Chief Accountant

Requirements / Person Specifications

Academic Qualifications

For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following disciplines: Commerce, Business Administration (Finance or Accounting Option), Business Management (Finance or Accounting Option), Strategic Management, Finance, Accounting, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized and accredited institution.
  
• Master’s Degree in any of the following disciplines: Commerce, Business Administration (Finance or Accounting Option), Business Management (Finance or Accounting Option), Strategic Management, Finance, Accounting, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized and accredited institution.
  

Professional Qualifications

The officer must have:

• Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA -K) qualification from KASNEB or an equivalent qualification from a recognized and accredited institution;
  
• Membership to the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and in good standing;
  
• A Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized and accredited institution;
  
• Proficiency in computer applications; and
  
• Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
  

Experience

The officer must have:

• At least fifteen (15) years’ relevant work experience in accounting, financial reporting, or auditing, three (3) of which must have been served at the level of Assistant Manager or in a comparable senior position in a reputable organization, preferably in the insurance or reinsurance sector.
  
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of International Financial
  
• Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the preparation and presentation of financial statements.
  

Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance Contracting

• Lead the development, coordination, and implementation of the Corporation’s annual budget, and long -term financial projections in line with GOE requirements.
  
• Coordinate the preparation, review, and monitoring of performance contracts, ensuring alignment with strategic plans and timely reporting on performance targets.
  
• Advise Senior Management on strategic financial planning, resource allocation, expenditure prioritization, and financial sustainability.
  
• Review budget performance, undertake variance analysis, and recommend corrective actions.
  

Treasury & Cash Flow Management

• Oversee treasury operations, including cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, banking relationships, and investment of surplus funds.
  
• Ensure optimal management of working capital, foreign currency exposure, and investment portfolio in line with approved policy ]
  

Financial Reporting, IFRS 17 & Group Accounting

• Oversee preparation of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management accounts, and consolidated group accounts in compliance with IFRS 17, IFRS, and Public Sector Accounting Standards.
  
• Lead group accounting processes, including consolidation of subsidiaries and Retakaful operations.
  
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of quarterly and annual regulatory returns to the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).
  

Sustainability & ESG Reporting (IFRS S1 & S2)

• Lead the preparation, integration, and disclosure of sustainability -related financial information in line with IFRS S1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability - related Financial Information) and IFRS S2 (Climate -related Disclosures).
  
• Coordinate the identification, measurement, and reporting of ESG risks and opportunities, ensuring they are appropriately reflected in financial statements and management reporting.
  
• Support the integration of ESG factors into strategic planning, budgeting, and overall financial decision -making.
  

Compliance, Tax & Statutory Obligations

• Ensure full compliance with the Public Finance Management Act 2012, IFRS 17, tax laws, and all other statutory requirements.
  
• Manage timely processing and remittance of all statutory deductions, taxes, pension contributions, and regulatory payments.
  
• Liaise with external auditors, internal auditors, IRA, and other oversight bodies during audits and financial reviews.
  

Internal Controls & Accounting Operations

• Develop, implement, and continuously strengthen internal financial controls and accounting systems.
  
• Maintain an accurate general ledger, fixed assets register and perform timely reconciliations of all control accounts.
  
• Oversee payroll processing, bank reconciliations, creditors management, and expenditure authorization within approved limits.
  

Advisory, Policy & Leadership

• Provide high -level advice to the General Manager, Finance & Credit Control and Senior Management on financial policies, revenue optimization, costing, pricing, and cost efficiency.
  
• Initiate and recommend improvements to financial policies, procedures, and governance frameworks, including ESG integration.
  
• Supervise, mentor, appraise, and develop staff in the accounting function while fostering professionalism and accountability.
  
• Prepare departmental work plans, procurement plans, and periodic management reports.
  

Any Other Duties

• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.