Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Senior Accountant – Countries Support
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: Competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience
• Category/Department: Finance
• Reporting To: Assistant Finance Manager – General Ledger & Reporting
• Application Deadline: 03 August 2025
• Reference Number: 202552

Introduction

This senior accountant opportunity in Nairobi, Kenya, offers a dynamic and impactful role for a seasoned financial professional eager to make a difference in a global non-profit setting. Based in the heart of Kenya’s capital, this position focuses on supporting country-level financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in financial reporting. It is an exciting career opportunity for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a passion for financial stewardship, international development, and operational excellence. Candidates will play a pivotal role in advancing organizational goals by maintaining robust financial systems, supporting audits, and fostering compliance across multiple countries. This role is ideal for professionals seeking to align their expertise with meaningful work that supports environmental and social impact initiatives.

About CIFOR-ICRAF

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are globally recognized non-profit science institutions dedicated to addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and energy insecurity. Operating across Kenya and beyond, CIFOR-ICRAF employs a multidisciplinary approach to improve lives and protect ecosystems through innovative research and stakeholder engagement. With over 65 years of combined expertise, the organization is a key member of CGIAR, a global research partnership focused on reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and improving natural resources. CIFOR-ICRAF operates in numerous Kenyan counties and globally, partnering with communities, governments, and organizations to promote sustainable forestry and agroforestry practices. Their commitment to equity, environmental stewardship, and scientific excellence makes them a leader in their field, offering employees a platform to contribute to transformative global initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Journalize payroll costs and other financial adjustments to ensure accurate recording of transactions across country offices.
• Record financial transactions for CIFOR-ICRAF countries with identified finance unit gaps, ensuring timely and accurate entries.
• Review supporting documentation for payments made in various country offices, ensuring completeness and accuracy before recording transactions in the financial system.
• Perform initial reviews of transactions journalized by Country Accountants/Officers prior to posting, maintaining high standards of financial integrity.
• Follow up on weekly transaction returns from countries without access to the Organization’s Control System (OCS) to prevent transaction backlogs.
• Conduct balance sheet reconciliations, liaising with Country Accountants/Officers to ensure up-to-date and accurate balances.
• Review and post payment journals, ensuring due diligence in processing accounting entries to avoid material misstatements.
• Provide assurance that all accounting entries in the general ledger are accurate and compliant with organizational policies.
• Ensure proper accruals are recorded and cleared in accordance with CIFOR-ICRAF policies.
• Confirm the accuracy of payment runs, including amounts, currency, bank codes, and payee bank details in the financial system.
• Process payments within stipulated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to maintain operational efficiency.
• Conduct periodic compliance reviews of country office finance operations for allocated countries.
• Support country office staff through capacity building to ensure adherence to CIFOR-ICRAF or hosting organization policies.
• Facilitate the transition of country offices to fully utilizing CIFOR-ICRAF financial systems.
• Provide inputs for reviewing finance policies and procedures to support country office operations.
• Maintain proper financial records, both digital and physical, in country offices.
• Prepare and submit audit schedules in a timely manner to support internal and external audits.
• Respond to audit queries promptly during both internal and external audit processes.
• Serve as a key contact for audit support, ensuring smooth coordination for countries supported.
• Analyze balance sheet reconciliation schedules for allocated receivable and payable accounts, following up on long-outstanding balances.
• Evaluate and communicate internal control deficiencies to supervisors in a timely manner to safeguard organizational assets.
• Ensure compliance with CIFOR-ICRAF policies to protect organizational assets and maintain financial integrity.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) of Kenya, demonstrating professional expertise in financial management.
• Fluent in written and spoken French and English, with strong communication skills for cross-country collaboration.
• Experience in financial and accounting services, with a proven track record in managing complex financial operations.
• Experience in project or cost accounting, ensuring accurate allocation of resources across programs.
• Experience in handling external audits, with the ability to prepare and respond to audit requirements efficiently.
• Proficient in UNIT4 Agresso System, with hands-on experience in financial software applications.
• Strong computer skills in word processing, database management, and other relevant office applications, including MS Excel and Google Workspace.
• Knowledge of financial compliance and internal controls, with the ability to identify and address deficiencies.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment, collaborating with diverse teams across multiple countries.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to review and reconcile complex financial data.
• Detail-oriented approach, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting and transaction processing.

Company Culture and Values

CIFOR-ICRAF fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values accountability, innovation, and impact. The organization is committed to empowering its staff to take initiative while working in cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals. With a strong focus on equity and sustainability, CIFOR-ICRAF promotes a culture of continuous learning, where employees are encouraged to develop their skills and contribute to transformative environmental and social outcomes. The organization upholds transparency and integrity in all financial operations, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in advancing its mission to improve lives and protect ecosystems across Kenya and beyond.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Senior Accountant – Countries Support position. Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Updated CV detailing relevant experience and qualifications
• Cover letter explaining your suitability for the role
• Copies of academic certificates and CPA certification
• Contact details of at least two professional referees

Applications must be submitted through the official CIFOR-ICRAF careers portal at: Apply for Senior Accountant – Countries Support. Clearly state the job title and reference number (202552) in your application. The application deadline is 03 August 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background.

