Assistant Accountant (Accounts Payable)

About the role

The Assistant Accountant supports efficient accounts payable operations at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi's Westlands. The role covers verification of supporting documentation, maintenance of supplier records, reconciliation of supplier accounts and prepayments, and monitoring of outstanding commitments. It contributes to effective cash management, strong financial controls and high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with processing supplier payments, travel and project advances, staff claims, consultant payments, payroll deductions, insurance premiums, letters of credit, bank guarantees and other approved disbursements.
• Review supplier invoices and payment requests for completeness, accuracy, compliance with policy, approvals and correct coding before posting to the ERP system.
• Maintain accurate accounts payable records and analyse outstanding supplier commitments and invoices.
• Reconcile supplier ledger balances and other assigned balance sheet accounts monthly, and reconcile and clear advances and prepayments within set timelines.
• Support month-end and year-end closing, and maintain internal controls and compliance with donor and statutory requirements.
• Maintain an invoice tracking register and prepare periodic reports on payments, liabilities and advances under the guidance of the Deputy Finance Manager.
• Support staff, suppliers and consultants on payment and accounts payable matters and contribute to process improvement.
• Train backup staff, share knowledge on accounts payable procedures, and undertake other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in finance or accounting.
• Desired: CPA (II - Intermediate) or equivalent ACCA qualification.
• Excellent oral, written and analytical skills; critical thinking and business analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Required skills

• Knowledge of computerized accounting software, preferably Agresso.
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Business partnering skills and stakeholder communication.