Intern, Finance – GAIN Kenya Office

Intern, Finance – GAIN Kenya Office

Job Category: Finance | Job Level: Entry Level

Location: Nairobi, Kenya | Contract Type: 6 months fixed-term

Key Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Finance Manager, the Intern, Finance role at GAIN involves crucial responsibilities in the processing and recording of payment transactions in our Nairobi office. This position plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with financial regulations and maintaining accurate records. Key responsibilities include:

1. Payment Voucher Preparation:
   • Prepare payment vouchers for staff and suppliers, ensuring accurate coding and compliance with GAIN policies.
2. Daily Payment Processing:
   • Process day-to-day payments for the Nairobi office, maintaining meticulous accounting documents.
3. Filing System Management:
   • Establish and maintain an effective filing system for project correspondences, reports, and other financial documents.
4. Financial Data Entry:
   • Capture financial data into the system, following all relevant GAIN regulations and procedures.
5. Accounts Payable and Receivable Support:
   • Assist in the accounts payable and receivable process to ensure smooth financial operations.
6. Staff Travel Verification:
   • Verify accuracy of staff travel advances/claims, ensuring proper documentation before raising journal vouchers.
7. Bank Reconciliation:
   • Assist in the preparation of bank reconciliations and follow up on any outstanding items.

About You

The ideal candidate for this role will be:

• Fluent in written and spoken English; knowledge of additional languages is advantageous.
• Accurate in processing cash transactions with strong mathematical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related fields, with a minimum ACCA / CPA 1 or equivalent accounting qualification.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Tally skills.

About Our Offer

The salary for this position is KES 22,000 per month (gross salary).

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Intern, Finance:

1. Highlight Your Language Skills:
   • Emphasize your proficiency in written and spoken English, and any additional languages, showcasing effective communication abilities crucial for the role.
2. Showcase Attention to Detail:
   • Provide examples of your experience where attention to detail was crucial in financial transactions or record-keeping.
3. Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge:
   • Illustrate your understanding of financial regulations and policies, aligning with GAIN’s commitment to compliance.
4. Highlight Technical Proficiency:
   • Showcase your computer literacy and specific skills in Microsoft Office and Tally, underlining your ability to adapt to GAIN’s technological environment.
5. Provide Examples of Problem-Solving:
   • Share instances where you resolved challenges in accounts payable, receivable, or other financial processes.
6. Showcase Academic Excellence:
   • Highlight your academic achievements, especially in Accounting or related fields, along with any relevant certifications.
7. Express Commitment to Timeliness:
   • Emphasize your commitment to processing payments in a timely manner, reflecting GAIN’s need for efficient financial operations.
8. Illustrate Team Collaboration:
   • Provide examples of your ability to work collaboratively with team members, as the role involves close coordination with country office staff.
9. Exhibit Adaptability:
   • Share instances where you adapted to changes in financial systems or procedures, reflecting GAIN’s dynamic work environment.
10. Showcase Passion for GAIN’s Mission:

• Express your alignment with GAIN’s goals and mission in improving nutrition, showcasing your enthusiasm for contributing to the organization’s objectives.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER for an Intern, Finance

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Intern, Finance position at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), as advertised. With a strong academic background in Accounting and a proven track record in financial roles, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

In my previous role at XYZ Corp, I successfully managed the accounts payable and receivable process, ensuring accurate and timely financial transactions. I take pride in my meticulous approach to preparing payment vouchers, where I consistently maintained compliance with company policies. This experience, coupled with my proficiency in Microsoft Office and Tally, aligns well with the requirements of the Intern, Finance role.

My Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, complemented by ongoing ACCA studies, has equipped me with a solid foundation in financial principles. During my academic journey, I consistently demonstrated an aptitude for mathematics and attention to detail, skills essential for success in this role.

One of my key strengths is my adaptability to dynamic work environments. At XYZ Corp, I navigated through system changes seamlessly, ensuring minimal disruption to financial processes. This ability to embrace change aligns with GAIN’s dynamic and innovative approach to improving nutrition globally.

My commitment to accuracy is evident in my proactive approach to staff travel advances and claims verification. I implemented a cross-check system to ensure the precision of financial documentation, preventing errors and discrepancies.

I am drawn to GAIN’s mission to enhance nutrition globally, and I am eager to contribute my skills to support this noble cause. Moreover, I am excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively with the country office staff, fostering a positive and efficient finance department.

Enclosed with this letter is my resume, providing further details about my professional experience and qualifications. I am confident that my skills and passion for finance make me a strong fit for the Intern, Finance position at GAIN.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my skills align with the goals of GAIN in more detail. I am available at your earliest convenience for an interview and can be reached at [your phone number] or [your email address].

I look forward to the possibility of contributing to GAIN’s success and being part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact on global nutrition.

Best Regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Possible Intern, Finance Interview Questions With Answers

Q1: How do you ensure accuracy in payment voucher preparation? A1: In my previous role at [Previous Company], I implemented a double-check system, where I reviewed payment vouchers multiple times before finalizing, ensuring precision and adherence to policies.

Q2: How do you handle discrepancies in staff travel advances/claims? A2: In my experience, I meticulously cross-verify staff travel documentation, promptly addressing any inconsistencies. I communicate directly with the staff member to clarify details and ensure accurate processing.

Q3: Can you share an example of a challenging financial situation you successfully navigated? A3: During a budget review at [Previous Company], I identified discrepancies in project expenses. Collaborating with the team, we implemented corrective measures, resulting in improved financial transparency and compliance.

Q4: How do you stay updated on changes in financial regulations? A4: I subscribe to relevant financial newsletters and attend industry seminars regularly. Additionally, I actively participate in online forums to stay informed about the latest developments, ensuring continuous compliance with evolving regulations.

Q5: How do you prioritize and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines? A5: I rely on a robust task management system, categorizing tasks based on urgency and importance. This, coupled with effective communication and occasional delegation, ensures that all deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Q6: Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with colleagues from different departments. A6: At [Previous Company], I collaborated with the marketing department on a cross-functional project. Through effective communication and understanding each department’s needs, we successfully implemented a streamlined process, improving overall efficiency.

Q7: How do you handle stress in a fast-paced work environment? A7: I thrive in fast-paced environments. To manage stress, I prioritize tasks, practice time management, and take short breaks to maintain focus and productivity.

Q8: Can you provide an example of a time you identified and resolved an error in financial data? A8: In my previous role at [Previous Company], I noticed an error in a financial report. I conducted a thorough analysis, identified the root cause, and implemented corrective measures to prevent similar issues in the future.

Q9: What strategies do you use to ensure data confidentiality in financial transactions? A9: I strictly adhere to data confidentiality protocols, limit access to sensitive information, and utilize secure communication channels. Regularly updating passwords and encryption methods also contributes to safeguarding financial data.

Q10: How do you contribute to a positive team culture within a finance department? A10: I actively foster open communication, encourage collaboration, and celebrate team achievements. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, I ensure the finance team functions cohesively towards shared goals.

Conclusion

We appreciate your interest in the Intern, Finance position at GAIN. Remember that our commitment to diversity means we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. GAIN is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not charge any application/recruitment fee.

We wish you the best in your application process. If you have any further questions or require additional information, please feel free to reach out to us through our website.