Hiring Accountants – Metropal Sacco

Job Title: Accountants – Propel Your Career with Metropal Sacco’s Financial Team

Location – Locality: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu

Location – Region: Kenya

Industry: Financial Services

Job Type: Full Time

Job Level: Mid-Level

Salary: Competitive

Date Posted: 01/16/2024

About Metropal Sacco: Metropal Sacco, a cooperative union established under the Ministry of Co-operatives and Marketing, is a key player in the financial landscape, registered under the Co-operative Society’s Act Cap 490 of the Laws of Kenya. With an impressive asset base of over 29 Billion and a membership exceeding 100,000 across the country, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch savings and credit services. Our extensive branch network spans Nairobi, Kisumu, Meru, Kiambu, Thika, Meru, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Mombasa. In addition to our core services, we engage in property management, mortgage services, and Metropal Insurance, operational for over two decades. As we continue to grow, we’re seeking qualified individuals to contribute to our success in the following positions across all our branches.

Responsibilities:

1. Monthly Financial Management:
   • Preparation of monthly management accounts.
   • Timely and accurate bank reconciliations.
2. Audit and Compliance:
   • Preparation of audit schedules for both internal and external audits.
   • Timely filing of statutory returns (VAT/PAYE/NSSF/NHIF/P9).
3. Financial Reporting:
   • Preparation of monthly financial statements, reports, and records by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information.
4. Accounting Transactions:
   • Recording and maintaining accounting transactions.
   • Maintenance and reconciliation of bank accounts regularly.
5. Invoicing and Receivables:
   • Generation of invoices and timely follow-ups on accounts receivable.
   • Debt collection.
6. Administrative Support:
   • Auditing and verifying documents.
   • Following internal controls.
   • Financial analysis on a requested basis.
   • Petty Cash Management.
   • Payroll Management.
   • Manage accounts payable.
   • Identify and provide strategic work solutions to improve operational efficiency.
   • Assist in administrative functions of the office.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, banking, economics, information technology, business administration, accounting, or any related field.
• 2-3 years of accounting experience involving budgeting, bank reconciliation, and preparation of financial statements.
• Candidates with CPA certificates will have an added advantage.

How to Apply: If you believe you are a team player and would be a valuable resource to this ever-growing brand, kindly send your CV and Professional Certificates quoting the job title on the email subject (Accountants) to careers@metropal.co.ke by 2nd February 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Accountants:

1. Highlight Relevant Experience: Tailor your resume to showcase 2-3 years of experience in budgeting, bank reconciliation, and financial statement preparation.
2. Emphasize Education: Clearly mention your bachelor’s degree in finance, banking, economics, information technology, business administration, accounting, or a related field.
3. Showcase CPA Certification: If applicable, emphasize your CPA certification for a competitive edge.
4. Demonstrate Team Collaboration: Provide examples of successful collaboration in your previous roles to highlight your teamwork skills.
5. Exhibit Attention to Detail: Detail how you’ve maintained accurate records, reconciled accounts, and managed financial transactions with precision.
6. Highlight Problem-Solving Skills: Share instances where you provided strategic solutions to improve operational efficiency.
7. Illustrate Administrative Proficiency: Demonstrate your ability to handle administrative functions, including auditing, payroll management, and petty cash handling.
8. Express Enthusiasm for the Brand: Convey your passion for contributing to the growth and success of Metropal Sacco.
9. Address Compliance: Discuss your experience with statutory returns and compliance with KRA norms.
10. Follow Application Instructions: Ensure your application follows the specified guidelines, including quoting the correct job title in the email subject.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER for Accountants:

Subject: Application for Accountants Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Accountants position at Metropal Sacco, as advertised. With a Bachelor’s degree in finance and over three years of hands-on experience in budgeting, bank reconciliation, and the meticulous preparation of financial statements, I am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution to the financial excellence of Metropal Sacco.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully managed monthly financial accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. My experience spans a strong focus on compliance, evident in my efficient filing of statutory returns and meticulous adherence to KRA norms. I pride myself on being a dedicated team player, as demonstrated by my collaborative efforts to streamline operational processes, enhance efficiency, and contribute to a positive work environment.

