Principal Accountant

Role Overview

The Principal Accountant will work under the direct supervision of the Manager and will act as a senior financial steward for the KASNEB Foundation. Daily work centres on budget preparation, statutory and donor financial reporting, cash management, and maintaining the integrity of all accounting records in line with the Public Finance Management Act and IPSAS standards. This position is critical because it ensures every shilling is planned, spent, and accounted for transparently, allowing the Foundation to meet its mandate and remain compliant with Kenya’s public finance regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets by supplying timely, accurate financial data to budget holders and functional units across the Foundation.
• Draft quarterly and annual financial statements together with supporting schedules in full compliance with the PFM Act, IPSAS, and any other applicable reporting frameworks.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets, analysing commitments and variances on a periodic basis and producing monthly or quarterly variance reports.
• Manage the Foundation’s cash flows to ensure obligations are met on time while safeguarding financial records and physical assets.
• Review transactions posted in the accounting system for accuracy and completeness, including payroll, supplier invoices, LPOs, imprests, and payment vouchers, before authorising disbursements.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of budget line items in the ERP system, review general ledger reconciliations, and maintain the asset register with proper accounting for disposals.
• Prepare donor account statements and project-specific financial reports, supporting resource mobilisation by ensuring donor funds are managed and accounted for according to agreed frameworks.
• Update the Government Investment Management System (GIMIS) or other government-approved systems, and maintain debtor records with regular reports to support prompt collection of receivables.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A cumulative period of nine (9) years of relevant work experience, with at least three (3) years served at the grade of Senior Accountant or an equivalent role.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, or another related discipline from a recognised institution.
• A Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) qualification or its recognised equivalent from an accredited examination body.
• Current membership in good standing with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) or another relevant professional body.
• A Management Course certificate lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognised institution.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) accounting systems and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance, with sound planning, analytical, negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Applicants must be able to obtain and present valid Chapter 6 compliance documents if shortlisted, including clearances from the DCI, EACC, KRA, HELB, and an approved Credit Reference Bureau, and must produce original academic, professional, and national identity documents at interview.

What We Offer / Why Join

The advertised basic salary scale for this position is Ksh. 82,300 x 7,200 – 118,300 x 8,600 – 152,700, with progression subject to satisfactory performance and prevailing government guidelines. This is an opportunity to take on a senior financial leadership role within a public-sector institution, shape budgeting and accountability practices, and contribute to transparent management of donor and government funds.