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Tags

senior accountant, Nairobi jobs, non-profit finance jobs, CPA jobs in Kenya, financial management careers

Detailed Role Overview for Senior Accountant – Countries Support

The senior accountant role is a cornerstone of CIFOR-ICRAF’s financial operations, ensuring that country-level financial systems are robust, compliant, and aligned with the organization’s mission. This position requires a deep understanding of financial management, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work across multiple countries. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting audits, and ensuring compliance with internal controls, all while contributing to the organization’s broader goals of environmental and social impact.

Importance of the Senior Accountant Role

The senior accountant plays a critical role in ensuring the financial health of CIFOR-ICRAF’s operations across various countries. By managing journals, reconciliations, and audits, this professional ensures that financial data is accurate and reliable, enabling informed decision-making at the organizational level. The role also involves capacity building, helping country office staff adopt best practices and transition to CIFOR-ICRAF’s financial systems. This position is particularly suited for individuals who thrive in dynamic, multicultural environments and are passionate about contributing to global development initiatives.

Why Nairobi, Kenya?

Nairobi, as the hub of CIFOR-ICRAF’s operations in Kenya, offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment. The city is a center for international development, hosting numerous NGOs and research institutions. Working as a senior accountant in Nairobi provides the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders, from local communities to global partners, while contributing to impactful projects that address climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The role also offers the chance to grow professionally in a supportive and innovative workplace.

Career Growth Opportunities

This senior accountant position offers significant opportunities for career advancement. With a two-year contract and the possibility of extension based on performance, the role provides a platform for professionals to deepen their expertise in financial management within a global non-profit context. The exposure to international financial systems, audits, and cross-country operations equips candidates with skills that are highly transferable across the development sector. Additionally, CIFOR-ICRAF’s commitment to continuous learning ensures that employees have access to training and development opportunities to enhance their careers.

Supporting Country-Level Financial Operations

The senior accountant will work closely with country offices to ensure seamless financial operations. This includes journalizing payroll costs, recording transactions, and reviewing payment documentation to maintain accuracy and compliance. The role also involves conducting periodic compliance reviews, identifying gaps, and providing support to country office staff to improve financial processes. By fostering adherence to CIFOR-ICRAF policies, the senior accountant ensures that country offices operate efficiently and align with organizational standards.

Audit and Compliance Responsibilities

As a senior accountant, you will play a key role in preparing for and supporting both internal and external audits. This includes preparing audit schedules, responding to audit queries, and ensuring that all financial records are accurate and up to date. The role also involves maintaining internal controls to safeguard CIFOR-ICRAF’s assets and ensure compliance with financial policies. By addressing internal control deficiencies promptly, the senior accountant contributes to the organization’s financial integrity.

Leveraging Financial Software

Proficiency in financial software is a key requirement for this role. The senior accountant will use the UNIT4 Agresso System to record and manage financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Strong computer skills in MS Excel, Google Workspace, and other relevant applications are essential for preparing reports, analyzing data, and maintaining financial records. The ability to adapt to new systems and train others on their use will be a valuable asset in this role.

Multicultural and Collaborative Environment

Working as a senior accountant at CIFOR-ICRAF means collaborating with diverse teams across multiple countries. Fluency in French and English is a critical requirement, as the role involves communicating with country offices and stakeholders in different regions. The ability to navigate cultural differences and work effectively in a multicultural environment is essential for success in this position. The organization’s inclusive culture ensures that all team members are valued and supported in their contributions.

Impact on Global Development

By joining CIFOR-ICRAF as a senior accountant, you will contribute to the organization’s mission of improving lives and protecting ecosystems. Your work will support projects that address critical global challenges, such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity conservation. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact while building a rewarding career in financial management.

Why Choose This Role?

The senior accountant position is more than just a job—it’s a chance to align your financial expertise with a meaningful mission. With competitive remuneration, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth, this role is ideal for CPAs who are passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or contribute to global development, this position offers a unique opportunity to achieve both.

Application Tips

To stand out as a candidate for the senior accountant role, ensure that your CV highlights your CPA certification, experience with financial software, and expertise in project or cost accounting. Your cover letter should emphasize your commitment to accuracy, compliance, and supporting organizational goals. Be sure to submit all required documents by the 03 August 2025 deadline to be considered for this exciting opportunity.

Final Thoughts

The senior accountant role at CIFOR-ICRAF is a unique opportunity to combine financial expertise with a passion for social and environmental impact. Based in Nairobi, this position offers the chance to work with a leading non-profit organization, contribute to global development, and grow professionally in a dynamic and supportive environment. If you’re a CPA with a strong background in financial management and a commitment to excellence, this role is the perfect fit for you.