCOUNTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Accountant

Location: Kahawa West, Nairobi, Kenya

Company Overview

Marion Schools is a reputable Christian school dedicated to providing quality education in Kahawa West. Committed to excellence and integrity, we prioritize nurturing holistic development in our students. We are currently seeking a diligent and experienced Accountant to join our team and manage our financial operations effectively.

Job Summary

As an Accountant at Marion Schools, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial records and bookkeeping processes. You will be responsible for preparing periodic reports, financial statements, and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in computer packages, particularly QuickBooks, possess a strong understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis, and exhibit leadership skills to effectively manage our financial team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of financial accounting, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll processing.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of financial transactions and adherence to accounting principles.
• Prepare financial statements, reports, and forecasts to provide insights into the school’s financial performance.
• Conduct regular reconciliations of bank accounts, general ledgers, and other financial accounts.
• Assist in budget preparation and monitoring to support effective financial planning and decision-making.
• Coordinate with auditors, regulatory authorities, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and profitability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in accounting roles, preferably in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• CPA (K) qualification is mandatory.
• Proficiency in computer packages and advanced knowledge of QuickBooks.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
• Experience working in the education sector will be an added advantage.

How to Apply

If you meet the above qualifications and are passionate about contributing to the growth and success of Marion Schools, please submit your CV to hr@marionschools.sc.ke. Please ensure that your application is written in English language.

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR AN ACCOUNTANT POSITION

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Accountant position at Marion Schools, as advertised. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, CPA (K) qualification, and over seven years of experience in financial management, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your esteemed institution.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated proficiency in managing financial operations, preparing accurate financial statements, and providing strategic insights to support decision-making processes. My hands-on experience with QuickBooks and advanced knowledge of accounting principles make me well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of this role efficiently.

What particularly excites me about the opportunity at Marion Schools is the chance to be part of a reputable institution dedicated to holistic development and excellence in education. I am eager to leverage my skills and expertise to contribute to the financial success and growth of the school while upholding the values and principles it stands for.

I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and qualifications align with the needs of Marion Schools. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your organization.

Sincerely,

[Applicant’s Name]

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT FOR THE ACCOUNTANT POSITION

1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences in financial management, accounting software proficiency, and regulatory compliance.
2. Showcase your CPA (K) qualification prominently to demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence in accounting.
3. Provide concrete examples of your achievements and contributions in previous roles, emphasizing your ability to lead teams and improve financial processes.
4. Familiarize yourself with Marion Schools’ mission, values, and culture to align your application with the organization’s goals and priorities.
5. Prepare for interviews by researching common accounting interview questions and practicing concise and articulate responses.
6. Demonstrate your communication skills and interpersonal abilities during the application process to convey professionalism and suitability for the role.
7. Follow up on your application after submission to express continued interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
8. Stay informed about industry trends and developments in accounting practices to showcase your commitment to ongoing professional development.
9. Network with professionals in the education sector to gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in school finance management.
10. Be proactive and demonstrate a genuine passion for contributing to the success and growth of Marion Schools, showing eagerness to learn and adapt to new challenges.

Possible Accountant Interview Questions With Answers

1. Can you describe your experience with financial statement preparation and analysis? Answer: In my previous role, I was responsible for preparing monthly financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. I conducted variance analysis to identify trends and irregularities, providing insights to support decision-making processes.
2. How do you ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements? Answer: I stay updated on changes in accounting standards and regulations by attending relevant training sessions and seminars. I conduct periodic reviews of our financial processes to ensure adherence to legal requirements and industry best practices.
3. Can you provide an example of a time when you identified and resolved a financial discrepancy? Answer: In a previous role, I noticed discrepancies in our accounts receivable records during a routine audit. I conducted a thorough investigation, identified the source of the error, and implemented controls to prevent similar issues in the future.
4. How do you prioritize tasks and manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment? Answer: I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact on organizational goals. I use time management techniques such as creating to-do lists and setting deadlines to ensure timely completion of assignments.
5. How do you handle confidential financial information and maintain data security? Answer: I strictly adhere to confidentiality protocols and access controls when handling sensitive financial data. I utilize secure systems and encryption methods to safeguard information from unauthorized access or breaches.
6. Describe a situation where you had to lead a team to achieve a financial objective. Answer: In my previous role as a Senior Accountant, I led a team responsible for implementing a new accounting software system. I provided training and guidance to team members, ensuring a smooth transition and successful adoption of the system.
7. How do you approach budgeting and forecasting to support organizational planning? Answer: I collaborate closely with department heads to develop realistic budgets based on historical data and future projections. I use forecasting techniques and scenario analysis to anticipate potential financial outcomes and inform strategic decisions.
8. Can you discuss a time when you improved financial processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy? Answer: In a previous role, I implemented automated reconciliation tools to streamline the reconciliation process and reduce errors. This resulted in significant time savings and improved accuracy in our financial reporting.
9. How do you stay motivated and engaged in your role as an accountant? Answer: I am passionate about finance and enjoy the challenge of solving complex financial problems. I stay motivated by setting goals, seeking opportunities for professional growth, and celebrating achievements along the way.
10. What do you know about Marion Schools, and why do you want to work here? Answer: I admire Marion Schools’ commitment to providing quality education and fostering holistic development in students. I am impressed by the school’s values and culture of excellence, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to its success.

Best wishes on your job search journey, and thank you for considering joining our team at Marion Schools. We are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not charge any application/recruitment fee, whether refundable or not.

THE KENYAN JOBFINDER