Branch Accountant – Nairobi – Java House

Branch Accountant – Nairobi – Java House

Position: Branch Accountant

Company: Java House
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type of Job: Full-time
Reporting to: Finance Manager
Application Deadline: 05 November 2024

Introduction

Java House, a pioneer in Kenya’s gourmet coffee culture, is seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated Branch Accountant to support financial operations across designated branches. This role is instrumental in maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring efficiency in food and beverage (F&B) accounting, and providing critical insights to enhance operational success. As part of Java House, you’ll join a renowned brand with a legacy of quality, consistency, and growth across East Africa, featuring Java House coffee shops, Planet Yoghurt, and 360 Degrees Pizza.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Financial Reporting: Update and manage daily F&B reports for assigned branches, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness.
• Invoice Processing: Process and record all supplier invoices in Microsoft Dynamics 365 for accurate tracking and efficient record-keeping.
• Cost Analysis: Conduct comparative analysis between actual and standard costs, collaborating with finance, operations, and audit teams to address deviations exceeding 1%.
• Stock Efficiency Reporting: Regularly update stock efficiency metrics and distribute reports to relevant departments, enhancing inventory control.
• Wastage Reports: Record and monitor daily wastage for each assigned branch to minimize losses.
• Stock Management: Participate in periodic stock takes for assigned branches, contributing to accurate inventory management and financial reporting.

Qualifications and Skills

• CPA Part 3 certification is required, ensuring a solid foundation in accounting principles.
• Degree in Finance or Accounting to back your analytical capabilities.
• Technical Proficiency: Competence in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Dynamics ERP for efficient financial management.
• Stock Accounting Expertise to oversee inventory accuracy and operational efficiency.

About Java House

Java House, established in Nairobi in 1999, is one of East Africa’s leading coffee brands. What began as a single coffee shop has now expanded into a 3-part dining concept that includes coffee shops, frozen yoghurt outlets under Planet Yoghurt, and casual dining at 360 Degrees Pizza. With a presence in 14 cities across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, Java House has made a mark as the go-to destination for premium coffee and a welcoming atmosphere, staying true to its tagline, “Welcome to Java, a home away from home.”

Company Culture and Values

Java House thrives on values of quality, integrity, and inclusivity, promoting a work culture that is collaborative, customer-focused, and growth-oriented. As an employee, you’ll be part of a supportive environment where innovation and continuous learning are encouraged. Java House’s mission is to provide exceptional experiences, from carefully crafted coffees to friendly service, making every customer’s visit memorable.

Apply Now for the Branch Accountant Position at Java House

Are you ready to join an industry leader in the F&B sector? Apply today to become part of Java House’s dynamic team. To submit your application, please prepare a well-structured CV and cover letter detailing your experience in finance and stock accounting, and click the “Apply Now” button.

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for the Branch Accountant Role

To help you stand out as a top applicant for the Branch Accountant role at Java House, here are ten detailed tips. These suggestions draw on over 30 years of recruiting expertise and are crafted to help you present your skills clearly, optimize your application for ATS systems, and appeal directly to what Java House is looking for in their next team member.

1. Emphasize Your CPA Part 3 Certification and its Relevance to the Role

   As a CPA Part 3 holder, start your resume and cover letter with a statement about this certification to emphasize your technical expertise. Describe how your CPA training prepared you for complex accounting tasks like cost analysis and financial reporting—essential functions for the Branch Accountant position.

   • Example: “Certified Public Accountant (CPA Part 3) with a proven record in cost management and inventory control, bringing a high level of analytical skill to branch-level financial management.”
2. Showcase Your Specific Experience in Stock Accounting with Measurable Results

   Java House seeks candidates who understand stock accounting, so share examples of how you’ve handled inventory tracking and stock reporting in previous roles. Highlight quantifiable outcomes where you improved stock accuracy or minimized wastage to demonstrate your ability to enhance stock efficiency for Java House.