Furthermore, my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification adds an extra layer of proficiency to my qualifications, providing a solid foundation for addressing the diverse responsibilities outlined in the job description. I am particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my skills and expertise to contribute to Metropal Sacco’s continued success and growth.

Your commitment to maintaining a high level of financial services aligns with my professional values, and I am eager to contribute to the success of Metropal Sacco. I am confident that my combination of academic background, practical experience, and dedication makes me an ideal fit for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my skills and experience align with the goals of Metropal Sacco and contribute to the overall success of your esteemed organization.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are the key responsibilities of an Accountant at Metropal Sacco? A Accountant at Metropal Sacco is responsible for monthly financial management, audit preparation, compliance with statutory returns, financial reporting, accounting transactions, invoicing, receivables, administrative support, and strategic work solutions.

2. How can I stand out as an applicant? Highlight your relevant experience, emphasize your education, showcase any CPA certification, and express enthusiasm for contributing to Metropal Sacco’s success.

3. Is there a preferred format for submitting my application? Yes, kindly send your CV and Professional Certificates to careers@metropal.co.ke, quoting the job title (Accountants) on the email subject, by 2nd February 2024.

4. What is the expected salary for the Accountants position? The salary is competitive and will be commensurate with your qualifications and experience.

5. How will I know if I am shortlisted for the position? Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

6. Are there opportunities for career advancement within Metropal Sacco? Metropal Sacco values career development, and opportunities for advancement exist based on performance and dedication.

7. What is the company culture like at Metropal Sacco? Metropal Sacco fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, promoting professional growth and development.

8. Can I apply if I have less than 2-3 years of accounting experience? While 2-3 years of experience is preferred, exceptional candidates with relevant qualifications may still be considered.

9. Are there specific projects I will be involved in as an Accountant? Yes, you will be involved in diverse projects, including financial analysis, strategic work solutions, and administrative functions.

10. Does Metropal Sacco charge any application/recruitment fees? No, Metropal Sacco is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application/recruitment fees.

Possible Accountants Interview Questions With Answers:

1. Can you describe your experience with monthly financial management? Certainly, in my previous role at [Previous Company], I led the preparation of monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. I implemented efficient processes that resulted in streamlined financial reporting.
2. How do you handle discrepancies in bank reconciliations? I meticulously investigate discrepancies by comparing transactions, statements, and records. I communicate with relevant stakeholders to rectify discrepancies promptly.
3. Tell us about a challenging audit situation you’ve faced and how you addressed it. During an external audit at [Previous Company], we encountered complex reconciliations. I collaborated with the audit team, providing detailed explanations and resolving issues, ultimately leading to a successful audit.
4. How do you stay updated on changes in accounting regulations and standards? I am proactive in attending workshops, webinars, and industry conferences. Additionally, I subscribe to relevant publications and maintain a network of professionals to stay informed.
5. Describe a time when you identified and implemented a strategic work solution to improve operational efficiency. In my previous role, I identified a bottleneck in the invoicing process. I proposed and implemented an automated system, reducing processing time by 30% and improving overall efficiency.
6. How do you handle tight deadlines and ensure timely filing of statutory returns? I prioritize tasks, create a detailed schedule, and leverage effective time management. This approach has allowed me to consistently meet deadlines for statutory returns.
7. Can you provide an example of your experience in debt collection and managing accounts receivable? I implemented a proactive debt collection strategy at [Previous Company], resulting in a 20% reduction in overdue accounts. Regular follow-ups and negotiation skills were key to this success.
8. How do you contribute to maintaining internal controls within the finance department? I regularly review and update internal control procedures, conduct periodic audits, and provide training to team members to ensure strict adherence to controls.
9. Tell us about a challenging financial analysis project you undertook and the insights you gained. I led a financial analysis project to assess the profitability of different product lines. The insights gained allowed the company to make informed decisions, optimizing resource allocation.
10. How do you approach a situation where you need to balance multiple priorities in the accounting department? I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact on overall goals. Clear communication with the team ensures everyone is aligned, promoting efficiency and successful completion of tasks.

Best wishes on your application! Metropal Sacco is 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 fees.