ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

Accountant
  • Accountant
  • Nairobi

Kenya Law

JOB DESCRIPTION: ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

Job Title: Accounts Assistant (1 post)
Grade: KLR 7
Department: Finance
Reporting to: Assistant Accounts Officer II
Basic Monthly Salary: KES. 39,647 – 60,331 (excluding allowances and benefits)
Terms of Engagement: Permanent and Pensionable
Job Ref: KL/HR/2024/045

Job Purpose

As an Accounts Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in our Finance Department, ensuring seamless processing of suppliers’ payments, employee allowances, payroll management, and maintaining accurate records within the accounts unit. Your responsibilities include:

Key Responsibilities

a. Preparation of Reports:
Participate in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, contributing to the financial insights essential for strategic decision-making.

b. Supervision and Mentorship:
Supervise, mentor, and coach staff within the department, fostering a culture of growth and excellence.

c. Invoice Verification:
Collaborate with the procurement unit to verify supplier invoices, ensuring accuracy, relevancy of documentation, and proper authorization for timely payments.

d. Employee Allowances and Advances:
Verify employee allowance schedules and advances, ensuring proper authorization, accuracy of description, and timely processing.

e. Financial Record Maintenance:
Maintain the vote book and accurately capture all financial transactions, ensuring compliance and transparency.

f. Imprest Management:
Process imprest warrants and surrender vouchers, maintaining accuracy and completeness in the imprest register.

g. Payroll Administration:
Update the payroll system monthly, incorporating new officers, and ensuring accurate computations of net salaries, statutory deductions, and voluntary contributions.

h. Payroll System Maintenance:
Initiate and liaise with payroll service providers to update and upgrade the payroll system as per user requirements.

i. Revenue Collection:
Issue receipts for revenues collected, maintaining accountability and transparency in financial transactions.

j. Audit Facilitation:
Collaborate with internal and external auditors to facilitate audits and ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations.

Qualifications

To be considered for this role, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance.
  • CPA I or ACCA I certification.
  • At least 1 year of relevant work experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

All applications must be submitted via email to vacancies@kenyalaw.org and include the following documents:

  • A cover letter.
  • A recent colored passport-size photograph.
  • Copy of National ID.
  • Copies of professional and academic certificates.
  • Curriculum vitae detailing personal information, academic qualifications, work experience, professional associations, ethnicity, and community service engagements.
  • Contact details of three referees.

Deadline: March 26, 2024, at 1700HRS (East African Time)

Kenya Law is committed to diversity and encourages applications from eligible persons from minority groups, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates engaging in canvassing will be disqualified.


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EXPERT TIPS TO BE A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT FOR ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

  1. Highlight Relevant Experience: Tailor your application to showcase your experience in accounting and finance, emphasizing your ability to handle financial transactions accurately.
  2. Demonstrate Attention to Detail: Showcase instances where your attention to detail has ensured accurate processing of invoices, payroll, and financial records.
  3. Exhibit Leadership Skills: Provide examples of times when you have supervised or mentored colleagues, demonstrating your ability to lead and support a team.
  4. Emphasize Compliance Knowledge: Illustrate your understanding of financial regulations and compliance standards, essential for maintaining integrity in financial processes.
  5. Communicate Effectively: Highlight your communication skills, essential for liaising with internal and external stakeholders and facilitating audits.
  6. Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Share examples of how you have resolved financial discrepancies or implemented improvements in financial processes.
  7. Illustrate Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate your proficiency in relevant accounting software and tools, showcasing your ability to adapt to technological advancements.
  8. Highlight Ethical Conduct: Emphasize your commitment to ethical conduct and integrity, essential for upholding the organization’s values.
  9. Express Interest in Continuous Learning: Illustrate your willingness to engage in professional development and continuous learning within the field of accounting and finance.
  10. Personalize Your Application: Tailor your cover letter and CV to highlight your unique skills and experiences relevant to the role of an Accounts Assistant.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR AN ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Accounts Assistant position at Kenya Law, as advertised. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and CPA I certification, along with a year of practical experience in financial management, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your Finance Department.

During my tenure at [Previous Company/Institution], I honed my skills in invoice verification, payroll administration, and financial record maintenance. I am particularly adept at ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating audits to uphold transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, my experience in supervising and mentoring colleagues has prepared me to support and lead a team effectively, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to Kenya Law and contribute to your mission of promoting legal transparency and access to justice. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your organization.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1: What are the key responsibilities of an Accounts Assistant?
A1: An Accounts Assistant is responsible for processing suppliers’ payments, managing payroll, maintaining financial records, facilitating audits, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Q2: What qualifications are required for the Accounts Assistant role?
A2: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance, CPA I or ACCA I certification, and at least 1 year of relevant work experience.

