JOB SUMMARY

The Accountant is responsible for managing the financial records, transactions, and reporting for Lakezone Enterprises LTD. This role involves maintaining accurate books of accounts, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and accounting standards, preparing financial statements, managing project costing, and supporting budget planning and financial analysis. The Accountant plays a critical role in maintaining the financial integrity of the organization and providing accurate financial information for decision-making.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Accounting & Bookkeeping

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date books of accounts in accordance with accounting principles and standards
• Record daily financial transactions including sales, purchases, receipts, and payments
• Perform bank reconciliations on a monthly basis and investigate discrepancies
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable functions
• Process invoices, verify accuracy, and ensure timely payments to suppliers and contractors
• Monitor and follow up on outstanding receivables and customer payments

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements
• Generate management reports highlighting financial performance, variances, and trends
• Conduct financial analysis to support strategic decision-making
• Monitor key financial ratios and indicators to assess company financial health
• Prepare reports for presentation to senior management and stakeholders

Project Costing & Contract Management

• Maintain project-based accounting records for all road construction and maintenance contracts
• Track project costs including materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and overheads
• Prepare cost reports and variance analysis for individual projects
• Monitor project profitability and alert management to cost overruns or budget concerns
• Support project managers with financial information for contract negotiations and claims
• Prepare interim payment certificates and final account reconciliations

Tax Compliance & Statutory Obligations

• Ensure compliance with all tax laws and regulations including VAT, PAYE, and corporate tax
• Prepare and file monthly VAT returns accurately and within statutory deadlines
• Prepare and file PAYE returns and ensure timely remittance of employee taxes
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax consultants during audits and tax assessments
• Maintain proper documentation for tax purposes and respond to tax authority queries
• Keep abreast of changes in tax legislation and advise management accordingly

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts
• Monitor actual performance against budgets and identify variances
• Support departmental managers in budget preparation and monitoring
• Prepare budget revision proposals based on changing business circumstances
• Contribute to cash flow forecasting and working capital management

Payroll & Employee Benefits

• Process monthly payroll for all employees accurately and on time
• Calculate and process statutory deductions including PAYE, NSSF, and NHIF
• Maintain employee payroll records and ensure proper documentation
• Process employee benefits, allowances, bonuses, and reimbursements
• Prepare payroll reports and respond to employee payroll inquiries

Asset Management & Inventory

• Maintain fixed asset register and ensure proper capitalization and depreciation
• Conduct periodic physical verification of company assets
• Monitor inventory of materials and spare parts for accounting purposes
• Ensure proper recording of asset acquisitions, disposals, and write-offs

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Implement and maintain effective internal financial controls
• Ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures
• Identify and report irregularities, fraud, or financial discrepancies
• Safeguard company financial assets and ensure proper authorization of transactions
• Support internal and external audit processes

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Accounting or Finance), Business Administration, or related field
• CPA (K) certification – CPA Part III or above required
• Member of Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) in good standing
• ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification (advantageous)

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of post-qualification accounting experience
• Experience in the construction industry or project-based accounting highly preferred
• Proven experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and cost accounting
• Experience with accounting software systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, Pastel, or ERP systems)
• Demonstrated understanding of Kenyan tax laws and compliance requirements

Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical accounting knowledge and understanding of IFRS and local GAAP
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced level) and other MS Office applications
• Strong numerical and computational skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• High level of integrity and professional ethics
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Other Requirements

• Valid practicing certificate from ICPAK
• Certificate of Good Conduct
• Tax compliance certificate
• Willingness to work extended hours during peak periods (month-end, year-end, audit periods)

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Accuracy and completeness of financial records and reports
• Timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Compliance with tax filing deadlines (zero late submissions)
• Quality of budget variance analysis and management reports
• Accuracy and timeliness of payroll processing
• Successful completion of audits with minimal adjustments
• Reduction in accounts payable and receivable aging
• Effectiveness of internal controls and compliance measures
• Quality of project costing reports and analysis

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is primarily an office-based position at the company's head office. The Accountant will work standard business hours but must be prepared to work extended hours during month-end closings, year-end closings, audit periods, and tax filing deadlines. Occasional visits to project sites may be required for inventory checks or financial reviews.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date books of accounts in accordance with accounting principles and standards
• Record daily financial transactions including sales, purchases, receipts, and payments
• Perform bank reconciliations on a monthly basis and investigate discrepancies
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable functions
• Process invoices, verify accuracy, and ensure timely payments to suppliers and contractors
• Monitor and follow up on outstanding receivables and customer payments
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements
• Generate management reports highlighting financial performance, variances, and trends
• Conduct financial analysis to support strategic decision-making
• Monitor key financial ratios and indicators to assess company financial health
• Prepare reports for presentation to senior management and stakeholders
• Maintain project-based accounting records for all road construction and maintenance contracts
• Track project costs including materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and overheads
• Prepare cost reports and variance analysis for individual projects
• Monitor project profitability and alert management to cost overruns or budget concerns
• Support project managers with financial information for contract negotiations and claims
• Prepare interim payment certificates and final account reconciliations
• Ensure compliance with all tax laws and regulations including VAT, PAYE, and corporate tax
• Prepare and file monthly VAT returns accurately and within statutory deadlines
• Prepare and file PAYE returns and ensure timely remittance of employee taxes
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax consultants during audits and tax assessments
• Maintain proper documentation for tax purposes and respond to tax authority queries
• Keep abreast of changes in tax legislation and advise management accordingly
• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts
• Monitor actual performance against budgets and identify variances
• Support departmental managers in budget preparation and monitoring
• Prepare budget revision proposals based on changing business circumstances
• Contribute to cash flow forecasting and working capital management
• Process monthly payroll for all employees accurately and on time
• Calculate and process statutory deductions including PAYE, NSSF, and NHIF
• Maintain employee payroll records and ensure proper documentation
• Process employee benefits, allowances, bonuses, and reimbursements
• Prepare payroll reports and respond to employee payroll inquiries
• Maintain fixed asset register and ensure proper capitalization and depreciation
• Conduct periodic physical verification of company assets
• Monitor inventory of materials and spare parts for accounting purposes
• Ensure proper recording of asset acquisitions, disposals, and write-offs
• Implement and maintain effective internal financial controls
• Ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures
• Identify and report irregularities, fraud, or financial discrepancies
• Safeguard company financial assets and ensure proper authorization of transactions
• Support internal and external audit processes

• Strong technical accounting knowledge and understanding of IFRS and local GAAP
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced level) and other MS Office applications
• Strong numerical and computational skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• High level of integrity and professional ethics
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

• Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Accounting or Finance), Business Administration, or related field
• CPA (K) certification – CPA Part III or above required
• Member of Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) in good standing
• ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification (advantageous)
• Minimum 3-5 years of post-qualification accounting experience
• Experience in the construction industry or project-based accounting highly preferred
• Proven experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and cost accounting
• Experience with accounting software systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, Pastel, or ERP systems)
• Demonstrated understanding of Kenyan tax laws and compliance requirements
• Valid practicing certificate from ICPAK
• Certificate of Good Conduct
• Tax compliance certificate
• Willingness to work extended hours during peak periods (month-end, year-end, audit periods)