Finance Officer

Position Identification

Title: Finance Officer

Supervisor: Human Resource & Administration Manager

Location: CICan Kenya Office

Start Date: Immediately

Background

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is implementing a number of projects related to youth skills development in Kenya in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and other partners. The following projects are currently being implemented:

Launched on 20th June 2019 by the President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, Young Africa Works-Kenya is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation, the private sector and the Government of Kenya to improve employment outcomes in the country. As a key strategic component of Young Africa Works, the Young Africa Works-Kenya/TVET Program (YAW-K-TVET) will strengthen the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and systems in Kenya. YAW-K-TVET is a 5-year program (2020-2025) implemented by CICan in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, other relevant Government of Kenya agencies, and the private sector. YAW-K-TVET will work through a partner-driven participatory approach focusing on developing 26 Centres of Excellence (COEs) as model institutions that will increase the participation of young Kenyans, particularly women, in market-relevant skills training programs to ultimately increase the number of youth in dignified and fulfilling work in the Big Four and digital sectors.

The Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training Program (KBEST) is a 7-year (2022-2029) program implemented by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). KBEST has a strong focus on increasing the equitable participation of girls and women, youth, and vulnerable populations in the Blue Economy. KBEST works in collaboration with the Kenyan Ministry of Education, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, county governments, civil society, and industry; working with 24 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in the Coast and Lake Victoria regions of Kenya. It will share the expertise of Canada’s colleges and institutes in linking young women and young men, educational institutions, and employers to develop competency-based education and training for employment programs in Kenya around the Blue Economy.

General Expectations

The Finance Officer is expected to support the CICan Kenya office in a number of financial and administrative capacities in Nairobi and across Kenya. The employee is expected to work with a high degree of independence and autonomy.

Reporting

Reporting to the Human Resource & Administration Manager and working in close collaboration with the Ottawa-based Managers of Operations, Senior Finance Officers and Kenya-based Finance Assistant, the Kenya-based Finance Officer will be responsible for supporting the CICan Nairobi office’s financial activities. This will include supporting the Partnership Coordinators, implementing partners and suppliers with the management and reporting of finances.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial services for the CICan Kenya office.
• Establish and maintain financial systems and files for the CICan Kenya office.
• Support the project teams in the preparation of budgets to support annual work- planning and ad hoc activity planning.
• Assist the Human Resource & Administration Manager and Kenya-based Senior Technical Advisors (STAs) in preparing monthly cash advance projections and monthly financial reports.
• Process routine project financial operations including payment of suppliers, management of petty cash, and reimbursement of Kenya office staff and partners.
• Work closely with CICan’s Ottawa-based Finance Officers to process financial reports from institutional/thematic partnerships and implementing partners and support monthly financial reporting.
• In collaboration with the CICan Ottawa-based Finance Officers, prepare, monitor and update budget and cashflow for CICan Kenya office.
• Collect and process invoices from Kenyan suppliers and consultants and report on inconsistencies/irregularities.
• Ensure adherence with CICan Finance and procurement policies.
• Support implementing partners, Partnership Coordinators and partner institutions in budget development, monitoring and reporting.
• Provide detailed financial reports as required/requested by CICan Ottawa and the funders.
• Liaise with audit and tax advisory firm, as needed.
• Ensure monthly and annual tax and financial regulatory obligations for the CICan Kenya office are met.
• Process monthly salary payments and corresponding benefits for local staff.
• Liaise on financial details with implementing partners.
• Alert Human Resource & Administration Manager, STAs and Manager of Operations to any emerging financial issues.
• Supervise CICan-Kenya Finance Assistant.
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Swahili.
• Kenyan citizen or legally permitted to work in Kenya. Note: CICan will not provide a work permit or sponsor individuals.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related subject area (accounting, business or similar).
• CPA (K) or equivalent qualification is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial and accounting processes, including, but not limited to, experience preparing financial claims and reports for programs, budgets and reconciliations.
• Experience working on international development projects with an international organization is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability using Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel where advanced knowledge is expected.
• Demonstrated ability using QuickBooks.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information.
• Experience working with an international team.
• Demonstrated competence in the planning, implementation, administration, and reporting of donor-funded projects.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work effectively and efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Strong writing, computer, and data skills.