Q3: How can I apply for the Accounts Assistant position at Kenya Law?
A3: Interested candidates should submit their applications via email to vacancies@kenyalaw.org, including a cover letter, CV, copies of academic and professional certificates, and contact details of referees.

Q4: What is the deadline for submitting applications?
A4: The deadline for applications is March 26, 2024, at 1700HRS (East African Time).

Q5: Is Kenya Law an equal-opportunity employer?
A5: Yes, Kenya Law is committed to diversity and encourages applications from eligible persons from minority groups, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities.

**Q6: How will I know if my application has been shortlisted for the Accounts Assistant position?

A6: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interviews.

Q7: Canvassing for the Accounts Assistant position allowed?
A7: No, candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified from the selection process.

Q8: What benefits are offered to Accounts Assistant employees at Kenya Law?
A8: Benefits include competitive salaries, pension contributions, medical insurance, and opportunities for professional development.

Q9: What is the working environment like for Accounts Assistants at Kenya Law?
A9: Kenya Law provides a collaborative and supportive work environment, fostering growth and career advancement opportunities.

Q10: Is there room for growth and advancement within the Finance Department at Kenya Law?
A10: Yes, Kenya Law is committed to supporting employee development and offers opportunities for career advancement within the Finance Department.

POSSIBLE ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

Q1: Can you describe your experience with processing supplier payments and ensuring accuracy in financial transactions?
A1: In my previous role at [Previous Company/Institution], I was responsible for verifying supplier invoices, ensuring accuracy, relevancy of documentation, and timely payments. I utilized meticulous attention to detail to avoid errors and discrepancies in financial transactions.

Q2: How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple deadlines in the accounts department?
A2: I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, ensuring critical deadlines are met while maintaining accuracy and quality in financial processes. I also communicate effectively with team members to coordinate efforts and support each other in meeting deadlines.

Q3: How do you handle discrepancies or inconsistencies in financial records?
A3: When faced with discrepancies, I meticulously review the records, tracing the source of the inconsistency and rectifying errors promptly. I communicate findings with relevant stakeholders and implement measures to prevent similar issues in the future.

Q4: Can you provide an example of a challenging situation you encountered in payroll management and how you resolved it?
A4: In a previous role, we faced a system error that resulted in incorrect salary calculations for employees. I immediately notified the IT department, collaborated with them to identify and resolve the issue promptly, and communicated transparently with affected employees, ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption.

Q5: How do you stay updated with changes in accounting standards and regulations?
A5: I actively engage in professional development opportunities, such as attending seminars, workshops, and online courses, to stay abreast of changes in accounting standards and regulations. Additionally, I regularly review industry publications and collaborate with colleagues to share knowledge and insights.

Q6: Describe a time when you had to train or mentor a new team member in the accounts department.
A6: I had the opportunity to mentor a new team member in invoice verification and financial record maintenance. I provided hands-on training, guided them through our processes, and offered continuous support and feedback to ensure their successful integration into the team.

Q7: How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies in your daily tasks?
A7: I meticulously adhere to established financial regulations and internal policies in every task I undertake. I stay informed about regulatory updates, seek clarification when needed, and consistently follow documented procedures to maintain compliance and integrity in financial processes.

Q8: Can you discuss a time when you identified inefficiencies in financial processes and implemented improvements?
A8: At my previous organization, I noticed inefficiencies in our invoice verification process, leading to delays in payments. I proposed streamlining the process by introducing digital invoice tracking software, which improved accuracy, efficiency, and turnaround times significantly.

Q9: How do you handle confidential financial information and maintain discretion in your role?
A9: I understand the sensitivity of financial information and prioritize confidentiality in all aspects of my work. I strictly adhere to confidentiality policies, limit access to sensitive data on a need-to-know basis, and maintain discretion in handling financial information at all times.

Q10: Can you describe your approach to collaborating with internal and external auditors during audits?
A10: I collaborate closely with auditors, providing them with timely access to financial records, supporting documentation, and clarifications as needed. I actively participate in audit meetings, address audit findings promptly, and work collaboratively to implement recommendations for process improvements.

We wish you the best in your application for the Accounts Assistant position at Kenya Law. Our organization is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent from diverse backgrounds. We do not charge any application or recruitment fees, emphasizing our commitment to fairness and equal opportunity.

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To apply for this job email your details to vacancies@kenyalaw.org


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