Accountant

USAID FTF Kenya Private Sector Activity (KPSA)

Company Profile:

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact - the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities, and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental, and financial benefits.

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved - and is committed to continuing to improve - economies, societies and most importantly, people's lives.

Palladium is a child-safe organization, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran, or marital status.

Position Description: 

Palladium is seeking an Accountant for an anticipated USAID-funded economic growth program which is anticipated to begin in 2023. The Project Accountant is responsible for establishing and maintaining the project’s financial system, including accounting procedures for invoicing, payroll, and all project expenses as well as overall budget management of the project.

The USAID/Kenya and East Africa Feed the Future (FtF) Private Sector Activity (PSA) will be a 5-year program focused on accelerating agriculture-led growth in Kenya through partnerships with large agricultural sector firms (such as processors and off-takers) and expansion of smallholder farmer out-grower schemes. The anticipated activity will focus on creating jobs and generating large scale increases in sales/exports in the agriculture sector cost-effectively and, ideally, through a sustainable and locally-led vehicle.  The activity would combine tools used in USAID’s traditional private sector development activities with tools used to mobilize finance and investment into one mechanism – supporting a range of agricultural firms to expand investments and operations via a blended finance approach. For more information on the potential project, please consult the RFI: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=338564 .

Duration: 5 years (anticipated start in July 2023)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Roles and Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities

Liaise with the home office’s Accounting department, Project Specialist, and Case Leader, etc. to manage and troubleshoot project accounting issues as they may ariseReconcile project accounting and provide back-up documentation of all financial transactions into monthly accounting package to home officeEstablish and maintain electronic accounting tracking mechanisms, per Palladium and USAID accounting standards.
Conduct monthly audits of local expenditures as reported by the Field Office, including local bank reconciliation and US dollar expensesReview all local expenses for billing purposesProduce accurate and timely financial reportsMaintain all accounting recordsAct as first point of contact with local bankMonitor vendor invoices and disburse payments upon approval of the COP

Budget Management

Oversee finance and accounting proceduresReview monthly budget reports to ensure accuracyIndicate project activity numbers for billings and expenses so that Project Specialist can input into budget tracking toolPrepare monthly cash forecasts for COP’s review and approval

Procurement

Oversee the financial aspect of procurement of goods and services for the project, ensuring compliance with Palladium and USAID policiesReview invoices for local services for the project

Position Requirements:

3 years of experience in finance and accounting, BA preferred.Experience with USAID accounting/financial procedures preferred.Microsoft office suite proficiency and the ability to operate spreadsheet and word-processing programs at a highly proficient levelProactive problem-solving, decision-making and good judgment skillsDemonstrated ability and commitment to manage confidential informationAttention to detail and ability to effectively and efficiently perform multiple tasks and balance competing prioritiesStrong written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to communicate effectively with managers, colleagues, service providers and clientsProfessional and mature demeanor and conduct