   • Example: “Reduced stock discrepancies by 15% at XYZ Foods by implementing a systematic stock verification process, ensuring accuracy in inventory records and enhancing financial efficiency.”
3. Detail Your Proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics ERP

   Proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics ERP is crucial for this role. Go beyond simply listing it as a skill; provide examples of tasks you managed using this software. Describe specific functions, such as processing supplier invoices or creating detailed financial reports, that align with Java House’s needs.

   • Example: “Leveraged Microsoft Dynamics ERP to process over 200 supplier invoices monthly, achieving a 25% reduction in processing time by streamlining the digital workflow and maintaining a high level of data accuracy.”
4. Highlight Your Expertise in Financial Reporting

   Show Java House that you can provide daily F&B reports with accuracy and insight. Describe your experience in compiling, analyzing, and sharing financial data, emphasizing how this helped streamline branch operations or provided decision-making support to stakeholders.

   • Example: “Created daily F&B financial reports for ABC Restaurant, tracking sales versus costs to guide strategic decisions. This role allowed me to develop precision in financial documentation and highlight actionable insights to reduce daily operational costs by 10%.”
5. Illustrate Your Cross-Departmental Communication Skills

   As this role involves collaboration with finance, operations, and audit teams, strong communication skills are essential. Discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past, providing examples of how you conveyed financial insights that supported operational goals.

   • Example: “Collaborated closely with the audit and operations teams to address inventory discrepancies, presenting data-backed solutions that improved accuracy by 20%. This collaborative effort reduced reporting lag, enhancing decision-making speed for branch management.”
6. Bring Out Any Experience in the F&B Industry

   Experience in the Food & Beverage industry is a bonus for this position. Highlight roles where you managed F&B-specific accounting tasks, such as waste tracking or cost control, and explain how your industry knowledge allows you to anticipate and resolve challenges unique to this sector.

   • Example: “With three years of accounting experience in the F&B industry, I have a deep understanding of the financial nuances of food service, from tracking spoilage to optimizing stock usage. This experience enabled me to implement an effective cost-reduction strategy that saved 5% on overall F&B expenses.”
7. Explain Your Approach to Cost Management and Addressing Deviations

   One of the key responsibilities is identifying and communicating cost deviations. Share a story of how you discovered a cost discrepancy and the steps you took to address it. Include specific actions and the resulting impact on the organization.

   • Example: “Noticed a 2% deviation in ingredient costs at DEF Cafeteria and took immediate action, consulting with the supply team and recalculating supplier pricing accuracy. By addressing the discrepancy promptly, I helped reduce monthly costs by $1,200.”
8. Provide Details on Your Stock Take Experience and its Importance

   Java House requires an accountant who understands stock take processes, so include details about your approach to inventory audits and the techniques you use to ensure accuracy. If you improved stock take efficiency, mention that, as well as any innovative methods you implemented.

   • Example: “Led monthly stock takes at GHI Café, implementing a streamlined checklist to cover all stock items, which reduced counting time by 30%. This systematic approach enhanced inventory accuracy and minimized wastage by 8%.”
9. Quantify Your Achievements in Financial Management

   Use metrics to demonstrate your past achievements in financial management and show how they align with the goals of the Branch Accountant position. Describe how your analytical and management skills led to tangible improvements in financial practices or outcomes.

   • Example: “Reduced processing errors by 20% in previous roles through meticulous review processes and automated checks, saving an average of 50 hours in administrative time monthly.”
10. Optimize Your Resume for ATS with Keywords from the Job Description

Many companies, including Java House, use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords. Make sure your resume includes phrases like “F&B reports,” “cost management,” “Microsoft Dynamics 365,” and “stock accounting.” This will improve your resume’s chances of being shortlisted for review by a hiring manager.

• Example of Keyword Use: Throughout your resume and cover letter, use terms such as “financial reporting,” “invoice processing,” and “F&B industry experience” strategically to match the language in the job description, enhancing your application’s visibility within ATS software.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Java House is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.