Project Accountant

Project Accountant – Ewaso Ng'iro Basin Waterand Climate Resilience Project (EWCP)

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya (with occasional field travel)

Contract Duration: Two (2) years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

About Water Sector Trust Fund

The Water Sector Trust Fund (WaterFund) is a State Corporation under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation. Established under the Water Act 2016, WaterFund provides conditional and unconditional grants to counties and supports the development and management of water services in marginalized and underserved areas across Kenya.

WaterFund's work focuses on:

• Sustainable community-based water resources management.
  
• Rural water supply and sanitation services.
  
• Water services for underserved urban communities.
  
• Research and innovation in water resources management, water supply, sanitation, and sewerage.
  

About the Programme

With support from the Government of Denmark, WaterFund is implementing the Ewaso-Ng'iro Basin Water and Climate Resilience Project (EWCP)in Nyandarua, Nyeri, Meru, Laikipia and Isiolo counties.

The five-year programme (2026–2030) aims to improve equitable access to water resources throughout the year while promoting healthy forest ecosystems that enhance livelihoods and strengthen resilience to climate change within the Ewaso Ng'iro Basin.

EWCP adopts an integrated basin approach through investments in:

• Water resources management;
  
• Natural resource management and ecosystem restoration;
  
• Institutional capacity development; and
  
• Basin coordination and stakeholder engagement.
  

The programme is implemented in collaboration with Water Resources Users Associations (WRUAs), Community Forest Associations (CFAs), community conservancies and other stakeholders.

The Opportunity -WaterFund through the Royal Danish Embassy support is seeking to recruit a highly qualified, experienced and motivated Project Accountantto support implementation of the Ewaso-Ng'iro Basin Water and Climate Resilience Project (EWCP).

The Project Accountant will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management of EWCP and will ensure effective implementation of financial strategies, policies, procedures and controls. The successful candidate will support sound financial management, donor compliance, accountability, reporting and prudent utilization of programme resources.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Manage and reconcile Implementing Partners' (IPs) individual ledgers and the general ledger.
  
• Review financial reports, transaction listings, payment vouchers and supporting documentation submitted by implementing partners.
  
• Reconcile supplier, customer and programme bank accounts.
  
• Prepare annual financial statements and donor-specific quarterly and annual financial reports.
  
• Support internal and external audits and coordinate responses to audit findings.
  
• Monitor programme budgets, expenditure and budget utilization through SAP.
  
• Process accounting transactions and maintain accurate financial records.
  
• Maintain project receivables, sub-ledgers, ageing schedules and provisions.
  
• Ensure timely review and posting of implementing partners' monthly financial reports.
  
• Prepare financial progress reports for management.
  
• Provide financial advice and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, policies and statutory requirements.
  
• Prepare programme budgets and cash flow projections.
  
• Participate in the appraisal of project proposals submitted by implementing partners.
  
• Build the financial management capacity of implementing partners through training and field support.
  
• Maintain and update the programme fixed asset register.
  

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Accounting or Finance), Business Administration (Accounting), or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
  
• A Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Management, Business Administration or a related field will be an added advantage.
  
• Professional qualification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
  
• Membership in the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) or another relevant professional body in good standing.
  
• A supervisory course lasting at least two (2) weeks from a recognized institution.
  
• A minimum of four (4) years' experience as an Accountant or Finance Officer, or in a comparable finance/accounting role within the public sector, private sector or a non-governmental organization.
  
• Demonstrated experience using integrated financial management systems, preferably SAP.
  
• Experience in public sector financial management and donor-funded project accounting will be an added advantage.
  
• Strong analytical, financial reporting, budgeting and reconciliation skills.
  
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to work
  collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.

Reporting

The Project Accountant will report Operationally to the Principal Accountant or any other designated WaterFund officer and Contractually to the General Manager, Corporate Services.

Remuneration : A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered in accordance with the approved WaterFund Human Resources Policy.

How to Apply : Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications, including:

• A cover letter;
  
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV);
  
• Copies of academic and professional certificates;
  
• Professional registration and membership certificates where applicable; and
  
• Contacts of at least three professional referees.
  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Water Sector Trust Fund is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Women, youth, persons with disabilities and qualified candidates from all regions of Kenya are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will be required to present:

1. Original copies of certificates and testimonials.
   
2. Valid certificate of good conduct from the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
   
3. Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
   
4. Tax compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
   
5. Clearance certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
   
6. Clearance certificate from an approved Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)