Director Accounting Standards

Director, Accounting Standards — Public Sector Financial Reporting

Role Overview

This position heads the function that sets and maintains the accounting and financial reporting standards used right across the public sector. Day to day, the holder directs a specialist team that drafts and reviews those standards, converts them into practical templates and guidance, and supports ministries, departments and agencies as they move their reporting onto an accrual basis. The role matters because the frameworks produced here determine how public money is recorded, presented and scrutinised — and therefore how much confidence auditors, legislators, citizens and development partners can place in government financial statements.

Terms of service: a five (5) year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, periodic review and maintenance of the generally accepted accounting and financial reporting standards that apply to all public sector entities.
• Keep accounting and financial frameworks aligned with national policy direction and harmonised across every level of government, and set the minimum requirements for how proper books of account are kept at each tier.
• Oversee the creation of templates and reporting formats used by state organs when preparing financial statements, and advise the Board on which standards, frameworks and guidelines should be formally gazetted and from which effective dates they apply.
• Cultivate partnerships with domestic and international bodies engaged in standard setting — including the National Treasury, ICPAK, the IPSASB, the IASB and the Pan African Federation of Accountants — and coordinate the institution's formal responses to the exposure drafts they publish.
• Provide technical direction on the transition to accrual accounting, monitor how implementation is progressing across entities, and advise on emerging practice and reform in accounting and financial reporting policy.
• Lead capacity building: commission learning materials, manuals and guidelines, drive public participation in their development, and maintain an online repository of learning resources and publications on accounting standards.
• Manage performance within the Directorate and provide supervision, mentorship and coaching to its staff.
• Provide leadership on the Directorate's day-to-day operations.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least fifteen (15) years of cumulative relevant experience, of which a minimum of three (3) years must have been served at the level of Deputy Director, Accounting Standards, or in an equivalent or comparable position.
• A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or an equivalent qualification from a recognised and accredited institution.
• A master's degree in finance, accounting, business administration or an equivalent discipline from a recognised and accredited institution.
• A professional qualification such as CPA (K), ACCA or another relevant credential.
• Membership of ICPAK, or of another recognised professional body, held in good standing.
• Certification in IFRS and/or IPSAS is an added advantage.
• A leadership course certificate lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognised institution.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Demonstrated merit and ability, as reflected in work performance and results.