Accountant - Kapiti Plains Estate Limited

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit an Accountant on behalf of Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd to support the financial and accounting management. The position holder will be responsible for processing daily financial transactions and managing payroll, fixed assets, and inventory, ensuring all financial practices at the facility comply with Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd approved policies and guidelines. The accountant will manage accounts payable and receivable, prepare monthly budget and cash flow reports, reconcile livestock and consumable inventories, handle CRO study costing and invoicing, and support year-end closing procedures and audits.

Kapiti Plains Estate Limited is a public limited company, wholly owned by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). The ranch’s objective is to run as a state-of-the-art research station and a commercially viable farm. Kapiti Plains Estate Limited is located 60 km southeast of Nairobi on the Mombasa road, in Kenya’s semi-arid lands (550mm average rainfall) at an altitude of 1,650–1,900m above sea level, and is part of the Athi-Kapiti Ecosystem. Kapiti Plains Estate Limited is also home to a vast array of wildlife. These provide livestock scientists with unique opportunities to include wildlife in their research projects. Since September 2020 Kapiti Plains Estate Limited has been registered as a wildlife conservancy with the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is an international organization working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions. 

• Record all daily financial transactions in the OCS system and ensure the accounting period is closed by the 1st of the subsequent month.
• Reconcile the current account monthly and ensure any outstanding items are actioned before the end of the following month.
• Monitor the ranch/conservancy operational budget and cash flow and prepare a monthly CAPEX status report.
• Record and account for all ranch/conservancy sales and expenditure.
• Manage and account for the farm's petty cash and ensure the petty cash management policy is fully followed.
• Prepare and process the ranch/conservancy payroll and staff benefits to comply with current statutory taxation and employment law.
• Maintain detailed employee records.

• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date asset information in the asset register and provide guidance on asset replacement and maintenance policies.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations for livestock and consumables and promptly communicate any variances for appropriate corrective action.
• Update and maintain detailed livestock records, including livestock counts and herd transfers.

• Process and record supplier and customer invoices, payments, and receipts in line with approved controls and policies.
• Maintain accurate supplier and customer records and ensure compliance with tax requirements.
• Reconcile AP and AR accounts, investigate variances, and resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor aging balances and follow up on outstanding payables and receivables to support cash flow management.

• Establish effective procurement and stock-control procedures, including for fuel, to ensure accurate recording and reconciliation with physical inventories.
• Coordinate with the headquarters procurement officer to ensure full compliance with procurement policies and best practices.
• Review and strengthen internal controls to support efficient and effective operational processes.

• Prepare and issue invoices for all CRO studies, track corresponding receipts, and ensure accurate posting in the OCS system.
• Monitor the aging of all CRO study accounts and ensure timely settlement, preventing any outstanding balances from exceeding three months past their due date.

• Support the ILRI Deputy Finance Manager during end-of-year closing procedures and audits.
• Ensure proper and secure filing of documents is in place.
• Provide additional support on demand to the clients of the unit.
• Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Manager/Head – Kapiti.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional technical skills desired: CPA Section 2 or above; full professional certification such as CPA (K), ACCA, or equivalent is an added advantage.
• At least three (3) years of relevant, progressive work experience; preferably in a research, NGO, or agribusiness setting.
• Demonstrated experience in payroll administration, fixed asset management, and inventory reconciliation.

• Proficiency in accounting software, preferably the OCS system, as well as broader financial accounting software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Strong knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Kenyan tax regulations.
• Computer skills, including sound knowledge of Microsoft Office, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Experience in budget preparation, cash flow forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Familiarity with donor-funded project accounting and audit requirements.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound professional judgement.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to supervise, prioritise, and meet strict reporting deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with internal and external stakeholders.

• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
• Proactive and service-minded, with a results-oriented and professional approach.
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to generate innovative ideas for continuous improvement.
• Strong teamwork and multicultural sensitivity, with a commitment to compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.